In Illinois, a violent crime is defined as an offense in which the defendant used or threatened force against another individual. Common violent crimes are assault, sexual assault, homicide and robbery. The consequences of such charges can be life-altering, leading to significant fines, jail time and more. A crime will also appear on your record, impacting your ability to seek employment, obtain child custody and revoke your driving privileges.
Given how a violent crime charge can put your freedom at risk, you must act quickly with an experienced criminal defense attorney, such as Jonathan Minkus. Our skilled team can provide the comprehension you need to take the next steps with confidence. We can help you explore your legal options to ensure your rights are upheld throughout the criminal justice process.
Challenging Violent Crime Charges
When you are accused of a violent crime, you are understandably overwhelmed and stressed about your future. Despite the initial confusion, an attorney can help you challenge your charges to defend your rights, potentially avoiding the most severe sentences. In order to fight your criminal charges, it’s important to understand the steps you must take immediately to make the resolution you need more likely.
- Do Not Talk to the Police. During the arrest, exercise your right to remain silent. Do not attempt to explain your situation to the police, since anything you say may be used against you in court. Instead, assert your right to speak with an attorney first, and hold off on asking or answering any questions until you’ve secured legal support.
- Gather Evidence. Your attorney plays a critical role in obtaining key evidence to support your claims. Evidence may include witness reports and other information, which our attorneys carefully use to strengthen your defense.
- Remember Key Facts About Your Case. The time following a criminal charge can be chaotic. However, you need to be diligent about remembering the details of your situation. For instance, you’ll want to build a credible account about what you were doing before and during the time of arrest, whether the officer informed you of your Miranda rights and other details of the interaction. We recommend writing this information down as soon as possible so we can choose which parts are most relevant to your defense.
- Know Important Dates and Deadlines. Following an arrest, you will be scheduled for an initial hearing, also known as an arraignment, which is your first court appearance. Do not skip or miss the initial hearing: you must attend with your attorney
- Understand the Potential Consequences. Illinois has significant penalties in place for those convinced of committing a violent crime. Even a charge can have lasting impacts on your record, which is why obtaining legal guidance is essential. Whether you face a felony or a misdemeanor, you will want to review the potential consequences of the charges with an attorney to fully understand what needs to be done.
Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
Violent crime charges are nothing to take lightly: act immediately alongside a skilled criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus is prepared to protect our future. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
