- GuardianshipAt Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel, we are ready and able to advise those who have accepted, or have been selected, to serve as an executor or guardian. We take time to meet with our clients and obtain a detailed understanding of their particular situation. We ensure that our clients understand the laws and regulations that affect their position, and then we help them complete the tasks that are set out for them. We understand that time and financial pressures can arise during a guardianship or an administration of an estate, and we strive to find time- and cost-effective plans for our clients.
- Criminal DefenseIf there is evidence in your case that the police obtained through a search warrant, the criminal defense lawyers at Gates Wise Schlosser and Goebel will leave no stone unturned to determine if the search warrant was valid and whether the police properly executed the search warrant.
- DUI/DWIIllinois’ DUI and driver’s license reinstatement laws are tough. In fact, Illinois has some of the toughest laws in the country. The laws are very strict, very detailed, and very confusing. Moreover, the laws are constantly changing, and sometimes it seems that the system is designed so that you will fail.
- Wrongful Death
- Traffic ViolationsIf you have been charged with a federal or state criminal offense, were placed under arrest, were issued a traffic citation or notice of ordinance violation, or simply believe that you may be under investigation, Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel can help. We understand the anxiety, questions and fears that can accompany any criminal charge, and the potential hardship that criminal convictions can bring now and in the future. We pride ourselves on being zealous and understanding advocates for those facing prosecution. Our training and experience allows us to handle the full spectrum of state and federal court criminal matters, from minor traffic violations to murder charges to complex "white collar" prosecutions. Our office includes a former president of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and two members of the Illinois Capital Litigation Trial Bar.
- Sex Crimes"DCFS Code of Ethics Proves to be a Boon for Father Accused of Sexual Assault and a Bane for the Prosecution", Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice Newsletter, Winter/Spring, 1999
- BurglaryMr. Schlosser concentrates his criminal law practice in representing defendants in federal and state court charged with traffic, misdemeanor and felony offenses, including DUI, Aggravated DUI, arson, reckless homicide, murder, burglary, drug offenses, fraud and other white collar crimes.
- White Collar CrimesDriving Under the Influence (DUI) • Drug Charges • White Collar Crimes • Violent Crimes • Sexual Offenses • Traffic Citations • Ordinance Violations • Felonies • Misdemeanors • Expungements • Pardons •
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsPeer selected as a Leading Lawyer in the areas of: Criminal Defense Law: Felonies and Misdemeanors; Criminal Defense Law: DUI; Criminal Defense Law: White Collar
- Drug Crimes
- Assault
- MurderOur client was charged with killing his own child. The State called an expert witness who testified that the baby's injuries were caused by being shaken. The police claimed that our client confessed. We had different experts review the State's evidence and they testified on behalf of our client. The jury issued a verdict in our client's favor: Not Guilty.
- HomicideWe have successfully defended hundreds of other cases, from homicide charges on down. Most cases do not go to trial. Many of our cases have resulted in dismissals because we were able to have the evidence against our clients thrown out prior to trial. In many others, we were able to work out very favorable plea bargains for our clients.
- ArsonPeter Wise is a founding partner of Gates, Wise & Schlosser, P.C. of Springfield, Illinois. For more than thirty years Peter has successfully defended persons accused of all manner of federal and state criminal offenses, including: white collar crimes; possession and distribution of narcotics; capital first degree murder; vehicular homicide; crimes of violence; sex offenses; counterfeiting; domestic battery; and arson. Peter is a past president of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Previously he has served as a faculty member for the Illinois State Public Defender trial advocacy program.
- ManslaughterThe prosecution had sought a first-degree murder conviction that would have carried a minimum prison term of 20 years. Our client admitted that he had killed his wife, but we argued that he should only be guilty of involuntary manslaughter, not first degree murder. The jury agreed. On the count charging First Degree Murder, the Verdict: Not Guilty.
- Corporate Law
- Business DisputesWhile we never shy away from litigation, we also recognize the economic realities of business disputes. We know our clients would rather concentrate on running their business instead of dealing with litigation. So, we start every case with an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of our position and of the potential for mediation and negotiated resolution. We have found that there is no substitute for a well prepared, aggressive, but dispassionate advocate when the time comes to make a deal. Indeed, some of our biggest "wins" have been at the negotiating table.
- Business TransactionsContracts and Commercial Transactions • Commercial Litigation • Creation of Business Entities • Partnership Formation and Dissolution • Sale or Purchase of Business • Partnership Disputes • Non-Competition Agreements • Construction Contracts • Construction Disputes • Vendor Disputes • Employer/Employee Relations and Disputes •
- Limited Liability CompaniesA husband and wife had built a successful business, however, to grow the business, they needed to hire additional staff and purchase expensive equipment. It was clear that it was time to move past the "mom and pop" structure. We met with the owners, gathered details about their business operation and learned their vision for the future. We discussed partnerships, sub-s corporations, sub-c corporations, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships. Based on our more than 30 years of experience in this area, we suggested a straightforward sub-s corporation. We then prepared and filed the proper paperwork, drafted the corporate by-laws, issued the stock and handled the transfer of assets into the corporation. But we did not stop there. We also taught this couple how to maintain the corporation and its records so that they no longer needed a lawyer for these tasks. More importantly, they could then focus on what they did best - run their business.
- Construction Contracts
- Wrongful TerminationEmployment Contracts • Employment Discrimination • Employee Grievances & Arbitration • Family & Medical Leave Act • Fair Labor Standards Act • Unfair Labor Practices • Internal Investigations • Wrongful Discharge • Unpaid Wages • Unemployment Compensation • Non-Compete Agreements •
- Employment DiscriminationThe sometimes confusing interplay which exists between the various state and federal employment laws can be shown in the case of a State of Illinois employee who believes they were wrongfully fired. That employee may have several options available to them should they wish to challenge their discharge. For example, if the employee falls within the jurisdiction of an administrative agency such as the Illinois Civil Service Commission or the Illinois Secretary of State’s Merit Commission, the employee may file an appeal with the appropriate administrative agency which will result in the agency convening a hearing to determine whether "just cause" for the employee’s discharge exists. If the employee is a union employee, they may ask their union to file a grievance on their behalf alleging that they were discharged in violation of the provisions of their union’s collective bargaining agreement. Or, if the employee feels their discharge was the product of illegal employment discrimination, they may file a charge of discrimination with an appropriate administrative agency as a precursor to filing suit in court. Each of those options have different deadlines which must be met and steps which must be satisfied. Equally important, the remedies available under the various options differ and choosing one option may preclude the employee from obtaining a remedy which is available under one of the other options. At Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel, we can, and will, explain the benefits and potential pitfalls of each option based upon the facts of each case and assist our clients in choosing the option which presents them with the best likelihood of success.
- Employment ContractOn the other side of the coin, a client in the retail business retained us to draft their employment agreements. They wanted non-compete agreements for the senior staff. Since we had previously litigated the enforceability of such agreements, we were able to prepare agreements that would stand up to a legal challenge.
- Employment LitigationOur expertise allows us to skillfully represent both employers and employees in litigation. We have assisted clients with investigations undertaken by state or federal agencies. We have also successfully represented employees who have been wrongfully discriminated, disciplined, or discharged by employers. Our experience allows us to be aggressive advocates for our clients before administrative boards and commissions, as well as state and federal courts.
- Non-compete AgreementOur client hired a salesman who had previously worked for a competing company. The competition filed suit against this employee and against our client asserting that the salesman was barred from working for our client due to a non-compete agreement. As we had litigated many non-compete cases in the past, we were very aware of recent Supreme Court rulings that suggested that the agreement was unenforceable under Illinois law. We assembled the necessary witnesses, documents, letters and records, as well as the detailed information regarding this particular industry. The court dismissed the lawsuit, finding the non-compete to be void. (As a side note, the competition of our client ended up retaining us as their lawyer for its general business transactions).
- Real Estate LitigationPeer selected as a Leading Lawyer in the areas of: Closely and Privately Held Business Law, Commercial Litigation, Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law, Real Estate Law, Commercial Bankruptcy, Workout Law and Commercial Law.
- Premises LiabilityWrongful Death • Car Accidents • Truck Accidents • Motorcycle Accidents • Construction Accidents • Dramshop • Premises Liability • Dog Bites • Civil Rights •
- Construction LitigationA family contracted with a builder to construct their dream home. The family discovered serious defects in the construction methods. The contractor took the position that the methods followed were proper and the defects were within acceptable ranges. We were hired by the family. Since we have represented reputable builders for 30 years, we were able to grasp the technical issues and we had access to qualified experts to testify as to the defects. We attempted to settle this case but the builder was unwilling to acknowledge the faults in the work. We tried the case and the court entered a judgment against the builder for all damages suffered by our client.
- Real Estate TransactionsThe laws and rules affecting real estate transactions are some of the most complex, pervasive, and far-reaching around. They can also control some of the most important assets that an individual or entity can possess. Unfamiliarity with real estate laws can have a long lasting impact on you or your business. At Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel, we have successfully assisted diverse clients, from individual home sellers to large corporations, with a wide variety of real estate issues. We are eager to put our knowledge and expertise to work for you.
- Eminent DomainSales and Purchases • Residential and Commercial Leases • Zoning Laws • Mortgages and Foreclosures • Easements and Restrictive Covenants • Eminent Domain • Boundary Issues • Defective Construction • Termite and Mold • Miscellaneous Claims • Forcible Entry and Detainer •
- Easement
- Land Use and ZoningGordon has extensive experience and has enjoyed considerable success in representing local, regional and national businesses, and their owners, in all manner of commercial transactions and disputes. His work also involves representing individuals and businesses in real estate transactions and litigation. Those matters include zoning and land use, boundary disputes, nuisances, construction contracts and defaults, and commercial leases.
- Landlord-Tenant Disputes
- Personal InjuryAt Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel, we generally take personal injury cases on a contingency basis. That means that if we are not able to obtain compensation for your injuries, you do not have to pay our attorneys’ fees.
- Auto Accidents
- Dog BitesMr. Schlosser concentrates his civil law practice in representing individuals and their families against insurance companies, medical providers, businesses and individuals for serious personal injuries or death caused by the intentional or careless conduct others, including trucking accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, nursing home neglect and wrongful death claims.
- Estate PlanningDisputes concerning an individual's treatment of a loved one, or their assets, can become personal and heated. An administrator or guardian can neglect or disregard their responsibilities, which can cause additional harm or conflict. We provide committed and zealous representation for our clients, and are not afraid to stand up in court to protect our clients' interests. Unlike many law firms who concentrate their practice in wills and estate planning, we have experience in cases where things have gone awry and we have the litigation skills to fight for our clients rights in the courtroom. We have successfully defended contested wills and have tried cases where a fraudulent will was presented in an attempt to deny our clients’ their rightful inheritance. Lawsuits regarding the wrongful conduct of executors and trustees have become a particular area of expertise at Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel. In all probate litigations, a willingness in getting to know our clients and family on personal basis is often a key to success.
- WillsIn addition to his commercial and real estate practice, Gordon represents clients in the probate of estates and guardianships, will contests, trust disputes and the drafting of wills and trusts.
- Trusts
- Power of AttorneyShould a client have an existing will or other document, such as a power of attorney, we can help explain the effects that those papers have. Where appropriate, we are eager to assist our clients change or update their planning documents to ensure that our client's wishes are properly carried out.
- Probate
- Bankruptcy
- ForeclosureCollections • Chapter 7 Liquidation • Chapter 11 Reorganization • Tax Liens • Mechanic’s Liens • Mortgages • Repossessions • Foreclosures • Secured Transactions • Uniform Commercial Code •