This post is being written to begin a discussion on the topic of whether stalking is a felony in the state of Illinois. While the answer to this question is “yes,” it is important to understand several other issues which impact such cases. Many people are unsure of how to proceed when they are facing first-time felony charges. The first step to take in such a situation is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people to better understand their situation. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of counsel. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing a number of topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will be analyzing include the following:
- Dealing with a first-offense
- Conduct which can elevate stalking charges to a higher-level felony
- Serving probation after a conviction
- The importance of taking such matters seriously
I am addressing these particular topics for a number of reasons. First, as I have discussed in regard to other types of charges, many individuals are unsure as to how they should proceed if they have never faced charges before. It must be understood that any criminal charge can have a dramatic impact on your future. Second, while a simple stalking charge will be brought as a Class Four felony, it should be understood that subsequent offense or certain conduct can result in higher-level charges. Third, knowing what to expect from probation can help an individual to be better set up for success while under supervision. Finally, many individuals make the mistake of thinking that such cases involve conduct that is a “private matter” between two parties. This is not the case and one must understand the need to take the charges seriously.
A key point I will be making in this series is that one should immediately contact an attorney once they have been charged. It is vital that you contact counsel and that you avoid any contact with the alleged victim. Doing so helps to prevent additional charges from being brought. I am a former prosecutor who devotes his practice to assisting 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. 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.