This is the first post in a series which will discuss the handling of Peoria, Illinois criminal charges which involve gun crimes. I am writing on this topic due to the fact that such charges carry serious consequences for one who is convicted. Such a conviction may result in prison time and the long-term loss of certain rights. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people to better understand their options. It is also my goal that this information will help people make an informed decision when they are selecting a criminal defense attorney. If you have been arrested the contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will analyze include:
- Search and seizure issues in firearm related cases
- How the use of a gun can elevate other charges
- Federal prosecution of felons who possess firearms
It is important to understand these issues if you or a loved one have been charged. First, it is important to realize that one has options after having been arrested. If law enforcement officers violated a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights then it may be possible to have the case dismissed due to search and seizure issues. Second, using a gun while committing other offenses can result in those charges becoming more serious than they would otherwise be. A misdemeanor, for example, may become a felony. Finally, one of the most prosecuted cases in Federal Court is that which involves a felon in possession of a firearm.
If you have been arrested for a firearm related offense then it is critical that you retain representation immediately. The prosecution will aggressively pursue charges and courts have little tolerance for violent offenders. I am a former prosecutor and am familiar with our local Court systems. Contact my office today to speak with a Peoria gun crimes attorney. I also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.