This is the first post in a series which will discuss common issues and questions which arise in regard to Peoria, Illinois misdemeanor charges. I have decided to address this topic as many who are charged with a non-felony are unsure as to how severe their charges are. Unfortunately, this can result in such a defendant not knowing how to move forward. I will be writing this series, therefore, with the goal of providing information which will help individuals to better understand their situation. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a criminal defense attorney. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
I will be addressing a number of topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will analyze include:
- Dealing with a Class “A” misdemeanor in Illinois
- Defending against a Class “B” misdemeanor
- What to expect when charged with a Class “C” misdemeanor
- Addressing the common question of “do first time misdemeanor offenders go to jail?”
There are several reasons why I have chosen to address these topics. First, the types of offenses, which fall within a class, can vary. This means that the nature of the defense will depend on the nature of the charges. Class A misdemeanors, for example, can include crimes of violence such as battery or domestic violence. As conduct becomes less severe in nature, the level of charges will decrease. By understanding the type of conduct, and potential issues, which fall within each “class,” you can gain a better understanding of your situation. Second, it is not uncommon for people to be unclear as to whether they face incarceration for a non-felony. The fact of the matter, however, is that any misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time. Retaining an attorney to assist you can help you to understand what to expect from the process.
One point I cannot stress enough is that you should contact a lawyer immediately if you are facing criminal charges. A conviction will have a serious impact on your future. By retaining counsel, you help to ensure that your interests are protected. I am a Peoria criminal defense attorney who devotes his practice to assisting the accused. I understand that this is a serious time in your life and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an appointment. My office also represents clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.