This article is being written to conclude and recap my series on defending against Class “3” felony charges in Peoria and other Illinois areas. I felt it was important to write on this topic as many individuals are unsure as to how they should proceed if they or a loved one have been arrested. This is especially true if it is someone’s first interaction with the criminal justice system. I wrote my recent articles, therefore, with the goal of providing information which will help people know what to expect from the process. It has also been my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I addressed several topics over my recent articles. Issues which I analyzed included:
- Addressing the question of “what is a Class 3 felony?”
- The question of “can I go to jail for a Class 3 felony?”
- Examples of Class “3” charges
- Common defenses in such cases
- What to expect after charges are filed
I addressed these particular topics for multiple reasons. First, it is always important to understand the types of offenses which fall into a particular class of charges as well as the potential consequences. Second, the answer as to whether one can be incarcerated for any felony charge is “yes.” Class “3” charges, however, are generally probationable.Third, how to best defend against a criminal charge will always depend on the specific facts of a case. Some matters, such as those involving drugs, may raise search and seizure issues. Others, especially those involving violence, may involve claims of self-defense. The best strategy for defending any matter will be determined by your attorney. Fourth, knowing what to expect after an arrest is important to ensuring that the case goes as smoothly as possible.
An important point I stressed in each of these matters is that one should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after they or a loved one have been arrested. The sooner you contact counsel then the sooner they can start to build a defense on your behalf. This building of a defense can include visiting the scene of an incident, interviewing witnesses, obtaining relevant evidence, and more.
I am a Peoria criminal defense lawyer and a former prosecutor. I am familiar with the workings of our local court system and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. We believe that everyone is entitled to both effective representation and respect. We look forward to speaking with you. In addition to Peoria, I also serve the cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. I serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Shuyler, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.