O'Gara & Gomric, P.C.
Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys
O'Gara & Gomric, P.C.
Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys
Familiar faces from St. Clair County
If you live in or around St. Clair County, Illinois, chances are you know these folks. You may have crossed paths with John J. O'Gara, Jr. at your child's sporting event or talked with James A. Gomric at the annual Belleville Chili Cook-off. After all, they are both lifelong residents of the St. Clair County area.
But while you may see these two familiar men on any given day in southern Illinois, what you may not recognize is that they comprise one of the most powerful, effective, and compassionate criminal defense firms the state has to offer.
Serious legal help for serious accusations.
O'Gara & Gomric represents people facing all sorts of criminal charges. But one of their specialties is handling cases of a more serious nature. Their ability as trial lawyers is second to none. If you are up against charges that pose significant threats to your future, seek legal counsel immediately. The firm handles personal injury cases as well.
The attorneys at O'Gara & Gomric bring their experience and dedication to every case. Persistence, compassion, and understanding are part of why the firm is so successful. By maintaining a small and intimate base of clients, each case is given the time and consideration it deserves.
Types of cases O'Gara & Gomric have successfully litigated include:
-Murder
-White-collar Crime
-Sex Crimes
-Drug Crimes
-DUI
-Reckless Homicide
-Domestic Violence
-Traffic Violations
-Securities Fraud
-Wrongful death
-Slip and fall
From resolving criminal cases that make local and national news, to quietly and confidentially settling seven-figure personal injury cases, O'Gara & Gomric is committed to achieving the best possible results for its clients. Contact the firm for a consultation today.
Main Office
6 E. Washington St.
Belleville, IL 62220
618-234-2788
State Criminal Defense
Illinois state offenses are often categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. If you are investigated or charged with a crime, you should contact appropriate legal representation immediately. O'Gara & Gomric, P.C. are experienced criminal defense lawyers, ready to offer you the best defense possible.
State criminal offenses span a broad range of severity and include:
Drug violations
DUI
Theft
Aggravated battery/Assault
Murder and manslaughter
Unlawful weapons charge
Sex crimes
Domestic violence
Drug Violations
These include the possession of controlled substances and other precursor chemicals used in drug cultivation and manufacturing, along with certain accessories related to drug use. Violations encompass growing, producing, and manufacturing illegal and controlled substances. Drug distribution and trafficking laws also penalize the transportation, selling, and illegal import of these unlawful substances.
DUI
If you are pulled over and your BAC is 0.08 or more, the officer will immediately suspend your license for 180 days. You will be given a receipt that allows you to continue driving following your arrest. This gives you time to fight the arrest and suspension. On the 46th day after your arrest, the suspension snaps into effect.
The best thing you can do if you have been arrested for a DUI is to seek strong legal counsel. Do not let one slip up lead to another. Get the best legal help you can and get your life back on track. Call O'Gara & Gomric. We can help.
Theft
Theft is defined as taking anything of value without the consent of the owner. Robbery, personally taking the possessions of another, is the most serious of all theft offenses. You may receive a long prison sentence if convicted of robbery. Having strong legal representation can help you challenge proofs against you and may result in a lesser sentence.
Assault/Aggravated battery
Assault is charged when a person acts in a threatening manner, puts another in fear of immediate harm, or physically strikes or tries to strike another person.
A violent crime can result in serious punishments including a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Things that will be taken into account include:
The extent of the victim's injuries
Whether or not guns or weapons were used
Whether or not the accused has a previous criminal record
A qualified attorney can help you minimize the penalties and present your case in the most favorable light.
Murder and manslaughter
First Degree: The unlawful killing of another that can be intentional, knowing or have a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.
Second Degree: A killing not planned ahead of time or committed in the heat of passion.
Involuntary Manslaughter: An unintentional killing resulting from recklessness or criminal negligence.
The most serious of all felonies, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel if you are being charged with murder or manslaughter. Only with exceptional legal representation may your charges be resolved in the most favorable way possible.
Unlawful Weapons Charges
These charges result from things like carrying handguns without permits, or illegal knives or clubs. Additionally, explosive devices, machine guns, short-barreled firearms, and switchblades will likely result in an unlawful weapons charge.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes can range from misdemeanor offenses to very serious felony offenses. These allegations can result in lengthy prison terms, lifetime registration as a sexual offender and other life changing ramifications. Sex crimes can include indecent exposure, prostitution, possession and distribution of child pornography, criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault.
An experienced attorney will compose a thorough defense by often working with veteran investigators to consult key witnesses and often find records revealing a history of dishonesty or a motive to lie regarding the accuser. Medical records are thoroughly reviewed and medical experts and DNA experts are also often consulted. O'Gara and Gomric has handled numerous allegations of sex crimes, including a number of jury trials throughout Illinois. We have been featured as a lecturer at a legal seminar on how to defend these types of matters, and the lawyers are familiar with the knowledge and efforts needed to defend sex crime cases.
Domestic Violence
Referring to physical harm inflicted on one member of a household or family by another member of the same household or family.
If you have already made one mistake, do not make another. In all these examples of state criminal offenses, one thing remains constant: the need for exceptional legal representation. Contact O'Gara & Gomric, P.C. today for a free consultation.
John J. O'Gara, Jr. founded the firm as a sole practitioner in 1997. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1961, he grew up in Caseyville and attended Althoff Catholic High School. Following graduation, he attended Quincy College where he earned his B.A. in 1983. In 1987, St. Louis University awarded him his J.D. and his legal career was off and running.
Mr. O'Gara served as Assistant Public Defender from 1987 to 1989 and Public Defender from 1989 to 1991 in Knox County. Later in 1991 began serving as Assistant Public Defender in St. Clair County, which he continued until 1994.
Mr. O'Gara has focused his practice on the following types of law:
-State and federal criminal defense
-Personal injury
-Capital offenses
-Felonies
-Misdemeanors
-Driving under the influence
-Reckless homicide
-Traffic violations
-Automobile accidents and injuries
-White-collar crime
He is an active member in the legal community, a past President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, past President of the St. Clair County Bar Association, member of the Illinois State Bar Association Criminal Justice Council.
Memberships:
Lead Counsel, Capital Litigation Trial Bar, Illinois
Chairman, Capital Litigation Trial Bar Screening Committee 1st and 20th Judicial Circuits, Illinois.
St. Clair County Bar Association (Member, Board of Directors, 1998-2000, Vice President 2005-2006, President 2006-2007)
Illinois State (Member, Special Committee on Public Defenders Appointment Standard, 1996-1999; Member, Criminal Justice Committee 2008)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
John J. O'Gara, Jr. founded the firm as a sole practitioner in 1997. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1961, he grew up in Caseyville and attended Althoff Catholic High School. Following graduation, he attended Quincy College where he earned his B.A. in 1983. In 1987, St. Louis University awarded him his J.D. and his legal career was off and running.
Mr. O'Gara served as Assistant Public Defender from 1987 to 1989 and Public Defender from 1989 to 1991 in Knox County. Later in 1991 began serving as Assistant Public Defender in St. Clair County, which he continued until 1994.
Mr. O'Gara has focused his practice on the following types of law:
-State and federal criminal defense
-Personal injury
-Capital offenses
-Felonies
-Misdemeanors
-Driving under the influence
-Reckless homicide
-Traffic violations
-Automobile accidents and injuries
-White-collar crime
He is an active member in the legal community, a past President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, past President of the St. Clair County Bar Association, member of the Illinois State Bar Association Criminal Justice Council.
Memberships:
Lead Counsel, Capital Litigation Trial Bar, Illinois
Chairman, Capital Litigation Trial Bar Screening Committee 1st and 20th Judicial Circuits, Illinois.
St. Clair County Bar Association (Member, Board of Directors, 1998-2000, Vice President 2005-2006, President 2006-2007)
Illinois State (Member, Special Committee on Public Defenders Appointment Standard, 1996-1999; Member, Criminal Justice Committee 2008)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Familiar faces from St. Clair County
If you live in or around St. Clair County, Illinois, chances are you know these folks. You may have crossed paths with John J. O'Gara, Jr. at your child's sporting event or talked with James A. Gomric at the annual Belleville Chili Cook-off. After all, they are both lifelong residents of the St. Clair County area.
But while you may see these two familiar men on any given day in southern Illinois, what you may not recognize is that they comprise one of the most powerful, effective, and compassionate criminal defense firms the state has to offer.
Serious legal help for serious accusations.
O'Gara & Gomric represents people facing all sorts of criminal charges. But one of their specialties is handling cases of a more serious nature. Their ability as trial lawyers is second to none. If you are up against charges that pose significant threats to your future, seek legal counsel immediately. The firm handles personal injury cases as well.
The attorneys at O'Gara & Gomric bring their experience and dedication to every case. Persistence, compassion, and understanding are part of why the firm is so successful. By maintaining a small and intimate base of clients, each case is given the time and consideration it deserves.
Types of cases O'Gara & Gomric have successfully litigated include:
-Murder
-White-collar Crime
-Sex Crimes
-Drug Crimes
-DUI
-Reckless Homicide
-Domestic Violence
-Traffic Violations
-Securities Fraud
-Wrongful death
-Slip and fall
From resolving criminal cases that make local and national news, to quietly and confidentially settling seven-figure personal injury cases, O'Gara & Gomric is committed to achieving the best possible results for its clients. Contact the firm for a consultation today.
Main Office
6 E. Washington St.
Belleville, IL 62220
618-234-2788
State Criminal Defense
Illinois state offenses are often categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. If you are investigated or charged with a crime, you should contact appropriate legal representation immediately. O'Gara & Gomric, P.C. are experienced criminal defense lawyers, ready to offer you the best defense possible.
State criminal offenses span a broad range of severity and include:
Drug violations
DUI
Theft
Aggravated battery/Assault
Murder and manslaughter
Unlawful weapons charge
Sex crimes
Domestic violence
Drug Violations
These include the possession of controlled substances and other precursor chemicals used in drug cultivation and manufacturing, along with certain accessories related to drug use. Violations encompass growing, producing, and manufacturing illegal and controlled substances. Drug distribution and trafficking laws also penalize the transportation, selling, and illegal import of these unlawful substances.
DUI
If you are pulled over and your BAC is 0.08 or more, the officer will immediately suspend your license for 180 days. You will be given a receipt that allows you to continue driving following your arrest. This gives you time to fight the arrest and suspension. On the 46th day after your arrest, the suspension snaps into effect.
The best thing you can do if you have been arrested for a DUI is to seek strong legal counsel. Do not let one slip up lead to another. Get the best legal help you can and get your life back on track. Call O'Gara & Gomric. We can help.
Theft
Theft is defined as taking anything of value without the consent of the owner. Robbery, personally taking the possessions of another, is the most serious of all theft offenses. You may receive a long prison sentence if convicted of robbery. Having strong legal representation can help you challenge proofs against you and may result in a lesser sentence.
Assault/Aggravated battery
Assault is charged when a person acts in a threatening manner, puts another in fear of immediate harm, or physically strikes or tries to strike another person.
A violent crime can result in serious punishments including a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Things that will be taken into account include:
The extent of the victim's injuries
Whether or not guns or weapons were used
Whether or not the accused has a previous criminal record
A qualified attorney can help you minimize the penalties and present your case in the most favorable light.
Murder and manslaughter
First Degree: The unlawful killing of another that can be intentional, knowing or have a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.
Second Degree: A killing not planned ahead of time or committed in the heat of passion.
Involuntary Manslaughter: An unintentional killing resulting from recklessness or criminal negligence.
The most serious of all felonies, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel if you are being charged with murder or manslaughter. Only with exceptional legal representation may your charges be resolved in the most favorable way possible.
Unlawful Weapons Charges
These charges result from things like carrying handguns without permits, or illegal knives or clubs. Additionally, explosive devices, machine guns, short-barreled firearms, and switchblades will likely result in an unlawful weapons charge.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes can range from misdemeanor offenses to very serious felony offenses. These allegations can result in lengthy prison terms, lifetime registration as a sexual offender and other life changing ramifications. Sex crimes can include indecent exposure, prostitution, possession and distribution of child pornography, criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, aggravated criminal sexual assault and predatory criminal sexual assault.
An experienced attorney will compose a thorough defense by often working with veteran investigators to consult key witnesses and often find records revealing a history of dishonesty or a motive to lie regarding the accuser. Medical records are thoroughly reviewed and medical experts and DNA experts are also often consulted. O'Gara and Gomric has handled numerous allegations of sex crimes, including a number of jury trials throughout Illinois. We have been featured as a lecturer at a legal seminar on how to defend these types of matters, and the lawyers are familiar with the knowledge and efforts needed to defend sex crime cases.
Domestic Violence
Referring to physical harm inflicted on one member of a household or family by another member of the same household or family.
If you have already made one mistake, do not make another. In all these examples of state criminal offenses, one thing remains constant: the need for exceptional legal representation. Contact O'Gara & Gomric, P.C. today for a free consultation.
John J. O'Gara, Jr. founded the firm as a sole practitioner in 1997. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1961, he grew up in Caseyville and attended Althoff Catholic High School. Following graduation, he attended Quincy College where he earned his B.A. in 1983. In 1987, St. Louis University awarded him his J.D. and his legal career was off and running.
Mr. O'Gara served as Assistant Public Defender from 1987 to 1989 and Public Defender from 1989 to 1991 in Knox County. Later in 1991 began serving as Assistant Public Defender in St. Clair County, which he continued until 1994.
Mr. O'Gara has focused his practice on the following types of law:
-State and federal criminal defense
-Personal injury
-Capital offenses
-Felonies
-Misdemeanors
-Driving under the influence
-Reckless homicide
-Traffic violations
-Automobile accidents and injuries
-White-collar crime
He is an active member in the legal community, a past President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, past President of the St. Clair County Bar Association, member of the Illinois State Bar Association Criminal Justice Council.
Memberships:
Lead Counsel, Capital Litigation Trial Bar, Illinois
Chairman, Capital Litigation Trial Bar Screening Committee 1st and 20th Judicial Circuits, Illinois.
St. Clair County Bar Association (Member, Board of Directors, 1998-2000, Vice President 2005-2006, President 2006-2007)
Illinois State (Member, Special Committee on Public Defenders Appointment Standard, 1996-1999; Member, Criminal Justice Committee 2008)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
John J. O'Gara, Jr. founded the firm as a sole practitioner in 1997. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1961, he grew up in Caseyville and attended Althoff Catholic High School. Following graduation, he attended Quincy College where he earned his B.A. in 1983. In 1987, St. Louis University awarded him his J.D. and his legal career was off and running.
Mr. O'Gara served as Assistant Public Defender from 1987 to 1989 and Public Defender from 1989 to 1991 in Knox County. Later in 1991 began serving as Assistant Public Defender in St. Clair County, which he continued until 1994.
Mr. O'Gara has focused his practice on the following types of law:
-State and federal criminal defense
-Personal injury
-Capital offenses
-Felonies
-Misdemeanors
-Driving under the influence
-Reckless homicide
-Traffic violations
-Automobile accidents and injuries
-White-collar crime
He is an active member in the legal community, a past President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, past President of the St. Clair County Bar Association, member of the Illinois State Bar Association Criminal Justice Council.
Memberships:
Lead Counsel, Capital Litigation Trial Bar, Illinois
Chairman, Capital Litigation Trial Bar Screening Committee 1st and 20th Judicial Circuits, Illinois.
St. Clair County Bar Association (Member, Board of Directors, 1998-2000, Vice President 2005-2006, President 2006-2007)
Illinois State (Member, Special Committee on Public Defenders Appointment Standard, 1996-1999; Member, Criminal Justice Committee 2008)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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