CHICAGO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

ILLINOIS CRIMINAL LAW

Following criminal arrest in Illinois, an individual is generally charged in one of the two possible classes of crime. Felony charges are more serious in nature and can carry a possible jail time of over a year. Misdemeanor offenses are less severe and can carry a possible jail sentence of one year or less. If you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor crime, chances are the judge will tell you that you need to get a lawyer. In many cases a competent attorney will be able to have your charges reduced and possible jail time often eliminated. If you live in Chicago or near suburbs and need to talk to a criminal defense attorney regarding your case, contact us today. For a free confidential consultation and an evaluation of your case fill out the form to the left or dial the toll free number above.

FELONY IN ILLINOIS

If you are arrested in Illinois, the police officer must contact a local Assistant State’s Attorney in order to charge you with a felony. Police agencies do not have the power to charge the arrested individual with a felony crime. This inherent power lies strictly within the sole discretion of the State Attorney’s Office. Every county in Illinois will have a State Attorney on duty 24 hours a day seven days a week, who will determine whether or not felony charges should be brought against the offender. This process is called Felony Review. If the determination is made by Assistant State’s Attorney to charge you with a felony, you will be detained until a bond hearing is held, usually 24 hours following the arrest. In some instances the State Attorney may decide not to charge you with a felony. If State Attorney decides not to press felony charges, the police may still charge you with a misdemeanor crime. If charged with a felony, you have the right to have your lawyer present at the bond hearing to ensure a reasonable bond is set. After the judge sets your bond you must appear in court every time with your attorney. Your failure to come to court will jeopardize your criminal case and your bond may be revoked. If you have been charged with a felony, live in Chicago or near by suburbs and would like to talk to a criminal defense lawyer regarding your case, call us today. 

MISDEMEANOR IN ILLINOIS

If you are charged with a misdemeanor offense in Illinois, the police may allow you to post bond or release you on your own recognizance without going before a judge. Being released on your own recognizance is also known as an I-bond.  This process is done without having any involvement from the local State’s Attorney and felony review department is never contacted by the arresting officer. The police officer will usually write you a ticket and will tell you that you have to appear in court on a given date. You might have to post a small bond, but will generally be released within 24 hours following your arrest. When going to court for the first time, it is always a good idea to have a lawyer present to advocate on your behalf. On the first court date your criminal defense lawyer will make appropriate motions. Discovery surrounding your arrest will be tendered to your attorney. If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor offense, live in Chicago or near by suburbs and would like to contact my law firm regarding your case, give me a call today.