Exceptional Legal Representation For Clients Throughout Cook County And Illinois Courts
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The Firm’s Practice Areas
Orders Of Protection
Defending your rights when allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking undermine your relationships
Criminal Defense
Protecting your right to due process when you are facing an arrest for suspicion of drunk driving, drug violations, weapons charges and other criminal offenses
Tenancy And Real Estate
Resolving landlord-tenant issues and shielding your civil liberties under state and federal housing laws
Civil Litigation
Advocating for our clients through all stages of litigation and trial with the experience to achieve the best results in your lawsuit
A Protection Or No Contact Order?
You must take allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking seriously in Cook County. Do not ignore service of a protection order or no contact order, even if it seems like the filing party has no grounds. If you fail to appear in court, you will not be able to tell the judge your side of the situation. Speak with attorney Mark Almanza right away to understand the full scope of your rights and for assertive legal representation. He will help you tell your side of the story.
There is a long list of people who could file a domestic violence order of protection against you, including anyone related to you by blood, a former spouse, someone living with you now or in the past, someone you had a child with or were dating, among others. A victim claiming nonconsensual sexual conduct with you may file a civil no contact order. A victim claiming your actions amount to stalking and they fear for their safety may file a stalking no contact order against you.
If a judge grants a domestic violence order of protection, you may have to stay away from your family members, property and pets. You could lose your firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card and your gun ownership rights. If you violate a domestic violence order of protection just once, for example, to contact your children while the order is in effect, it is a Class A misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A second violation is a Class 4 felony with a steeper penalty of one to three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Criminal Defense Focused On
Protecting Your Rights
If you have been arrested for suspicion of a criminal violation, facing the Illinois criminal justice system on your own can seem terrifying. A conviction could remain on your record and limit your job and housing opportunities unless you obtain a pardon or qualify for record expungement. But you do not have to contend with criminal charges on your own. Call Almanza Law in Chicago right away for a free consultation to learn how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help. Attorney Almanza understands how frightening your situation may seem at the moment. He will take the time to listen to your side of the story. He will help you understand the laws and what legal options you have going forward.
Law enforcement officers and prosecutors in Cook County have been known to overstep the boundaries of their legal authority and violate your rights when upholding the law. If you have been arrested for suspicion of drug and narcotic violations, weapons charges, homicide, sex crimes, white collar offenses or drunk driving (DUI) in Chicago or anywhere in Cook County, you have a right to due process and equal treatment. If a police officer uses excessive force, uses discriminatory language or fails to inform you of your rights, attorney Almanza is not afraid to stand up and ensure justice is served.
Tenancy And Real Estate
In The Windy City
Landlords and tenants in Chicago must abide by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). But in today’s upside-down world, it seems like anything goes. There are exceptions to whom the RLTO applies and deception on both sides of rental leases. The result is marginalizing the health and safety of the community in rental housing. Tenants have responsibilities to pay their rent and let their landlords know about conditions in the unit that are unsafe. Landlords must keep the unit habitable and respect the tenants’ privacy, among many other responsibilities. But disputes, discrimination, lockouts and retaliatory conduct continue to strike at the foundation of tenancy in Chicago. If your housing is in jeopardy, you can count on attorney Almanza to provide the information, guidance and legal advocacy you need when you are experiencing housing stress.
Let An Experienced
Attorney Fight For You
Attorney Mark Almanza believes that contacting and hiring an attorney should be simple. He will work with you to ensure that you receive the legal counsel you deserve. Attorney Almanza provides a range of legal services from consultation, to drafting legal documents and handling a case through trial. His law firm offers clients flexible fee arrangements to meet their needs. Whether a flat fee, contingency fee or hourly fee, there are arrangements that can be made. Call Almanza Law in Chicago at 312-380-9012 for a consultation or send him an email through this secure website to get started.
Dedicated To
Serving The Community
Almanza Law provides pro bono services and partners with Lawndale Christian Legal Center, FDLA, Justice Entrepreneurs Project, CARPLS, and Legal Assistance Foundation.
