Dos and Don’ts of Fighting a Criminal Charge in Illinois

 Posted on November 29,2024 in Criminal Law

If you have been formally accused of a crime in Illinois, it might feel like your world is falling apart. You could have serious worries about your future and the impact on your family, your employment, and your financial situation. But when this happens and you feel powerless, that is precisely when your actions matter the most.

The steps you take after a criminal charge can be a deciding factor in a sentence. After an arrest or criminal charge, you should contact an Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense attorney who can represent your best interests and protect your rights.

DO: Exercise Your Fifth Amendment Rights

At a traffic stop, a police officer may decide to take you into custody regardless of your guilt or innocence. The Miranda warning will be read to you by the arresting officer, and it is in your best interests to invoke the rights that are included in it. Any information you volunteer to the officer during an arrest provides ammunition for the prosecution, so you should remain calm and more importantly, silent.

DO NOT: Agitate the Officer

Getting pulled over and subsequently arrested is an incredibly stressful experience. However, you should do your best to comply with an officer’s orders while protecting yourself. This means showing your ID if prompted and stepping out of the vehicle when an officer asks you to. An additional charge of resisting arrest will be harder to fight in court.

DO: Request an Attorney

Along with the right to remain silent, your Miranda rights entitle you to an attorney, which you should take full advantage of. You should contact a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible so you can discuss the details of your case in private. You can also call your family, but keep in mind that you are not entitled to the same privacy as you are with an attorney, so avoid saying anything that could incriminate you.

DO NOT: Answer Questions without an Attorney Present

After an arrest, you may be interrogated by an officer while in custody. Despite the pressure you may feel, you are not compelled to answer. It is perfectly legal to deny any line of questioning and insist on your right to an attorney.

DO: Learn Your Options

When privately consulting with an attorney, he or she may present you with a variety of possible defenses depending on your situation. You should remain engaged and involved during these conversations so that you know what to expect in court. If a qualified criminal defense attorney gives you a suggestion based on professional experience, it is in your best interests to heed that advice.

DO NOT: Neglect Your Appearance

Lastly, when it comes time to stand trial for a criminal charge, make sure you look presentable. This means putting on formal attire, such as a suit, dress shirt, slacks, or dress shoes, with an emphasis on muted colors. Your appearance in court can influence the judge and jury’s perception of you, and appearing as a put-together individual can help.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of criminal charges, the smartest thing you can do is to seek out strong legal counsel. A Rolling Meadows, IL criminal defense attorney can advise you from the moment of your arrest to the end of your trial, making sure that your rights are protected from punitive prosecution. To schedule a free consultation, call Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law at 847-253-3400 today.