This article is being written to conclude and recap my series on whether stalking is a felony in Peoria, Illinois and its surrounding areas. I considered this an important topic to write on as many individuals do not know what to expect or how to proceed when facing charges. The purpose of the recent articles was to provide information for individuals to better understand their situation and what they can do or avoid to present their case as best as possible. Another goal was to help people with the selection of a criminal defense lawyer. Contact my office today to speak with an attorney if you or a loved one are in need of assistance.
I addressed a variety of topics over my recent articles including:
- Whether stalking is a felony in Illinois
- What to expect for a first-time stalking offense
- Conduct that can escalate stalking charges
- What it looks like to serve probation after a stalking conviction
- The importance of talking stalking charges seriously
There are several reasons why I chose to address these particular issues. First, it is critical to understand that stalking is a felony criminal charge and can dramatically impact a person’s life. It is not something that can be easily “cleared up” between two parties privately. Second, individuals who have never faced charges before might not be sure how to proceed and could make a mis-step as a result. Third, certain conduct or subsequent offenses can enhance stalking charges or bring about additional criminal counts. Also, an individual who has been convicted can better understand what to expect while serving probation. Finally, a common mistake some individuals make is not taking these charges seriously. A felony can negatively affect many aspects of an individual’s life and should be treated as such.
One point I consistently made throughout the series is that an individual should contact an attorney immediately after being charged. By contacting counsel and avoiding contact with the alleged victim, you can prevent additional or higher level charges. I am a former prosecutor with more than twenty years of experience who has devoted his practice to defending the accused. I believe that everyone is entitled to both aggressive representation and respect. Contact my office online or by telephone today to speak with a Peoria criminal defense lawyer.
I 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.