Criminal Defense Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel
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111 W. Washington St., Suite 1301 Chicago, Illinois 60602 USA |
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(312) 629-0669
(312) 357-6765
www.attorney-chicago.net
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Law Firm Overview
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The Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel is an Illinois Criminal Defense law firm providing experienced, aggressive and hardworking criminal defense representation in Chicago and its surrounding cities.
No lawyer, in Illinois or any state, is more dedicated to being available to his clients. His dedication to your goals would be the same whether you are charged with a federal white collar crime or a simple first-offense DUI, or if you are in need of an effective fraud defense attorney. From your free initial consultation to the resolution of your case, you will appreciate the attention Attorney Garfinkel pays to your specific situation. Jail and police station visits, off-site appointments and detention, bail and bond hearings are just a few examples of the extra lengths he goes to for each of his clients.
Practice Areas
Additional Practice Areas: Multiple DUI Offenses; Driver Reinstatement; Criminal Appeals; Retail Theft; Orders of Protection/Restraining Orders; Mortgage Fraud, Mail Fraud; Extortion; Conspiracy; Vehicular Homicide; Carjacking; Misdemeanors; Solicitation; Indecent Liberties; Phishing Schemes; Computer Hacking; Creating and Distributing Viruses; Criminal Copyright Violations; Internet Sting Operation; Child Exploitation; Indecent Exposure; Internet Solicitation; Sexual Exploitation; Child Molestation; Sex Offender Registry Violations
Practice Areas Description
Our practice includes:- Federal White Collar Crimes
Our firm welcomes the opportunity to protect your rights in federal cases involving: Mortgage fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud; Identity theft; Embezzlement; Money laundering; Extortion; Internet sex crimes; Possession of child pornography; Racketeering and RICO crimes; Conspiracy; And other white collar crimes. We can also capably represent your interests during investigations and in response to grand jury subpoenas. Attorney Garfinkel has opposed a great number of government agencies at trial, including the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, ICE, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service. The sooner you have an attorney by your side, the better your chances of a successful result. By intervening early in the case — even before you are officially charged, if possible — Mr. Garfinkel may be able to negotiate a reduced charge or work out an alternative to prison should you be convicted.
- Narcotics
Have you been charged in federal court with manufacturing or distribution of narcotics? Are you under investigation for drug charges? The federal government does not take narcotics charges lightly, and neither should you. These heavyweight charges merit the defense assistance of a heavyweight Chicago attorney. You can find the experienced, aggressive legal representation you are looking for at our firm. Mr. Garfinkel is a former prosecutor with 20 years of experience. His long track record of success handling high-profile drug cases has earned him an impressive reputation throughout Illinois. He has successfully protected the rights and freedoms of many clients facing drug charges such as: Drug trafficking or importation; Cultivation of drugs on federal land; Manufacturing methamphetamine or other drugs; Illegal possession of prescription drugs; Counterfeiting prescription drugs; and Drug conspiracy or racketeering.
- State Drug Charges
Attorney Garfinkel provides aggressive, accessible, and affordable state drug crime defense. He's wide range of legal services on the state drug charge front includes responses to situations such as: Investigations; Preliminary hearings; Probation violations; and Search warrants. Drug charges he has successfully handled on behalf of Chicago and Illinois clients have been connected to substances such as: Powder cocaine; Crack cocaine; Marijuana; Methamphetamine (meth); Heroin; Ecstasy; Cannabis; and Prescription drugs. Attorney Garfinkel has been equally adept at advocating for people in federal narcotics trials and negotiations. Whatever the gravity of the charge, no matter the drug or substance mentioned, Mr. Garfinkel always does his utmost to provide a quality drug crime defense.
- Homicide
Our skills and experience are of great benefit to our clients, especially when we are called upon to represent Chicago and Illinois clients in the wide range of homicide and violent felony crimes such as: First-degree murder; Voluntary/involuntary manslaughter; Reckless homicide; Vehicular homicide; Residential burglary / burglary to auto; Armed robbery; Carjacking; Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle; Retail theft; Felony theft offenses; and Internet sex crimes. Attorney Garfinkel's top priority is being available to you and your legal needs on a 24/7 basis, including being in a position to address any question, concern or issue you might have about your murder defense or violent crime defense strategy. Arrange your free initial consultation today by phone, fax or e-mail.
- Internet Crimes
Attorney Garfinkel has 20 years of legal experience handling all types of computer and Internet crime, such as: Internet fraud, credit card fraud, "Phishing schemes" and identity theft; Computer hacking; Creating and distributing viruses; Criminal copyright violations; Running an Internet sting operation; Possession of child pornography ("kiddie porn"); and Child exploitation or solicitation of minors in chat rooms or on social networking sites. Conviction of an Internet sex crime can mean adding your name to the sex offender registry. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel will provide the experienced, aggressive defense you need to help preserve your rights, your reputation and your freedom.
- Sex Offenses
Our firm is highly experienced in defending clients faced with a wide variety of sex charges, including: Aggravated criminal sexual assault; Criminal sexual assault; Aggravated criminal sexual abuse; Predatory criminal sexual assault; Criminal sexual abuse (misdemeanor); Internet sex offenses; Solicitation; Indecent liberties; Prostitution; Rape; and Date rape. Throughout this serious tour of the legal process, Mr. Garfinkel will be by your side with wise counsel for you and creative strategies that frustrate your accusers. He can represent you in bond or bail hearings in the beginnings of your relationship and argue your appeal, if necessary. In between, you can expect the kind of quality pre-trial and courtroom defense for which he's best-known. Take that necessary first step toward remedying your legal situation, and ridding your life of sex crimes charges that can ruin an individual and family name.
- Child Sex Offenses
Conviction of a child sex crime can lead to mandatory placement on a child sex offender registry. Don't let this happen to you. By contacting an experienced defense lawyer early in the case, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome. We have extensive experience defending clients in both state and federal courts who are facing charges such as: Indecent exposure; Statutory rape; Internet solicitation of a minor through chat rooms or social networking sites; Possession of child pornography; Sexual exploitation; Child molestation or sexual abuse; Sex offender registry violations; and other child sex offenses. Due to our long experience, we are adept at handling all levels of child sex charges. Whether you have been charged with a state or federal child sex offense, you can depend on our firm's years of experience to work to your advantage.
- Domestic Violence
In Chicago and throughout Illinois, an attorney who is most sought-after in domestic violence defense circles is Hal M. Garfinkel. His successful criminal defense practice has worked to the benefit of people just like you when charges of spousal or child abuse threaten to pit your relatives and loved ones against each other. Attorney Garfinkel also handled domestic violence cases with distinction in his years as a prosecutor, especially in relation to one high-profile stalking case in particular. That experience now translates to creative strategies on your behalf that frustrate opposing counsel and get the results he is well-known for. He brings a wealth of experience in dealing with serious domestic violence situations such as: Spousal abuse/domestic battery; Child abuse/aggravated battery to a child; Stalking; Harassment/telephone harassment; and Orders of protection/restraining orders. He can also effectively appeal a prior conviction and represent you capably at any preliminary hearings. His is truly a full-service criminal defense law firm, as many satisfied past clients will attest.
- Weapons Charges
As a former prosecutor in a variety of weapons cases, Attorney Garfinkel knows as much about search warrants and permissible handgun use as a criminal defense lawyer can. He can put that same comprehensive knowledge of the law, and how to use it, to work in your firearms case. Mr. Garfinkel's trademark gun possession charge defense of your rights before, during and after a weapons law violation trial can have a positive impact on any of the following situations: Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon; Unlawful use of a weapon by a felon; Search warrants; Bludgeons; Assault weapons/rifles/shotguns; and Knives. Our lead attorney passionately advocates for the legal right to bear arms, and every other right to which you are constitutionally entitled, before, during and after your trial. He's available from the free initial consultation stage to any appeals assistance your case may require.
- Traffic Violations
At our firm you receive experienced, aggressive representation in DUI and traffic cases. Whether you face multiple charges at once or you were charged with a single offense, you can count on the zealous advocacy Mr. Garfinkel provides to every one of his clients. From the initial investigation through to the resolution of your case, Mr. Garfinkel will be by your side advocating your interests. Mr. Garfinkel has successfully represented clients in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County and throughout Illinois in traffic cases such as: Driving under the influence (DUI); Driving with a suspended license; Fleeing or alluding the police; Excessive speeding; Reckless driving; And other serious traffic offenses. His creative and unyielding approach to criminal defense has earned him an impressive reputation throughout Illinois. Past clients and opposing counsel agree: Hal Garfinkel is the attorney you want and need in times of legal trouble.
- DUI/DWI
Attorney Garfinkel is highly familiar with the following terms and situations necessary for a quality DUI/DWI defense, and can capably represent your rights with: DUI / DWI; Drunk driving; Statutory summary suspensions; First, second or third offenders; Felony DUI, based on the number of DUI offenses; Reckless homicide; and Aggravated DUI. There is no shortage of such available legal help for those unjustly accused of DUI. But there is only one Hal M. Garfinkel. His track record of success in DUI defense, the lengths to which he will go to protect your rights and the 24/7 degree of availability to you that he insists on are all in a league by themselves.
- Multiple DUI Offenses
One DUI offense can suspend your driving privileges. A second or third DUI can be charged as a felony and mean up to six years in an Illinois prison. Multiple DUIs are serious. When you need serious legal representation, count on our firm to protect your rights. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel, a former prosecutor with 20 years of experience, has a track record of success in defending clients against drinking and driving charges. He understands how to creatively and effectively attack the basis of the prosecution's case. If you are being charged as a repeat offender, Mr. Garfinkel will provide the aggressive DUI defense you want and need.
- Driver Reinstatement
Our firm can represent you in both formal and informal hearings. For example, if your Illinois driver's license was revoked due to a DUI, Mr. Garfinkel can represent you at an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State to request that your license be reinstated. He understands that your driving privileges are important to you in this mobile culture. His legal knowledge, relationships in the various jurisdictions and years of experience can prove to be a successful combination for you.
- Criminal Appeals
Mr. Garfinkel's skill in defending you at the various criminal courts of appeal covers every kind of applicable criminal conviction and extends into the following jurisdictions and topics: Federal appeals; Illinois state appeals; Illinois post-conviction; and Federal habeas corpus. Many federal and Illinois state criminal appeals clients did not have access to the best representation of their rights and interests at their original trials. This causes clients to seek out more accomplished and well-known attorneys to clean up the mess left by others. Attorney Garfinkel has proven that he can right the previous wrongs you suffered and get successful results for you and your family.
- Retail Theft
Being charged with a criminal offense, like retail theft, requires an effective criminal defense attorney with a wide range of legal experience and a full understanding of criminal law. Having criminal retail theft charges brought against you can affect both your personal and professional life. It may be difficult to get a job or rent an apartment if you have a criminal history that shows up on the background check. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel has successfully handled all types of criminal defense cases involving felonies and misdemeanors, and he is able to provide you with the utmost attention to detail regarding your retail theft case. When you need an attorney who is ready to fight for you, Hal M. Garfinkel is the one who can advocate for you.
- Expungement
Our firm represents clients throughout the state of Illinois in DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County, Will County and Lake County, who are seeking to clear their criminal records through expungement. Due to sensitive time constraints to obtain an Expungement Order, it’s imperative that you speak to an experienced expungement attorney who can help you fill out the appropriate forms and follow the proper procedures. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel is a highly respected criminal defense attorney who can help you understand the expungement process. Even if you are not eligible for expungement, you still may be able to seal your criminal records, which would keep your arrest record out of public view.
- Orders of Protection/Restraining Orders
Sometimes when families are in the middle of a divorce and contentious issues over child custody and visitation rights are not resolved, the threat of domestic violence or accusations of physical abuse is not uncommon. With more than 20 years of legal experience in the criminal justice system, Hal M. Garfinkel has taken on complex cases involving highly sensitive issues that deal with domestic violence. In some cases pertaining to child custody, one partner may falsely accuse the other of domestic abuse, in an effort to be awarded sole custody. As a former prosecutor, Hal M. Garfinkel utilizes his background knowledge to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and can weed out faulty testimony. If you need strong legal defense, then the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel will work diligently to give you the best possible outcome for your situation.
Attorneys
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Mr. Hal M. Garfinkel
Attorney Criminal Defense, Criminal Law, DUI, White Collar Crime |
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