This is the next article in my series on Class 2 felony charges in our area. My last article discussed what to expect in a first-offense Class 2 felony case. I addressed that topic as many individuals are surprised by the process and potential consequences if it is their first interaction with the criminal justice system. Retaining an attorney is one of the most important steps one can take. In this article, I will be discussing why it can be common for a defendant to face multiple counts for what seems like a single event. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria criminal defense lawyer.
Individuals may be surprised when, after having been arrested, they face a long list of criminal charges as a result of what seems like one event. This surprise is understandable. The long list of charges occurs, however, as a result of the prosecution “stacking” one charge on top of another. This can result in multiple accounts and the defendant having to defend each of them. If convicted, an individual’s record would then show a long list of convictions even though they may have only been arrested once. In addition to facing incarceration, such a defendant would have many difficulties going forward due to such a large blemish on their permanent record.
The foregoing is best explained by way of example. Suppose Joe enters a gun shop with a fake identification for the purpose of attempting to illegally purchase a firearm. Joe intends to pay for the gun with a stolen credit card, the name on which is matched by his fake ID. Joe is arrested. He is likely to face Class 2 felony charges for attempting to illegally purchase a firearm. He will also likely face burglary charges as he entered the gun store with the intention of committing a crime while inside. Additionally, Joe will face charges for the use of a stolen credit card and the use of a fake ID. If convicted, he may face consecutive sentences. The charges brought for any particular matter is, to an extent, within the discretion of the prosecutor and will always depend on the facts of the case.
How to defend a matter will always depend on the facts of the situation. If there are multiple charges stacked on top of one another then, depending on the circumstances, the presence of search and seizure issues may result in a dismissal of all charges. Such a defense, or other defenses, may only apply to a particular count in certain situations. Your attorney will analyze the facts of the case and advise you on the best path forward.
If you or a family member have been arrested and charged with a felony, then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria criminal defense lawyer. I have extensive experience in handling Class 2 cases and my office believes that everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense. I pride myself on providing a high level of service and I look forward to being of assistance. We also serve clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington and the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. Additional areas where we handle federal cases include Benton, Chicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Urbana.