Burglary Attorney in Chicago

Facing A Burglary Charge

A burglary charge is not a misunderstanding that simply goes away. In Illinois, it is usually a felony, and a conviction can mean prison, years of supervision, and a record that follows you into every job or housing application. If you are searching for a burglary attorney in Chicago, you likely feel that weight already.

At Weinberg & Miceli, we represent people accused of serious crimes in this city and in surrounding courts. Our attorneys have spent more than 30 years in criminal courtrooms, handling everything from misdemeanors to complex murder and federal conspiracy cases. We understand that a single allegation of burglary can put your freedom, your career, and your family’s stability at risk.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Our team can review what happened, explain what to expect in Cook County criminal courts, and talk through realistic options for moving forward. To discuss your situation confidentially with our burglary attorneys in Chicago, you can contact us online or call us at (312) 436-0711.

Why Hire Us For Burglary Cases

When the charge is burglary, you need more than someone who simply files paperwork. You need a firm that lives in felony court and is prepared for a fight. At Weinberg & Miceli, criminal defense is our core work. Our attorneys have more than three decades of experience representing people accused of serious offenses in Illinois and in federal courts.

Over thousands of cases, our team has defended clients against accusations of murder, sexual assault, violent felonies, federal fraud, and drug conspiracies. Burglary cases often intersect with these same courts, prosecutors, and investigative tactics. That background helps our burglary attorneys in Chicago anticipate how the state may build its case, how judges typically respond, and where there may be room to challenge the evidence.

Our firm is AV rated, and our trial lawyers have been recognized among the Top 100 trial lawyers. These are evaluations from outside the office that reflect professional standing and courtroom skill. For someone facing a burglary case that might go to trial, it matters to know your lawyers regularly stand in front of juries on complex felony cases.

Our burglary lawyers in Chicago are known for aggressive representation in serious cases. That can mean challenging how police conducted searches, questioning identifications, or cross-examining key witnesses in a contested hearing or trial. It can also mean using a strong trial posture to seek better outcomes in negotiation. When you work with a burglary lawyer from our firm, the goal is always to protect your rights and push for the best result the facts allow.

Burglary Charges & Penalties In Illinois

Many people first hear the word “burglary” and think only of a break-in at night. Under Illinois law, the concept is broader. In simple terms, burglary usually involves entering or remaining in a building, vehicle, or other structure without authority, with the intent to commit a crime inside. The alleged crime can be theft, but it can also be another felony or misdemeanor.

Illinois law treats burglary as a felony offense. Residential burglary, which involves a dwelling, is considered especially serious. Charges can range from lower-level felonies up to higher classes that carry lengthy prison terms. Sentencing exposure often depends on the location involved, whether anyone was present, whether weapons or violence are alleged, and whether you have prior convictions on your record.

Beyond the possibility of prison, a burglary conviction can have long-term effects that do not appear in the statute books. A felony record can make it harder to gain or keep employment, rent certain housing, or hold professional licenses. For some people, it can affect their immigration status. Even if probation is available in theory, the stakes remain high.

A knowledgeable burglary attorney in Chicago can help you understand not only the technical charges but also the practical consequences if you are convicted. At Weinberg & Miceli, we take time to explain how Illinois burglary law applies to your specific situation and how factors such as your history, the strength of the evidence, and local sentencing practices in Cook County may shape the options in front of you.

What To Do After A Burglary Arrest? Our Burglary Attorneys in Chicago Answer

The hours and days after a burglary arrest are often confusing. You may be taken to a police station, held for a hearing, or released and given a court date. Friends or family may urge you to tell your side of the story to officers or on social media. These moments matter, and small decisions can have significant consequences later in court.

First, it is important to limit what you say about the facts of the case. Anything you tell police, alleged victims, or even friends in texts or online posts can become evidence. You have a right to remain silent and to request an attorney before answering questions. Exercising that right does not make you look guilty, it protects you from misunderstandings and from statements taken out of context.

If your case is in Chicago, your first appearance may be at a Cook County courthouse such as the Leighton Criminal Court Building or another district facility, depending on where the alleged offense occurred. At early hearings, courts typically address bond, conditions of release, and scheduling. Having a burglary attorney in El Paso involved as early as possible can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the court hears more than just the police version of events.

Here are practical steps to protect yourself after a burglary arrest:

• Do not discuss the facts of the case with police or anyone else without speaking to an attorney first.
• Keep copies of any paperwork you receive, including tickets, charging documents, and bond information.
• Avoid posting or messaging about the incident on social media, group chats, or texts.
• Write down your memory of what happened while it is still fresh, then keep that information private for your lawyer.
• Contact a criminal defense firm promptly so they can begin reviewing the case and preparing for your first court date.

When you call Weinberg & Miceli, we can talk through where your case stands, what the next court setting will likely involve, and how we can step in to represent you. Our aim is to reduce uncertainty and start building a defense strategy as early as possible.

How Our Attorneys Defend Burglary Cases

No two burglary cases are alike. The strength of the evidence can turn on surveillance footage, fingerprints, phone records, eyewitness identifications, or statements that officers attribute to you or to other witnesses. Our role is to look past the surface of the police report and test each part of that story.

We begin by gathering and reviewing the discovery, which can include reports, videos, photographs, forensic results, and prior statements. We look closely at how police came to focus on you, how any search was conducted, and whether officers followed constitutional requirements. If there were identifications, such as photo arrays or show ups, we evaluate whether the procedures were suggestive or unreliable.

Intent is central in many burglary prosecutions. The state often tries to prove what you were thinking based on circumstances, assumptions, or limited information. We work to question those assumptions. In some situations, there may be evidence that you had permission to be present, lacked intent to commit a crime inside, or were misidentified. In others, the issue may be whether the conduct alleged actually meets the legal definition of burglary.

Our attorneys regularly try serious felony cases, including murder and other violent crimes. That trial experience is important in burglary matters as well. Prosecutors know we are prepared to take a case to a jury when it is in a client’s interest, and that understanding can shape plea discussions. At the same time, our burglary attorneys in El Paso recognize that trial is one option among several, and our recommendations always depend on the evidence, the risks, and your priorities.

Throughout the process, we stay focused on your goals. Some clients are primarily concerned with avoiding prison, others with immigration consequences, employment, or professional licensing. We explain the likely paths, discuss the possible outcomes, and work with you to decide which approach makes the most sense. If you are searching for a burglary lawyer in Chicago, our team is available to talk through how we would approach your specific case.

To discuss a burglary charge in Chicago with our team, call (312) 436-0711.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Go to Prison for a First Burglary Charge?

Prison is possible on a first burglary charge because burglary is usually a felony in Illinois. Whether that happens depends on factors like the type of burglary, your background, and the specific facts. We can review your situation and explain the realistic sentencing risks.

How Soon Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Burglary Arrest?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after a burglary arrest. Early involvement lets us help with bond, protect you during questioning, and begin evaluating the evidence. Waiting often limits options that might have been available at the start of the case.

Do Your Attorneys Defend Burglary Cases in Cook County Courts?

Yes, our attorneys regularly appear in Cook County criminal courts, including Chicago felony courtrooms. Our work on serious state and federal cases means we are familiar with the procedures, local judges, and prosecutors. That familiarity helps us advise you on what to expect in your specific courtroom.

What Will Your Team Do to Investigate My Burglary Case?

We review police reports, videos, forensic results, and witness statements, then look for weaknesses and legal issues. That can involve challenging searches, identifications, or statements, and considering additional investigation when appropriate. Our goal is to understand the case better than the prosecution and to use that knowledge when advising you.

What Happens at the First Meeting With Your Firm?

At the first meeting, we listen to your account, review any paperwork, and talk through the charges and potential consequences. We explain the court process, answer your questions, and outline possible next steps. This conversation helps us, and helps you decide whether we are the right fit.

A burglary case can change the course of your life, but you do not have to face it without skilled representation. When you contact Weinberg & Miceli, you reach a firm with more than 30 years in criminal courts, handling some of the most serious felonies the system can bring.