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.
- Cook County
- DuPage County
- Kane And Will County
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
Michael Stefanos
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
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
Practice
Areas
We offer strategic legal support across multiple areas of law, tailored to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to deliver clear guidance, effective solutions, and strong advocacy—no matter the challenge.
Criminal Defense
Legal Services
Do not take on the criminal justice system alone.
DUI
A DUI or other traffic offense may be the most severe legal issue for many people.
let’s discuss
your case and
how we can help
Traffic
We help motorists defend their legal rights and their financial interests.
Misdemeanors
We are firmly committed to the notion that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Felonies
We are firmly committed to the notion that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Expungements
Expungement can be a complicated process. You need an experienced advocate on your side.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges are among the most severe criminal charges you can face.
a fearless dupage county attorney
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:
Advocate
Advocate
01
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.
investigate
investigate
02
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.
Analyze
Analyze
03
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.
Strategize
Strategize
04
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.
litigate
litigate
05
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.
testimonials
What Our Clients
Are Saying…
Michael Stefanos
Answers to Some
Common Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.