Criminal Law - An Overview

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in US the first thing you need to do is to contact a criminal defense attorney. The criminal law in US is quite complicated and it requires professional expertise to deal with a legal battle. Chicago is no different in this respect. Getting arrested can be a stressful and traumatic experience. It can affect your life in many ways. So you need some one who has both experience and expertise to ensure minimizing the harsh consequences following your arrest.

While going through such a disturbed mental state an accused person can not handle the intricate legal issues. Naturally he or she needs a lawyer who can aggressively fight on behalf of that person. From drug charges to DUI offenses, an experienced lawyer can handle all types if cases.

Criminal Charges

Chicago criminal law emphasizes on both federal laws and state laws. If someone violates any of the following laws criminal charges can be brought against that person.

• Robbery and burglary
• Crimes of violence
• Property crimes
• Drug-related crimes
• Domestic crimes
• Motor vehicle offenses
• White collar crimes
• Sex crimes

Criminal Defense

Criminal law process in Chicago has a set format. Since the Chicago criminal defense lawyers are well aware of the process it is easier for them to take every step cautiously so that the negative consequences can be minimized. Therefore you should not do a single thing without consulting your lawyer.

Investigation

Whenever you suspect that you may get involved in any kind of investigation related to some crime the immediate step to be taken is to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. If you have been accused or arrested and further investigation is going to take place a criminal defense can help you to gather information that can be of much significance in your case.

Charges & Bail

As soon as a person is arrested the prosecutor decides what to charge the accused person. In such a situation a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney can protect your rights. The constitutional rights include:

• right to remain silent
• right to have a lawyer
• right to have a trial
• right to be presumed innocent

While the trial goes on your attorney can apply for your bail. Your lawyer will post money or bond as bail which will ensure your further appearance in the court. Before posting bail money or bond it is crucial to consult an attorney to see what the legal options for the accused person are.

Hearing, Trial & Sentencing

An accused person initially faces hearings. During the hearings the criminal defense attorney can try to reduce the charges brought against the accused. If the case proceeds to trial it is crucial to have an attorney on your side to ensure that the charges are being reduced. If you are convicted of a crime the attorney can at least go for a plea bargain and get the most favorable sentence for you.