Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney Gal Pissetzky discusses the trends he sees in the prosecution of gun crimes. In Chicago, gun crimes currently dominate both news headlines and the legal system. Prosecutors, taking a tough stance due to the city’s high rates of murders, carjackings, and overall gun-related crime, rarely offer favorable deals for such offenses. The common outcome is prison time, and reduced plea agreements are infrequently granted.

Success in obtaining reduced charges is generally limited, especially for individuals without a criminal background. However, positive outcomes have been achieved for younger clients facing their initial offense. Convincing prosecutors to lower charges and prevent a felony record is more feasible for those with clean records, particularly if the firearm was not used in a criminal act.

The prosecution’s approach to gun offenses in Chicago, whether in state or federal court, remains notably stringent. Repeat gun offenders may witness the elevation of their cases to federal jurisdiction. The defense strategy, distinctively committed to challenging charges rather than pursuing plea deals, is well-recognized by prosecutors. This approach often leads to negotiations favoring the defendant. Additionally, the defense explores strategies to suppress evidence, such as scrutinizing the legality of traffic stops or warrantless house searches, with the aim of securing a pretrial victory and preventing a felony conviction for the client.