This is the first post in a series which will discuss the handling of computer related “cyber” crimes in Peoria, Illinois. I am writing on this issue due to the fact that many defendants, or their loved one, may not recognize the serious nature of such charges. Depending on the nature of the offense, an accused individual may be facing a lengthy prison sentence. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people to better understand their options. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a criminal defense attorney. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. The issues which I will analyze include:
- Defending against computer related charges brought by the federal government
- How search & seizure issues impact such cases
- The possible need for expert witnesses
- Defending against charges at trial
There are multiple reasons why I have chosen to address these topics. First, if you are facing charges in Federal Court, then you are being prosecuted by the United States government. This means that your case will be governed by a different set of laws and procedures than the matters charged by the state of Illinois. Second, it is not uncommon for law enforcement officials to violate a defendant’s rights when collecting evidence from a smartphone or computer. Such a violation can, under certain circumstances, lead to a dismissal of the charges. Third, in highly complex cases, it is may be necessary to retain an expert witness to explain the matter’s technical aspects to a jury. Finally, knowing what to expect from the trial process can help to ensure that things will go smoothly.
One point I cannot stress enough is that you should retain an experienced lawyer to assist you with such matters. These types of cases can involve complicated issues of fact and law. Properly presenting the facts of the matter to the Judge and Jury is vital to mounting a strong defense. I am a former prosecutor who is familiar with our local court systems. I believe that everyone is entitled to aggressive representation. Contact my office today to speak with a Peoria attorney. We also service the cities of 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. Additional areas where we handle federal cases include Benton, Chicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Urbana.