Aggravated Assault Attorney in Chicago

Serious Charges Need Serious Representation

If you or someone you care about is facing an aggravated assault charge, you are dealing with one of the most serious accusations under Illinois law. A conviction can mean prison, a violent felony on your record, and long-term damage to your future. If you're in this situation, you need the help of an aggravated assault attorney in Chicago.

At Weinberg & Miceli, we focus our practice on defending people accused of serious crimes. For more than 30 years, our attorneys have represented clients in Illinois state courts and federal courts in cases involving violent felonies, murder, sexual assault, and complex conspiracies. We know how quickly an aggravated assault case can escalate and how much is at stake for you and your family.

Our goal is to give you steady, informed guidance from the first call and to build a defense that fits the facts of your case. 

Our aggravated assault attorneys in Chicago work to protect your record, your freedom, and your future. Reach out to us online or call us at (312) 436-0711 now.

Why Experience Matters In Violent Cases

Aggravated assault allegations often involve claims of weapons, serious threats, or contact with protected individuals such as police officers or other public employees. Prosecutors treat these cases as violent felonies, and judges typically take them very seriously when setting bond and considering any sentence. In this environment, the experience of your aggravated assault attorney in Chicago can make a real difference in how your case is presented and resolved.

Our firm has spent more than three decades representing people accused of serious crimes in Illinois. We have handled thousands of criminal cases, from felony assaults to murder and other violent offenses, in trial courts across the state and in federal court. This depth of work means we understand how prosecutors build violent felony cases and what they need to prove before a judge or jury.

Our credentials, such as an AV rating and recognition among the Top 100 trial lawyers, reflect how our peers and the legal community view our trial work. These honors do not guarantee any particular outcome, but they show that we are comfortable in the courtroom and prepared to try serious cases when negotiation alone is not enough. When you are facing a charge that could follow you for the rest of your life, you want a defense attorney who is ready to challenge the State’s version of events, not simply accept the first offer.

Understanding Illinois Aggravated Assault Charges With Our Aggravated Assault Attorney in Chicago

To make informed decisions about your case, you need to understand what the State is accusing you of. Under Illinois law, aggravated assault generally means an assault that becomes more serious because of certain facts, such as the use of a weapon, the location of the incident, or the identity of the alleged victim. Even a situation that began as an argument or misunderstanding can quickly turn into a felony charge.

Simple assault usually involves conduct that causes another person to fear an immediate battery. That same conduct can be charged as aggravated assault if, for example, a weapon such as a firearm or knife is involved, the incident happens in a public place, or the alleged victim is considered a protected person. Protected people can include police officers, correctional officers, teachers, and some other public employees performing official duties.

Depending on the specific allegation, aggravated assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony under Illinois criminal law. Felony classifications can expose you to a potential prison sentence, supervised release, fines, and conditions on your behavior. Even when probation is available, a conviction for a violent offense can affect your ability to work in certain fields, hold professional licenses, own firearms, or remain in the United States if you are not a citizen.

Every case is different, and the possible penalties depend on the exact statute charged, your prior record, the harm alleged, and whether weapons are involved. An aggravated assault lawyer can review the charging documents, explain what level of offense you are facing, and discuss realistic exposure. Early advice often helps you avoid mistakes that could make your position worse later in the case.

What To Do After An Arrest

The hours and days after an aggravated assault arrest are often confusing and frightening. You may be taken to a station, questioned, and brought before a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County for a bond hearing or first appearance. Knowing what to do next can help protect both your rights and your long-term interests.

Your first step is to protect yourself from making statements that can be used against you. You have the right to remain silent, and you also have the right to talk with an aggravated assault attorney in Chicago before answering questions from police or prosecutors. It is usually safer to give only basic identifying information and clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before discussing the incident.

Bond hearings in this area often happen quickly, sometimes within a day of the arrest. The judge will consider the charges, your background, and any information the State presents when deciding bond conditions. Having an aggravated assault defense lawyer involved as early as possible can help ensure that your side of the story and your ties to the community are properly presented.

After an aggravated assault arrest, important steps can include:

• Staying calm and asserting your right to remain silent when questioned about the incident
• Requesting to contact an attorney before you speak with law enforcement or investigators
• Avoiding conversations about the case with anyone in custody, on the phone, or on social media
• Gathering names and contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened, when that is safely possible
• Preserving text messages, videos, or other information that may support your version of events

Our aggravated assault attorneys in Chicago work to guide clients and families through these first stressful days. When you call our firm, we can explain what to expect at your next court date, help you understand the charges, and begin preparing to protect you at every stage of the process.

How Our Attorneys Defend These Cases

No two aggravated assault cases are the same. The police report and charging document are only the State’s version of what happened, and they often leave out important details or context that matter to your defense. Our attorneys start by looking beyond those papers and examining the evidence the prosecution plans to rely on.

We typically review police reports, body camera recordings, 911 calls, photographs, and any available video from the scene. We pay close attention to statements from witnesses and alleged victims, looking for inconsistencies or indications that emotions, confusion, or intoxication may have influenced their accounts. In many aggravated assault cases, there are questions about who started the confrontation, whether there was a real threat, and what role self-defense may have played.

Common defense themes in these cases can include self-defense, defense of others, misidentification, lack of intent, or exaggeration of the alleged threat or the use of a weapon. An aggravated assault attorney in Chicago will evaluate which legal issues apply to your situation and how they may support motions to exclude certain evidence or reduce the charges.

Because we have tried many serious violent felony cases, including murder, we are prepared to challenge the State’s narrative in court when that is in the client’s interest. This trial readiness often affects how prosecutors view the case and can influence plea discussions. We aim to protect both your record and your freedom, whether through dismissal, reduction of charges, or, when necessary, taking the case to trial.

Facing Aggravated Assault Charges In Chicago

When you are charged with aggravated assault in Chicago, your case typically proceeds through the Circuit Court of Cook County. Depending on where the incident allegedly occurred and the exact charges, your court dates may be set at a courthouse within the city. Each courthouse has its own procedures and schedules, and understanding how things work there can be important.

In Cook County criminal courts, you can expect a sequence of appearances that may include bond hearings, arraignments, status dates, motion hearings, and, if the case does not resolve earlier, a trial setting. Judges in these courtrooms see many violent felony cases, and prosecutors assigned to these dockets often focus on serious offenses involving weapons or alleged threats.

Our attorneys appear regularly in these courts on felony matters, and we understand the local rules, customs, and expectations. This helps us prepare you for what will happen at each stage and present your case in a way that addresses the concerns of the specific judge and prosecutor involved. If you are unsure which courthouse you are assigned to or what your next date means, we can review your paperwork and explain the next steps.

If you or a family member is facing aggravated assault charges in Chicago, you do not need to navigate Cook County criminal court alone. We are available to discuss your situation, review your upcoming court dates, and outline how we can help.

To speak directly with our team about your situation, call (312) 436-0711 for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go to Jail for Aggravated Assault?

Some aggravated assault convictions can lead to jail or prison, but not all cases result in incarceration. Outcomes depend on the specific charge, your prior record, the alleged facts, and how the case is presented. We review these factors with you and discuss realistic possibilities under Illinois law.

Can You Get My Aggravated Assault Charge Reduced?

In some cases, aggravated assault charges can be reduced or amended, but there is no guarantee. Whether a reduction is possible depends on the strength of the evidence, legal issues such as self-defense, and your background. Our aggravated assault attorneys in Chicago work to identify weaknesses in the State’s case and seek the best available resolution.

What Happens at My First Court Date?

Your first court date in Cook County is often a bond hearing or initial appearance. The judge typically reviews the charges, hears from the State, and considers release conditions. We can prepare you for what to expect, present information about your ties to the community, and begin protecting your rights in the courtroom.

How Quickly Can Your Attorneys Start Helping Me?

We can usually begin advising you as soon as you contact our office and provide basic information about your case. Early involvement often helps with bond hearings, communication with prosecutors, and preserving important evidence. If you are in custody, a family member can reach out so we can start working on your behalf.

How will you keep me informed about my case?

We strive to keep clients updated on major developments, upcoming court dates, and important decisions. Our attorneys explain the process in plain language and answer your questions so you understand what is happening. Communication is a key part of our work together throughout your aggravated assault case.

When you contact us, we can review your situation, explain what the charges mean, and outline practical options for moving forward. There is no obligation to hire us after a consultation, and any discussion is confidential.