State Felonies and Misdemeanor Defense

Glozman Law is skilled and experienced in representing defendants charged with various state-prosecuted  financial, violent, and non-violent crimes, including:

Financial Crimes

Financial crimes in Illinois can range from fraud and embezzlement to money laundering and tax evasion. These cases often carry both direct criminal penalties and significant collateral consequences—including asset forfeiture, professional license suspension, and civil liability.

Additionally, financial crimes can trigger federal scrutiny, particularly when transactions cross state lines or involve federally insured institutions. What begins as a state investigation can quickly expand in scope and severity.

The following is typically true of financial crime prosecutions in the Chicago area:

• Money laundering under Illinois law involves knowingly conducting a financial transaction using proceeds from unlawful activity with the intent to conceal the source of those funds. The state must prove both the underlying criminal conduct and the defendant’s intent to disguise the proceeds. Sentencing depends on the value of the funds involved and whether the offense is charged as a felony.
• Embezzlement and theft by deception usually involve a position of trust—such as an employee, corporate officer, or fiduciary. Prosecutors focus on proving access to funds, unauthorized transfers, and intent to permanently deprive the victim of property. The amount taken determines whether the charge is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, with felony theft requiring amounts exceeding $500.
• Wire fraud and bank fraud are often charged at the federal level, but Illinois prosecutors may pursue related state charges involving fraudulent schemes, false statements to financial institutions, or deceptive business practices. Even when the case remains in state court, federal agencies may be involved in the investigation.
• White-collar cases frequently involve voluminous financial records, forensic accounting, and expert testimony. A Chicago criminal defense lawyer handling financial crimes must be able to analyze complex transactions, challenge the state’s interpretation of financial evidence, and present alternative explanations for the conduct at issue.

Federal criminal defense experience is often relevant even in state financial crime cases, as the investigative methods and legal standards frequently overlap.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes in Illinois carry the most severe penalties under state law, including lengthy prison sentences and, in some cases, natural life imprisonment. These cases often involve complex forensic evidence, eyewitness testimony, and multi-jurisdictional investigations. The collateral consequences extend beyond incarceration—including permanent criminal records, loss of civil rights, and registration requirements.

Additionally, violent crime prosecutions in Cook County and throughout Illinois are often high-profile matters subject to intense public scrutiny. Prosecutors approach these cases with substantial resources and a willingness to pursue maximum sentences.

The following is typically true of violent crime prosecutions in the Chicago area:

• First-degree murder under Illinois law requires proof that the defendant killed an individual with intent to kill or cause great bodily harm, or that the killing occurred during the commission of a forcible felony. The state must prove the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense. Sentencing ranges from 20 years to natural life, with enhancements for aggravating factors such as multiple victims or the victim’s age.
• Second-degree murder involves an intentional killing committed under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation, or where the defendant unreasonably believed the killing was justified. This is a mitigated form of first-degree murder and carries a sentencing range of 4 to 20 years in prison.
• Involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide involve unintentional killings. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a death results from reckless conduct or during the commission of an unlawful act. Reckless homicide involves the reckless operation of a motor vehicle or watercraft. Both are felonies, but sentencing is less severe than for murder charges.
• Attempted murder requires proof of intent to kill and a substantial step toward commission of the offense. Illinois law treats attempted murder as a serious felony with mandatory prison time, and sentencing depends on whether a firearm was used or whether the victim suffered great bodily harm.
• Aggravated battery and aggravated assault involve serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon. Aggravated battery requires proof of great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement. The state must establish the defendant knowingly caused the injury. Sentencing varies based on the severity of injury, use of a firearm, and the victim’s status—such as a peace officer, teacher, or child.
• Armed robbery and home invasion are violent felonies that involve the use or threat of force while committing theft or unlawfully entering an occupied dwelling. These offenses carry mandatory prison sentences and are often charged alongside weapons offenses. The state must prove the defendant was armed or implied possession of a weapon during the commission of the offense.
• Violent crime cases routinely involve witness credibility issues, forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and ballistics analysis. A Chicago criminal defense lawyer handling these matters must be prepared to challenge the state’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses effectively, and present alternative theories at trial. Many of these cases hinge on issues of identification, intent, or self-defense.

Drug Crimes