A qualified criminal defense attorney can help you fight criminal charges, whether a misdemeanor or felony. They can investigate the charges and analyze evidence to find any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
White-collar crimes, like embezzlement or money laundering, are usually charged as felonies. Drug crimes, such as possession, trafficking and cultivation, carry harsh penalties in Illinois. Read More.
Plea bargains
Plea bargains allow a defendant to avoid the risk of going to trial and to face a lesser penalty. Defendants should understand that entering into a plea agreement requires an up-front admission of guilt, and it cannot be reversed. They also waive their constitutional right to a jury trial and their ability to challenge the evidence presented against them in court.
A plea bargain may take the form of reducing the charges filed against a defendant, for example, reducing a felony drug trafficking charge to a misdemeanor one. The defense can also negotiate how many counts a defendant will face, known as count bargaining.
A plea bargain can be arranged at any time during the case, from the arraignment up to the point that a jury begins deliberating on a verdict in a trial. A judge must approve the plea bargain, though, and he or she can refuse to accept it. A plea bargain might also include a program where the defendant agrees to participate in programs like classes, counseling or community service.
Arranging a trial
The criminal defense lawyer can use their specialized knowledge of the law to defend your rights. They will also work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy for your case. They will thoroughly investigate the evidence and fight to protect your reputation and freedom.
The first step in the legal process is called an arraignment. The accused person and their attorney stand before a judge and the charges are read. During this stage, the defense can challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
A good joliet criminal defense attorney knows how to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecutor and can make a solid argument for their client. They can also use their years of experience to prepare the client for trial.
A local criminal defense lawyer has a huge advantage in the Will County courtroom because they deal with the prosecutors and judges on a daily basis. They can help you avoid serious penalties such as jail time, fines, and community service.
Trials
When a criminal defense lawyer decides to go to trial instead of pleading guilty, they will be up against prosecutors who are determined to get a conviction. A conviction will appear on your record and can have serious repercussions. For example, a conviction for DUI will prevent you from getting a job or a loan and it cannot be expunged.
A good joliet criminal defense attorney will have the experience to challenge prosecutors and win your case. He will also know how to negotiate with them. If he can’t win your case at trial, he will fight to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Some common criminal defense strategies include coercion or duress, self-defense, and the statute of limitations. Your Joliet criminal defense attorney will be able to help you determine which strategy is best for your case. In addition, he or she will be familiar with the appeals process and can handle any necessary paperwork on your behalf.
Appeals
An appeal is a second chance to have your case reviewed. It may stem from a trial verdict or a decision at a plea hearing. The process of an appeal requires close attention to detail. The first step is to file a notice of appeal. This must be done within 30 days of the original conviction. It is important that this is done correctly to prevent a dismissal of the appeal. A criminal defense attorney who specializes in appeals can help you ensure that all the necessary steps are taken.
A criminal conviction can ruin your reputation, take away your freedom and cost you money. You should contact an experienced joliet criminal defense attorney immediately if you are facing charges. The attorney will investigate your case thoroughly and build a strong defense suited to your needs. They will also review any errors made by the judge or prosecutors in the original trial to determine if you have grounds for an appeal.
