Murder Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
What is your experience in handling murder cases?
What is your experience in handling murder cases?
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I have been handling murder cases for the past 20 years. My initial case after leaving the state’s attorney’s office was, in fact, a murder trial, marking the beginning of my regular involvement in such serious charges. At any given time, I typically handle at least four or five murder cases, considering them the most severe charges in Illinois.
Facing murder charges in Illinois entails a minimum sentence of 20 years at 100%. If a firearm was involved, there is an additional 25-year enhancement at 100%, resulting in a minimum of 45 years upon conviction. The gravity of these charges necessitates an extremely serious approach, regardless of the defendant’s age. Even individuals alleged to have committed murder in their early teens could face incarceration until their 60s if convicted.
My philosophy revolves around thorough preparation and review of case materials. From the moment I receive the reports, I meticulously examine and organize the information provided by the prosecutor. Regularly, I find that I need additional information, and it is essential to request it from the prosecutor, as they are obligated to provide it under the law.
By the time a murder trial approaches, it is imperative to be well-prepared. This involves knowing the witnesses who will testify against the client and understanding the evidence the state will present to establish the client’s involvement in the alleged crime. Communication with the client is crucial to building an effective defense, listening to their account of events, and incorporating their perspective into the defense strategy.
Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney Gal Pissetzky talks about his experience in handling murder cases. Having handled murder cases for two decades, the attorney’s initial case post-state’s attorney’s office was a murder trial, setting the stage for ongoing involvement in such serious charges. Managing four or five murder cases concurrently, the attorney deems them the most severe charges in Illinois.
Murder charges in Illinois mandate a minimum 20-year sentence at 100%, with an additional 25-year enhancement at 100% if a firearm was involved, resulting in a minimum 45-year sentence upon conviction. The gravity of these charges underscores the need for an extremely serious approach, irrespective of the defendant’s age. Even individuals accused of committing murder in their early teens could face incarceration until their 60s if convicted.
The attorney’s philosophy centers on meticulous preparation and thorough review of case materials. From the moment reports are received, a detailed examination and organization of information provided by the prosecutor ensue. Regularly identifying the need for additional information, the attorney ensures requests are made, as prosecutors are obligated to provide it under the law.
Approaching a murder trial, thorough preparation is deemed imperative. This involves acquainting oneself with the witnesses who will testify against the client and understanding the evidence the state will present to establish the client’s involvement in the alleged crime. Effective defense-building entails crucial communication with the client, attentively listening to their account of events, and incorporating their perspective into the defense strategy.
