Illinois: Criminal Defense lawyers

There are certain rights that are protected under the law when an individual is placed under arrest. Though rights may vary across states, some fundamental rights include:

• You have the right to remain silent
• You have the right to an attorney
• You have the right to be informed of charges against you
• You have the right to know the identity of the arresting officers
• You have the right against unlawful search and seizures
• You have the right to be treated humanely

After an individual has been arrested, they are taken to be booked or processed. Generally, a police officer will:

• Record vital information
• Take mug shots
• Confiscate private property and clothing
• Collect fingerprints
• Conduct full body search
• Check for warrants

Following this process, a suspect will be placed in a secure location to await trial or the posting of bail.

Yes. Although arrestees cannot be held without formal charges for an unreasonable amount of time, the Constitution does not specify what this time is. Because these limits are not established in the Constitution, they are typically set by the states. Generally, if you are placed in police custody, your right for a speedy trial typically requires the prosecutor to decide charges within 72 hours.

Yes. When law enforcement has a reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime, they can take that person into custody. Police cannot base an arrest on a hunch or a guess, they must have an objectively reasonable basis for their belief, based on facts and circumstances. Probable cause for arrest exists when facts and circumstances known by the police officer would lead a reasonable person to believe that the suspect has committed, is committing, or is attempting to commit a crime.

Anyone who is aiming to file a lawsuit or who must defend themselves against a lawsuit (civil) or criminal allegations should find an Illinois lawyer who has experience in the type of case they’re facing. Whether you reside in Illinois or any other state, the rule of law (and the complexity thereof) makes it preferable in most situations to have an attorney to represent your interests in civil or criminal court rather than representing yourself.

Defendants in the Illinois court system — or those facing federal charges for felonies, particularly — will most likely see better results with proper legal counsel. Criminal convictions can result in lengthy jail or prison sentences, as well as the creation of a permanent criminal record for first-time offenders. A skilled lawyer can help you craft the best defense possible, improving your chances of acquittal — and if the prosecution is willing to negotiate rather than go to trial, an attorney can help you get the best deal possible.

If you are seeking restitution, you should consider consulting a lawyer for both civil and criminal court. Whether the defendant is the state or an individual, attorneys working as prosecutors can use a body of provided evidence such as physical evidence, eyewitness accounts, digital communications or surveillance, to create a compelling argument in your favor

In almost all instances, representing yourself in a court of law is not recommended, particularly if the consequences of a conviction (or a failure to successfully prosecute) are significant. Attorneys are often called upon to act as experts, and their expertise can often be invaluable.

To find an Illinois lawyer, you will want to consider both budget and reputation. It is important to find a lawyer that is within your financial reach but also has strong legal experience and a track record of established success.

Extensive research is also important when selecting a lawyer to represent your best interests. You can check the Illinois State Bar Association to research potential candidates.

Before hiring a lawyer, it’s important to cross-reference results in web searches, to ensure consistent and reliable information. Including checking through prominent cases, social media profiles, local or state media coverage and going directly to the attorney or firm’s website.

In Illinois, a general estimate of the per-hour cost for a lawyer can range from about $130 to $400 per hour, depending on location, expertise and the complexity of the case in question.

In some cases, attorneys may opt to offer clients a flat-rate fee instead of a per-hour fee. This typically arises in criminal defense law as well as certain divorce court proceedings. A fee for a misdemeanor defense is usually far less than the flat fee for a felony defense. Representation on issues related to juvenile offenses and traffic offenses may cost you less than the representation on situations involving corporate law or bankruptcies.

Finally, certain lawyers, such as personal injury lawyers, typically offer clients representation based on contingency. If you win a settlement from such a case, such as slipping and falling at a business establishment and incurring a serious injury, your personal injury lawyer will retain a percentage of your total settlement, rather than charging you any per-hour or flat-rate fees.

If you cannot afford representation in a legal matter, legal aid may be an option to consider.

While an Illinois lawyer can take on cases of any sort, the most common criminal cases in Illinois involve simple assault or aggravated assault, sexual assault, violations of the Controlled Substances Act, burglary (business and residential), driving while under the influence (DUI) and severe violent crime such as homicide and armed robbery.

Illinois lawyers are also typically called upon to represent parties in marital disputes leading to divorce or separation, the custody battles common to such cases, and other civil proceedings.