Skokie Criminal Lawyer
Make sure that you get the aggressive representation that you can count on by finding an experienced Skokie criminal lawyer to help you with your case. When facing serious charges that will remain on your permanent record, it is important to choose a skilled attorney who has experience working with the courts in Skokie, IL. That’s where Goldman & Associates comes in. We have a proven track record in protecting the rights of our clients who face a wide range of criminal charges in Skokie. We are the firm to trust when your freedom is at stake.
Facing Criminal Charges in Skokie, IL
Skokie boasts a crime rate that is approximately 20 percent lower than the national average. However, this is in part due to the vigilant efforts of law enforcement officers and community watch organizations. Even if law enforcement is not present in a certain area, citizens have a number to call if they witness a crime. This means that whether you actually commit a crime or if you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time, you may wind up facing some type of criminal charges that require the assistance of a skillful Skokie criminal lawyer.
If you are traveling through Skokie or stopping by this Chicago suburb, it is important to know the specific laws that may be different if you are from out of state. Ignorance of the law is not considered to be a defense when it comes to the zealous prosecution of criminal activities. It does not matter if the charges are as a misdemeanor or a felony, you can be sure that the prosecutor will do to every extent to get a win on the case against you. This means that it is vitally important to you to have an experienced attorney ready to fight just as assertively for your rights. This may be for a serious felony, a DUI or even a simple minor moving violation.
Common Criminal Charges Heard in the Skokie Court House
According to various statistics regarding the crime rate in the suburb of Skokie, property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes. Assault ranks at the top of arrests and convictions for violent crimes, while theft ranks at the top of property crimes for the area. Drinking and driving is always quite common, with a conviction rate of more than 90 percent. The severity of the offense or dollar value of the property in question can determine if you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
You can be sure that the district attorney will prosecute each and every case as ardently as possible to keep the safety rating at a high level in this city. With all of the crime reduction tools at the city’s disposal, it stands to reason that there are some who will be falsely accused of committing a crime. Unfortunately, justice does not always prevail without the assistance of Skokie criminal lawyer who knows how to navigate the complex court
What You Should Know about Criminal Charges in Illinois
You may know that criminal charges are much more serious than something like a speeding ticket. However, you may not realize just how much it could destroy many aspects of your life if you are convicted of a felony or even a misdemeanor offense. That is why it can be vital to retain the assistance of a Skokie criminal attorney. Even if you feel that you are obedient when it comes to following the letter of the law, there are many reasons as to why you could be charged with a criminal offense. These include:
- Being falsely accused
- Being in the wrong place at the wrong time
- Being unaware of the actual law regarding certain circumstances
- Breaking a lesser law but being accused of a greater offense
- Breaking the law as accused, but with valid reasons
- Breaking the law intentionally
When you are facing charges for any of the above-mentioned reasons or any other, it could be imperative to the outcome of your case to find a knowledgeable Skokie criminal defense lawyerto help protect your rights. Ignorance of the law, whether you are from nearby or from out of state, is no excuse and does not count as a justifiable defense in the Skokie courts. A lawyer who is skilled in handling criminal cases in this jurisdiction can be key to getting a fair trial with a more positive outcome.
Facing Criminal Charges in Skokie, IL
When you go to court to face your felony or misdemeanor charge, the prosecution will use every measure at their disposal to try to get a conviction. This means that it may look to you like you have to prove yourself to be innocent. It is sad to say that this may sometimes be the case, especially when it looks like the odds are completely against you. You can turn the tables by finding an experienced Skokie criminal attorney to help you to level the field so that you can receive an appropriate defense to face your charges. Some potential criminal charges that you could face in Illinois include:
- Hate crimes
- Drug crimes
- Violent crimes
- Property crimes
If you are found guilty, either through trial or for a lesser charge through some type of agreement, you could face fines that might run into thousands of dollars. On top of that, there are court costs and other fees that can be levied against you by the judge, including victim compensation depending on the crime. You could also face time in jail of up to twelve months for a misdemeanor or more than a year in prison for a felony conviction. The judge may also impose additional penalties depending on the circumstances that could cost you more time and money.
The Importance of Working with a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer in Skokie
Getting a skilled criminal attorney to advocate on your behalf for charges that are filed against you in Skokie, IL, may dramatically impact the outcome of your case. The charges may be dismissed or reduced, a settlement may be reached before you have to go to trial, or you may receive a lesser sentence. Your lawyer may be able to find additional information to refute any testimony provided by a law enforcement official or an alleged eye witness in the case. This can really go a long way to proving that you are not guilty of an accusation in a court of law.
All of this can be vitally important for your life and your future because any criminal charges will go on your permanent record. You may think that it will be fine if you do not get charged with any additional offenses, but anyone can access these records. A prospective employer, landlord, or creditor can see this information on a background check. Financial burdens can also put a strain on your family and your ability to maintain a decent lifestyle.
Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Illinois
Whether or not you are guilty of an offense, the prosecution will do everything in their power to convince the judge or a jury of your guilt based on evidence or witness testimony. Even if you know you are not guilty, you should not rely on your own defense to get you through. Also, if the situation seems dire and it looks like you may have no way out, a knowledgeable Skokie criminal lawyer will help to build the best defense possible to help reduce the impact of the consequences on your life and your future.
It can really help to gain the advice and assistance of a dependable attorney to provide you with the appropriate defense strategies. This is because you face penalties that can include jail or prison time, extensive fines, fees, and costs, and a permanent criminal record that will be visible to anyone who checks. This can include employers, landlords, and creditors, as well as interested citizens who care to look up your information.
Additional Reasons You May Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
In the state of Illinois, you may want the help of a skilled criminal lawyer to help you with matters that are not related to a direct defense against a current charge in court. This is because there are many guidelines and requirements to go through when you are dealing with matters of the law. An attorney can help you to navigate the complex system to help the process to go much more smoothly.
For example, you may wish to get your driving privileges restored after completing all of the requirements after a DUI charge. You might be able to use the advice and expertise of a Skokie criminal attorney to help you through the appeals process if you feel that you were wrongly convicted of a crime. If you are facing a revocation of your probation due to an alleged violation, you might benefit from the assistance of a good criminal defense lawyer to reduce your chances of losing your community control. Additionally, you may need the enlist the services of a criminal attorney if you are trying to have any criminal charges on your record permanently expunged.
You may need some help with a past criminal case that has already been decided. For example, if you tried to defend yourself or had inept representation for your case, you may wish to appeal the court’s decision. In this case, an aggressive Skokie criminal lawyer from our team is ready to help. Facing a probation violation on your own can also lead to devastating consequences, such as a revocation of your probation and the requirements to complete a prison or jail sentence without the chance for early release.
Additionally, you could use the help of a qualified attorney if you have already completed all of the terms of your sentence for criminal charges, and you really want to get the charges expunged from your record. A skilled lawyer can help you to understand the process and requirements that you must meet in order to move forward after criminal charges have been filed against you.
Get the Aggressive Defense You Deserve
Whether you are bring charged with shoplifting, drug charges, or a hate crime, make sure that you get the representation that you need. You have rights, and it can help to find an advocate to fight on your behalf. At Goldman & Associates, we take our responsibilities for your freedom very seriously. You can count on us to provide you with a defense that will fit your specific situation and to work aggressively to make sure your rights are protected.
Because criminal charges are very serious and can affect your family, your job, and your future, it is important to find a Skokie criminal lawyer who takes matters just as seriously. That is why Goldman & Associates is here to help. You have the right to avoid answering questions without the presence of an attorney if you are charged with a crime. Utilize your rights and call Goldman & Associates at (773)484-3131 or (847)215-2600. We are here any time, day or night, on every day of the week to take your call.
