This post is being written to begin a discussion on defending against violent crime charges in Peoria and other Illinois areas. I consider it crucial to write on this topic due to the serious nature with which judges and prosecutors address such charges. One typically should not expect the Court to “go easy” on such an offense. An experienced attorney can help to determine how a Judge is likely to approach a given case. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
I will be addressing a number of topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will be discussing include the following:
- The handling of felony charges which involve violent acts
- How search and seizure issues impact such matters
- Why a defendant may face multiple charges
- Whether one can receive probation for a violent offense
- The need to retain an experienced attorney
I am addressing these particular topics for several reasons. First, understanding the process which one faces is critical to setting expectations as the matter moves forward. Second, many such charges can involve issues of the police illegally detaining an individual, the conducting of an illegal search, unconstitutional eyewitness identifications, and Miranda violations. Third, accused individuals are often surprised to learn that they can face numerous criminal counts for what seems like one course of conduct. Fourth, depending on the level of the charges, one may be eligible for probation. Receiving a term of supervision, however, is never guaranteed. Finally, it is crucial that you have experienced counsel assisting you as, again, these matters are approached with a very serious nature.
A point I will be making in each of these articles is that one should retain an attorney as soon as possible after they have been arrested. The sooner one retains counsel then the sooner it is that their representative can launch an investigation and begin building a case. I am a former prosecutor and I devote a substantial portion of my practice to protecting the rights of the accused. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria violent crimes 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.