This post is being written to conclude and recap my series on the defending of fraud charges in Peoria and other areas of Illinois. I chose to write on this topic as, for understandable reasons, many individuals are unsure as to how they should proceed when they or a loved one have been charged with a crime. Anytime someone is facing charges, it is vital that they take immediate steps to protect their rights. Hiring an attorney is the first step in doing so. If you require assistance then contact my office to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
I addressed a number of topics over the course of my recent articles. Issues which I analyzed included:
- Whether Illinois classifies fraud as a misdemeanor or a felony
- The question of “can I go to jail for fraud?”
- Federal fraud charges in Illinois
- Other charges paired with fraud
There are several reasons why I chose to address these particular topics. First, the offense may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony in our state. The level of the charge will be determined by the amount involved, whether the victim falls under a protected classification, and more. Second, the answer as to whether one can go to jail for fraud in our state is “yes.” Many offenses, however, will also be probationable. Third, federal charges involve different sets of laws, court rules, and evidentiary standards. Defendants in a federal case must understand that they are facing the full might of the US government. Retaining an attorney who is licensed in Federal Court, and experienced in such matters, can be crucial. Finally, it is common that one may face additional counts beyond an underlying fraud charge. Knowing how to proceed in such situations is crucial.
A key point I made in each of these articles is that one should retain an attorney as soon as possible if they are facing fraud charges. How to best proceed in any situation will depend on the specifics of the matter. An experienced attorney will give you an honest assessment of the situation and will make sure that your rights are protected throughout the process. I am a Peoria criminal defense lawyer who is licensed in both the state and federal courts. My office is built on the idea that everyone is entitled to both aggressive representation and respect. Contact us online or by telephone today for an initial appointment.
In addition to Peoria, 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.