Getting Started

Following Charges: How to Get The Help You Need
Should you or a loved one be arrested and charged with a crime, it’s essential that you consult an attorney at a reputable Chicago criminal defense law firm right away. Even if your charges seem minor, or if this is your first offense, it is imperative to have the legal guidance of an experienced attorney at every step of the process.
What to Expect
Building a strong defense to get your charges reduced (or, if possible, dropped altogether) takes legal prowess and some savvy work, including (not limited to):
- Scrutinizing all evidence against you to find fallacies and inconsistencies
- Finding new evidence, including (if possible) witness testimony to verify your claims
- Working with specialists, such as polygraphists and forensic scientists, to find experts who will testify on your behalf and, as a result, strengthen your case
- Appearing at all legal proceedings, including bail hearings, trial proceedings and parole violation hearings

What to Expect During a Consult
Initial consultations are free of charge and will be conducted in a private, comfortable setting. The main benefits of these initial consults are that they allow accused individuals to:
- Learn more about their legal rights
- Find out more about the legal process they are facing
- Decide whether they are comfortable with and can place trust in our services
- Get expert advice regarding the best manner in which to proceed with their case
We have access to specialists who can provide expert testimony, when needed in official legal proceedings.

The Criminal Defense Process
In Chicago and surrounding counties, the criminal law process has a set format. A skilled Chicago criminal defense attorney is completely familiar with the process and can work at every stage of the process to minimize the negative consequences in your criminal case.

Investigation
If you are being investigated for a crime, or you suspect that you may be the subject of an investigation, it’s wise to have a defense attorney at the soonest possible point in time. If you have already been arrested and further investigation is called for, a criminal defense attorney and private investigators can help uncover information that is beneficial to your case.

Charges and Bail
When a person is arrested and booked, the prosecutor/district attorney makes a decision about what to charge the person with. A defense attorney will work at this time to protect your constitutional rights, including the right to:
- have an attorney present
- remain silent
- be presumed innocent
- have a trial
Posting money or a bond as bail, which acts as a surety for your later appearance in court, is an option at this time. Before bail money or a bond is posted, contact a Chicago criminal law attorney to discuss your legal options.

Hearings, Trial, Pleas
A person charged with a crime may be faced with a probable cause hearing or another preliminary hearing. A defense attorney can attempt to get a dismissal or reduction of the criminal charge(s) at such a hearing.

If the case proceeds to trial, a competent and aggressive defense attorney is of paramount importance to the defendant, whether the trial is held before a judge alone or a jury. A defense attorney may also be able to persuade the prosecutor to reduce the charges, possibly in a plea bargain.

Sentencing
There is a range of possible sentences for any given crime. A defense attorney will fight to get the most favorable sentence for an individual who is convicted of a crime.

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DUI Defense Lawyer - 3 Tips for Selecting The Best

Illinois is great city, but it also has a high rate of DUI arrests. Many people charged for driving under the influence every year, it's safe to say that courts are so busy with these cases. The lawyers in this area also kept quite busy.

The penalties for this type of driving crime are very steep here. For the first crime, you may live 48 hours to six months in jail, charge a fine from $390 to $1000, and lose your driving privileges’ for up to six month. You are also needed to take alcohol/drug rehabilitation classes. If it's your fourth crime in Chicago, you could spend from two to three years in the Illinois state jail. You would also lose your license for up to four years. Any DUI case can also have your vehicle seized for up to six months. While you may consider that you are just going to defend yourself, it's not a wise step. You must to find an experienced DUI lawyer who knows the area, the police, the courts, and other important factors.

If you're charged in this great city for DUI, there are 3 tips you must to know in order to select the best lawyer. The right lawyer may be able to keep you out of jail.

Here Are The 3 Tips You Need To Know:

1.) You Need a Lawyer that Understands the Court System

The best lawyers understand how the system works in this great city. Each city and county is different, mainly when it comes to dealing with the court system. A new member of the Illinois bar practicing law may not know all the ins and outs of the courts yet. They also may not be well-known with all the nuances and considerations required to get things done. However, one that is experienced with the courts, prosecutors, and judges capable to work a deal where you get to have your driver's license. They are also capable to have you out of jail.

2.) You Need an Aggressive Lawyer that Can Fight Effectively For You in The Court System

You should an aggressive lawyer that will fight for you. You don't want one that will basically take the first plea offered by the prosecutor, unless that is your best deal. It's vital that they will carefully study your case. There are many reasons that may get this type of case may end up dismissed. For the right lawyer will know how the police and sheriff's departments work in this area. Your lawyer essential to be thorough in studying each thing about the cases - not just trying to get your money and the easiest disposition they can. A lawyer who is familiar with the police and sheriff's departments here is also a plus. If there is any sign of discrepancy from these law enforcement agencies, a DUI lawyer will know how to find out more information.

3.) You Need A Lawyer that Doesn't Run a "Cattle Call" Business.

There are lots of lawyers that provide deeply discounted rates for driving under the influence cases. For people without more cash, this may looks like a good thing, but in fact, you can become nothing more than only a number. You definitely don't want your lawyer to forget your name or your face as you appear for court! Avoid these types of "cattle call" lawyers and be more than just a file on his desk.

A Final Thought

How do you get the right lawyer? Start with discussing to your friends and family members from the area to see who they suggest. Many lawyers here keep a website that lists their areas of practice. The local yellow pages are also a great place to start. When it comes to paying the retainer, some lawyers will take payments once you pay a sizeable chunk of the retainer. Keep in mind that the court and the police officers cannot suggest a lawyer. Besides, do you truly want to take their recommendations?

Find an experienced aggressive DUI defense lawyer Chicago who can fight for you and dismiss the charges and reduced.