SKIP TO CONTENT
A DUI or other traffic offense may be the most severe legal issue for many people. And while these issues are less worrisome than others, do not overlook the fact that they can carry severe repercussions that last far longer than the punishment itself. An experienced DuPage County attorney can help you put these issues behind you quickly and with minimal consequences.
a dupage county attorney
laser-focused on what is most important
driven by results
Whether you have been charged with a crime or have been injured, the complexities of the legal process can be very intimidating. Unfortunately, there is no time to lose, and a single misstep can put you at a significant disadvantage. You need a DuPage County attorney on your side who understands the situation you are in and how to navigate the legal process deftly. They need to be able to identify the pertinent facts and know how the law will apply to your case. They need to quickly assess your claim’s strengths and weaknesses to develop an effective legal strategy.
More importantly, you need someone focused first on achieving the best possible outcome in your case. At the Law Office of Michael Stefanos, we don’t get lost in the process—our mission is always to obtain the best possible results for our clients. The results you need shape every facet of how we handle your case from the very first day. Aggressive and determined, we drive hard to the finish line while informing you how your case is developing in real-time. We have built our reputation on delivering cost-effective results without compromise.
a fearless dupage county attorney
what sets me apart
always available
The best way to serve our clients is to be available whenever they need us. This means that you can contact us anytime by phone, email, text, or whatever communication platform works best for you. Highly responsive; we will get back to you as soon as possible if we cannot respond to you immediately.
you're in the drivers seat
All the decisions in your case are yours to make. We provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. We can walk you through your options, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the likely outcomes, but ultimately, the decision as to how to proceed is yours.
strategic yet agile
A meticulously crafted legal strategy is imperative for the success of your case. The reality is, however, that things can change with your case in the blink of an eye. We have the agility to take those changes in stride, adjust our strategy, and keep driving toward the results you need.
we value your time
Time is our most valuable asset. In every case we handle, we work tirelessly to minimize delays and strive to reach the best possible outcome as quickly as possible. This means that we’re always prepared and work hard to stay ahead of developments. This helps us deliver cost-effective results as quickly as possible.
a dupage county attorney handling
Traffic, Criminal, Injury, and Automotive Claims
DUI & Traffic
Criminal
Whether you have been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, a criminal conviction can result in significant consequences such as jail time and fines. A conviction can also cause considerable harm to your reputation and make it difficult to find a job. Prosecutors are aggressive, often seeking the harshest penalties even for minor infractions. We can help level the playing field and ensure you are treated fairly.
Injury
Accidents happen, but some accidents are avoidable. If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, an experienced DuPage County attorney can help you get the compensation you need to put your accident behind you. We handle all types of motor vehicle accident claims and construction accidents.
Automotive
Before attending law school, Mr. Stefanos worked in the automotive industry. Beginning as a service porter and working his way up to General Manager, his experience gives him deep insight into the often problematic customer-facing aspects of the automotive industry. If you believe you have been dealt with unfairly somehow, we can help.
I’m facing criminal charges
What Should I Do?
If you have been charged with a crime or are even being investigated, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and intimidated. The good news is that you do not have to face law enforcement or the prosecutor by yourself. The most important step you can take—the step you must take—is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What can a Criminal Defense Attorney Do for Me?
A criminal defense attorney can make an immediate impact on your case. They play a vital role in guarding you against aggressive prosecutors and ensuring that your legal rights are fully protected. As soon as you hire a lawyer, they can help in the following specific ways:
01
Advocate
Your lawyer can speak on your behalf. In fact, no one involved in the prosecution can speak to you or compel you to talk about your case without your lawyer being present.
02
investigate
You are not stuck with the prosecution’s version of the facts. Your lawyer can conduct an independent investigation that can both identify the prosecution’s incorrect assumptions and inferences as well as gather the facts you need to defend yourself.
03
analyze
Once they have completed their investigation, your lawyer can then assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case. They will be able to identify why the prosecution can prove and what they cannot.
04
strategize
Now that they understand the prosecution’s case and know what evidence you have on your side, they can develop a legal strategy focused on obtaining a fair outcome that is specific to your case.
05
litigate
Your lawyer should be prepared to go the distance to get the best possible outcome, meaning that they are preparing for trial from day one. In addition, aggressive representation means that you are more likely to get a fair resolution short of trial.
What our clients are saying…
Answers to some common questions
What should I do if I missed my court date?
Missing your court date is certainly problematic, and the outcome will depend on the nature and status of your case. However, the worst thing you can do is nothing. If you have missed your court date, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, and they can help you minimize the damage and avoid conviction.
What is the penalty for a first-time DUI in Illinois?
A first-time DUI is a Class A misdemeanor under Illinois law. This means you could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. While first-time offenders rarely face the maximum fine or jail sentence, many factors can impact the outcome of your case, such as your blood alcohol content and whether there was a minor in the car. In addition, your driver’s license will be suspended for 1 year, but you will have the opportunity to apply for a restricted license.
How long do you go to jail for drug possession in Illinois?
Drug charges can be very confusing. Simple possession (i.e., possession for personal use only, as opposed to possession with the intent to sell or otherwise distribute the drugs) can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the type of drugs that were found in your possession. Most drug possession charges under Illinois law are felonies, meaning you could face years in prison. Prior convictions for drug offenses could also affect your sentence.
What is the punishment for theft in Illinois?
Theft can be either a felony or a misdemeanor offense depending upon the value of the property at issue. Shoplifting or other misdemeanor thefts are punished for less than one year in jail. Meanwhile, Class 1 felony theft (involving property worth anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000) carries a potential prison sentence of anywhere from 4 to 15 years.