This is the first post in a series of articles which will address the importance of retaining an attorney if one is charged with a firearm-related offense in Peoria, Illinois. I feel it is important to write on this topic as I believe that not all attorneys are equal in regards to the handling of such cases. These types of matters can involve complicated search and seizure issues and sometimes result in federal charges. Retaining counsel with experience in such matters, and who is properly licensed, can have an impact on the outcome of the case. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
Multiple topics will be discussed over the course of my coming articles. Issues which I will be analyzing include:
- Federal gun crime charges in the Central District of Illinois
- Search and seizure issues in firearm-related cases
- How the use of a gun elevates the penalties for other charges
I am addressing these particular topics for multiple reasons. First, there are several situations in which one may find themselves charged in Federal Court by the US Government. Not all attorneys are licensed to practice in Federal Court. Moreover, these cases will be handled under different laws and procedures than those which are in Illinois State Court. Second, if law enforcement found the gun through a violation of the Defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights then it may be possible to have it excluded from evidence. If this occurs then, depending on the nature of the case, it may be possible to have the charges dismissed. Third, the use of a gun will often be an aggravating factor for other charges. This can greatly increase the amount of prison time which one faces.
A key point that I will be stressing in each of these articles is to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you or a family member have been arrested. The prosecution will take any matter which involves firearms very seriously. A conviction can have a devastating impact on one’s life. I am a Peoria gun crime lawyer and a former prosecutor. I am familiar with the workings of our local Court system and I am licensed to handle federal charges. My office believes that everyone is entitled to the highest level of representation and we also strive to provide the highest level of service. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation.
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.