Criminal Defense Case Results
Patel Law, PC has represented clients facing serious criminal charges in Illinois state and federal courts, including Class X felonies, firearm offenses, drug charges, sexual assault allegations, violent crimes, DUI cases, and federal prosecutions.
Attorney Baku N. Patel has extensive criminal jury trial experience and has obtained acquittals, dismissals, suppression of evidence, reduced charges, probation, and other favorable outcomes for clients facing significant criminal penalties.
The results below are examples of prior cases handled by Patel Law, PC. Every criminal case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in another matter.
AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material Case – Class X Charge Dismissed, Jail Credit and Probation
RESULT: Class X charge dismissed • 180 days credited as served • 30 months probation
Macon County, Illinois — Patel Law, PC represented a 23-year-old Decatur man in a criminal case involving allegations that artificial intelligence was used to create child sexual abuse material from existing photographs.
The client originally faced multiple felony charges, including a Class X felony count of child sexual abuse material/possession/moving depiction, along with additional Class 2 and Class 3 felony charges.
As part of a negotiated plea agreement, the client pleaded guilty to one Class 2 felony count of child sexual abuse material/computer/moving depiction and three Class 3 felony possession counts. The Class X felony charge and three additional Class 2 felony counts were dismissed.
At sentencing, the client received 180 days in the Macon County Jail with credit for 180 days already served and 30 months of probation. The court also imposed no-contact conditions and sex-offender registration requirements.
Read the WCIA coverage of the case.
Not Guilty Verdict After Retrial in Champaign County Courthouse Firearm Case
RESULT: Hung jury at first trial • NOT GUILTY at retrial
Champaign County, Illinois — Patel Law, PC represented a woman charged with unlawful possession of a concealed-carry firearm after security officers discovered a loaded firearm in her purse when she entered the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana.
The client was licensed to carry a concealed firearm but was charged with a Class B misdemeanor based on the allegation that she brought the firearm into the courthouse.
The client rejected the State’s plea offers and elected to exercise her right to a jury trial.
At the first trial, the jury deliberated for approximately five hours but was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The judge declared a mistrial because of the hung jury.
The State subsequently prosecuted the case again. Patel Law, PC returned to trial to defend the client a second time. At the conclusion of the retrial, the jury found the client NOT GUILTY.
The case ultimately resulted in a complete acquittal after two jury trials.
Read WCIA’s coverage of the first Champaign County jury trial and mistrial.
17 Class X Felony Charges Dismissed in Child Pornography Case
A client was originally charged with 18 Class X felony counts involving distribution of child pornography. Based on the charges filed, the client faced an extremely lengthy potential prison sentence.
Attorney Baku Patel challenged the prosecution’s digital and forensic evidence and litigated substantial pretrial issues. Seventeen of the eighteen felony counts were dismissed.
The remaining case resulted in an eight-year sentence, with the client expected to serve approximately four years before eligibility for release based on the sentencing structure applicable to the case.
Controlled Substance Case Dismissed After Motion to Suppress
A client was charged after police located more than 150 grams of cocaine during repeated searches following a traffic stop.
Patel Law, PC filed a motion to suppress and memorandum of law challenging the legality of the client’s continued detention and search. Shortly before the suppression hearing, the prosecution conceded the motion and dismissed the charges.
Shooting Charge and Criminal Sexual Assault Charge Dismissed
A client faced two serious felony cases. One involved allegations of aggravated discharge of a firearm outside a restaurant. The second involved criminal sexual assault and aggravated domestic battery allegations.
The firearm case and criminal sexual assault charge were dismissed. The remaining domestic battery matter resolved with probation rather than a prison sentence following a contested sentencing proceeding.
Read the related News-Gazette coverage.
Probation Obtained in Child Pornography Case
A client charged with possession of child pornography faced a potential sentence measured in decades.
The defense challenged issues involving how investigators obtained and accessed digital evidence. After substantial litigation and negotiations concerning the evidentiary issues, the client received probation and did not return to jail or prison after release on bond.
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon Charges Dismissed
A client was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm. The defense raised issues involving the search of the client’s residence and other weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
The State ultimately dismissed the charges.
Not Guilty Verdict in Aggravated Battery With a Firearm Trial
A client was accused of firing multiple rounds and striking another person in the leg and arm during an altercation.
Patel Law, PC took the case to a jury trial and challenged the prosecution’s witnesses through cross-examination. The defense elected not to present additional evidence after developing reasonable doubt through the State’s case.
The jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict after approximately 35 minutes of deliberation.
Read the News-Gazette coverage of the acquittal.
First-Offender Probation in Major Heroin and Cocaine Case
Two college students were charged after police executed a search warrant and located more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 150 grams of cocaine.
Each client originally faced serious Class X felony charges. The defense identified legal issues involving the search warrant and investigation.
The cases ultimately resolved through reduced charges and first-offender probation rather than the prison sentences originally associated with the charged offenses.
Read the related news coverage.
Juvenile Disposition Obtained in Aggravated Battery With a Firearm Case
A 17-year-old client was accused of shooting another person during an altercation and was initially prosecuted as an adult.
After further investigation uncovered evidence that had not been identified during the original police investigation, the defense negotiated a resolution in juvenile court, avoiding an adult prison sentence and adult felony conviction.
Time Served in Federal Methamphetamine Conspiracy Case
A federal client was charged with participating in a conspiracy involving the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine with several co-defendants.
After extensive federal litigation and a contested sentencing hearing, the court sentenced the client to time served. Other defendants in the conspiracy received substantial federal prison sentences.
Armed Violence and Firearm Charges Dismissed Before Jury Selection
A client faced charges including armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession with intent to deliver cannabis.
The client faced substantial potential prison exposure. After reviewing the evidence and preparing the case for trial, Patel Law, PC rejected a prison-based resolution and demanded trial.
Immediately before jury selection, the prosecution dismissed all charges.
Probation Obtained in Aggravated Battery Case
A young adult client was charged with aggravated battery after an incident on the University of Illinois campus that resulted in serious facial injuries to another person.
The client also faced another aggravated battery matter while the first case was pending. The prosecution requested incarceration.
Following a contested sentencing presentation, the judge imposed probation rather than jail or prison.
Read the News-Gazette coverage.
Not Guilty Verdict in Criminal Sexual Assault Jury Trial
A 19-year-old client was charged with criminal sexual assault and faced a substantial potential prison sentence.
Patel Law, PC tried the case before a jury over three days. After approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict.
Read the News-Gazette coverage of the acquittal.
Probation Obtained in Home Invasion and Firearm Case
A client was charged with serious home invasion offenses involving stolen firearms and faced substantial potential imprisonment.
The defense investigation developed evidence concerning the relative involvement of a co-defendant. The charges were substantially reduced and the client received probation with no jail or prison sentence.
Six Felony Cases Dismissed and Probation Obtained
A client faced seven felony cases involving aggravated battery, methamphetamine possession, and aggravated DUI allegations.
The defense coordinated substance-abuse treatment and mental-health counseling as part of a mitigation strategy. Six felony cases were dismissed, and the remaining matter resulted in probation without jail or prison.
Major Controlled Substance Charge Reduced to Probation
Federal agents and other law-enforcement agencies tracked a package containing hundreds of ecstasy pills to a client’s residence.
The defense identified legal issues involving the search warrant. The most serious drug charge was dismissed, and the client ultimately received probation on a reduced possession charge.
Armed Habitual Criminal Charges Dismissed
Police located two firearms during the execution of a search warrant at a client’s residence. Because of the client’s prior record, the charged offense carried substantial potential imprisonment.
Patel Law, PC challenged the search warrant and developed an alternative explanation for possession of the firearms. After the defense demanded trial, the prosecution dismissed the charges.
Guilty Plea Withdrawn and Not Guilty Verdict Obtained in Sex Offense Case
A client had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse after receiving advice from another attorney.
After being retained for a second opinion, Attorney Patel filed a motion to withdraw the guilty plea. The court granted the motion after a hearing concerning the prior representation.
The case then proceeded to a three-day jury trial, where the client was found NOT GUILTY.
Read the News-Gazette coverage.
Home Invasion Charge Reduced to Probation
A client was accused of unlawfully entering another person’s residence while armed with a baseball bat and causing serious injuries.
The original allegations exposed the client to substantial potential imprisonment. After presenting additional evidence and negotiating with the prosecution, the case was reduced and resolved with 24 months of probation and no jail sentence.
Not Guilty Verdict on Firearm Charges
A client was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon while on parole.
The case proceeded to a jury trial. The defense challenged police testimony and addressed DNA and possession evidence.
The jury returned NOT GUILTY verdicts on both firearm counts.
Not Guilty Verdict on Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault Charges
A client faced two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and extremely significant potential imprisonment.
After a contested jury trial, the client was found NOT GUILTY on all counts.
Sexual Assault Charges Dismissed Before Trial
A client charged with sexual assault of a minor faced a substantial potential prison sentence.
After extensive trial preparation and the filing of multiple pretrial motions, the prosecution dismissed all charges.
Not Guilty Verdict in University Campus Sexual Assault Case
A client charged in a highly publicized campus sexual assault case was tried before a jury.
After a three-day jury trial, the client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges.
Probation Obtained in Multiple Violent Felony Case
A client facing multiple serious violent felony charges and substantial potential imprisonment received a significant reduction of the charges before trial and a negotiated probationary disposition.
Not Guilty Verdict in Felon-in-Possession Firearm Case
A client accused of possessing a handgun in a public park was prosecuted based largely on police eyewitness testimony.
The defense challenged inconsistencies and contradictions in the officer’s observations during cross-examination.
The jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict.
Not Guilty Verdicts in Child Sexual Assault Jury Trial
A client faced multiple counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and substantial mandatory prison exposure if convicted.
Following a multi-day jury trial and extensive cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses, the jury returned NOT GUILTY verdicts on all charges.
Not Guilty Verdict in Attempted Murder and Home Invasion Trial
A client was accused of breaking into a residence and shooting another person multiple times.
The case proceeded through a week-long jury trial. The jury returned NOT GUILTY verdicts on the attempted murder and home invasion charges.
Not Guilty Verdict in Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault Trial
After a five-day jury trial, a client accused of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child was found NOT GUILTY.
Not Guilty Verdict in Aggravated Battery to Police Officer Case
A client accused of aggravated battery to a police officer proceeded to jury trial.
After the defense challenged the officer’s testimony, the jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict.
Felony Sexual Assault and Aggravated Battery Charges Dismissed
A University of Illinois student faced multiple felony allegations, including criminal sexual assault and aggravated battery to a police officer.
The felony charges were dismissed.
Home Invasion Charges Dismissed Before Jury Selection
A client charged with an armed home invasion faced substantial mandatory prison exposure.
The prosecution dismissed the charges immediately before jury selection.
Not Guilty Verdict in Child Sexual Assault Trial
A client charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child was tried before a jury over five days.
The jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict.
Not Guilty Verdict in Aggravated DUI Jury Trial
A client charged with aggravated DUI proceeded to trial. The defense challenged the officer’s testimony and presented expert evidence concerning impairment.
The jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict.
Not Guilty Verdict in Aggravated Battery Case
A client accused of aggravated battery to a police officer was found NOT GUILTY following a jury trial.
Aggravated Battery Charges Against University Student Dismissed
A University of Illinois student charged with aggravated battery to a police officer had the charges dismissed.
Second DUI Charges Dismissed and Driver’s License Reinstated
A client charged with a second DUI prepared the case for trial. The charges were ultimately dismissed and the client’s driver’s license was reinstated.
Felony DUI Reduced to Misdemeanor With No Jail
A client facing a felony DUI and potential incarceration obtained a reduction to a misdemeanor disposition without jail time.
First Degree Murder Charges Dismissed
After conducting an independent investigation and locating witnesses who had not previously been identified, the defense presented additional evidence to prosecutors.
The first degree murder charges were dismissed.
Drug Trafficking Case Resolved With Probation
A client charged with possession with intent to distribute approximately 20 pounds of cannabis faced serious criminal consequences.
After litigation and motion practice, the case resolved with probation and no jail or prison sentence.
Cocaine Trafficking Case Dismissed After Suppression of Evidence
Police seized a substantial quantity of cocaine following a traffic stop and charged the client with possession with intent to distribute.
Patel Law, PC successfully litigated a motion to suppress the evidence. The case was dismissed.
Cocaine Evidence Suppressed and Charges Dismissed
A client faced charges involving more than six ounces of cocaine base.
The defense successfully challenged the search and obtained suppression of the evidence. The charges were subsequently dismissed.
Drug Charges Dismissed After Warrantless Vehicle Search Challenge
A client facing substantial prison exposure had her drug charges dismissed after the defense challenged the legality of a warrantless vehicle search.
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault Charges Dismissed
A client charged with predatory criminal sexual assault and facing substantial prison exposure had the charges dismissed after the case was prepared for trial.
Not Guilty Verdict in Criminal Sexual Assault Trial
A client charged with criminal sexual assault proceeded through a four-day jury trial.
The defense presented a consent defense, and the jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict after a brief deliberation.
Not Guilty Verdict in Aggravated Battery to Police Officer Trial
After a three-day jury trial, a client charged with aggravated battery to a police officer was found NOT GUILTY.
Federal Criminal Defense Results
Patel Law, PC also represents clients in federal criminal matters. Prior cases have involved federal drug conspiracies, narcotics trafficking, environmental offenses, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, and robbery-related prosecutions.
Time Served in Federal Methamphetamine Conspiracy
A client prosecuted in a multi-defendant federal methamphetamine conspiracy received a sentence of time served following a contested sentencing hearing.
Probation in Federal Environmental Case
A client prosecuted in federal court in connection with allegations involving improper disposal of chemical waste received probation without jail or prison. Other defendants in the matter received different dispositions.
Federal Securities Fraud Case
Patel Law, PC represented a client charged with securities-fraud violations involving an alleged multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme and extensive documentary evidence.
Following the federal proceedings, the client received a sentence involving a federal work camp rather than a more restrictive prison placement.
Federal Mortgage Fraud Conspiracy
A client who owned and operated a mortgage company was charged in a federal conspiracy involving allegedly fraudulent real-estate transactions.
The client ultimately received a lower sentence than other defendants in the prosecution and was designated to a federal work camp.
Federal Robbery Case
A client charged in a highly publicized federal robbery prosecution faced an argument that enhanced sentencing provisions should apply.
After briefing the sentencing issues, the federal court imposed a 60-month sentence rather than the substantially greater sentence sought under the Government’s position.
Additional Recent Criminal Defense Results
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity in Aggravated Battery Case
A client faced felony allegations involving aggravated battery to a police officer and a subsequent criminal sexual abuse arrest.
The defense obtained a mental-health evaluation and presented an insanity defense. Following a bench trial, the court entered a finding of NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY.
Major Methamphetamine Charge Reduced
A client accused of possessing more than 200 grams of methamphetamine faced a serious felony prosecution.
After motion practice and investigation concerning the informant, the most serious charge was dropped and the matter resolved through a substantially reduced disposition involving boot camp rather than the originally alleged prison exposure.
Aggravated Battery-Strangulation Charge Dismissed
A client was charged with aggravated battery involving strangulation allegations.
The defense investigated inconsistencies in witness statements, social-media evidence, and medical records. The matter was prepared for jury trial, and the prosecution dismissed the charge shortly before jury selection.
What Types of Criminal Cases Has Patel Law, PC Handled?
The case results on this page include matters involving violent felonies, firearm offenses, drug and narcotics charges, sexual assault allegations, DUI charges, home invasion, aggravated battery, murder allegations, federal criminal prosecutions, search-and-seizure litigation, and other serious criminal cases.
Criminal Defense Case Results FAQs
Does a prior dismissal or not guilty verdict mean another case will have the same result?
No. Every criminal case depends on its own evidence, witnesses, constitutional issues, criminal history, charges, available defenses, prosecutors, judges, and other circumstances. Past results do not guarantee a particular result in another case.
Has Patel Law, PC taken criminal cases to jury trial?
Yes. The results on this page include numerous jury trials involving firearm charges, sexual assault allegations, aggravated battery, attempted murder, home invasion, DUI, and other serious offenses.
Has Patel Law, PC obtained criminal charges dismissed?
Yes. Examples on this page include cases where charges were dismissed after suppression motions, challenges to searches or warrants, pretrial investigation, trial preparation, or other litigation.
Does Patel Law, PC handle federal criminal cases?
Yes. Patel Law, PC has represented clients in federal matters involving drug conspiracies, narcotics trafficking, environmental offenses, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, and other federal criminal allegations.
Can illegally obtained evidence be suppressed?
Potentially. Whether evidence can be suppressed depends on the facts of the search, seizure, detention, warrant, and applicable constitutional law. Several cases described on this page involved successful challenges to the admissibility of evidence.
Talk to Patel Law, PC About a Criminal Charge
If you or a family member has been charged with a crime in Champaign, Urbana, Champaign County, or elsewhere in Illinois, Patel Law, PC can review the allegations, evidence, potential penalties, and available defenses.
Contact Patel Law, PC to schedule a consultation about your criminal case.
