CHICAGO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Guide to Choosing the Right Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

When someone is being accused of any crime it is a serious matter that requires an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney. Often, people rush to hire any attorney and do not ask the proper questions before hiring that attorney.

When choosing a Chicago criminal defense attorney it is important to consider the following:

Does the attorney focus his practice in criminal defense?

• This is an important consideration because you want an attorney who is familiar with the proper criminal procedures, criminal laws, and the courtroom familiarity that comes with the experience developed by practicing criminal defense on a daily basis. You want an attorney who practices criminal defense and understands the best way to defend a criminal case from beginning to end.

Does the attorney have experience preparing and arguing motions in criminal cases?

• This is an important consideration because you want an attorney who knows how to spot when there are constitutional violations and who has the experience to properly prepare and argue those motions in court. These skills can only be developed by practicing criminal defense on a daily basis.

Does the attorney have experience preparing for trial and trying criminal cases?

• This is an important consideration because you want an attorney who is not afraid to take the criminal case to trial and force the State to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This type of confidence is only developed by practicing criminal defense on a daily basis.

Is the attorney able to recognize when the State can meet their burden and, if so, is he able to negotiate a fair plea agreement?

• This is an important consideration because in every criminal case the defense attorney has to continually evaluate the evidence and must know from experience when to advise the defendant to enter into a plea agreement and when to advise the client to take their case to trial. Ultimately, the client will make the decision but the client needs to be able to make an informed decision based on the experience and advice of the attorney.

Does the attorney’s legal fees determine the quality of the representation? 

• No. But, you often get what you pay for. In my experience as a criminal defense attorney, I often receive phone calls from people who looked for the cheapest price initially but paid a higher price with their freedom or traffic/criminal record and were dissatisfied with the outcome of their case. Price is important, but it should not be the only factor when you hire an attorney.  

These are just some of the considerations to consider when you hire a Chicago criminal defense attorney. You should only hire a Chicago criminal defense attorney with whom you are comfortable with and whom you feel is capable of representing you in court effectively.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

To consult with a Chicago criminal defense attorney please visit www.floreslawfirmchicago.com

Update on Illinois Speeding Laws

Speeding in Illinois could result in misdemeanor charges.

Are you paying attention to your speed? In January of 2011, penalties increased on laws against speeding. According to 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5, the law is now that if a person is driving at a speed of 31 miles per hour or more but less than 40 miles per hour in excess of the maximum speed limit the violation is considered a Class B misdemeanor. However, if a person is driving at a speed of 40 miles per hour or more in excess of the maximum speed limit the violation is considered a Class A misdemeanor. 

What is the definition of a “misdemeanor” in Illinois?

According to 730 ILCS 5/5-1-14, a “misdemeanor” in Illinois “means any offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in other than a penitentiary for less than one year may be imposed”.

What is the definition of a Class B Misdemeanor in Illinois? 

According to 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-60, a Class B Misdemeanor in Illinois carries a possible sentence of imprisonment of not more than 6 months and a $1,500 fine.

What is the definition of a Class A Misdemeanor in Illinois?

According to 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55, a Class A Misdemeanor in Illinois carries a possible sentence of imprisonment of less than one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

What is Supervision?

According to 730 ILCS 5/5-1-21, supervision in Illinois “means a disposition of conditional and revocable release without probationary supervision, but under such conditions and reporting requirements as are imposed by the court at the successful conclusion of which disposition the defendant is discharged and a judgment dismissing the charges is entered.” Basically, this means that if supervision is given as a sentence as long as the defendant completes the terms of his supervision a conviction will not enter on his record.

Is Supervision available for speeding 40 miles per hour or more in excess of the maximum speed limit in Illinois?

No. According to 730 ILCS 5/5-6-1(p), supervision is not available to a defendant charged with speeding 40 or more miles per hour in excess of the maximum speed limit.

Should I hire a lawyer to represent me in court?

It is important to be represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney. The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Flores Law Firm, LLC will evaluate your case and fight to prevent a conviction from entering on your record or from you having to serve time in jail.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

To consult with a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney please visit www.floreslawfirmchicago.com

Former Probation Officer Sentenced to 20 Years Prison

Michael Dickerson, a former probation officer, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he was found guilty of solicitation for murder for hire to collect insurance money. To view the full article click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

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Sara Glashagel, Former Antioch Teacher Pleads Not Guilty

Sara Glashagel, a former Antioch teacher, plead not guilty today to misdemeanor criminal charges that she tampered with computer records.  She is accused of tampering with school records changing the electronic grades of 64 students. If found guilty of the class A misdemeanor, she faces up to 364 days in jail and up to a $2500 fine plus court costs. To view the full article click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

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Excessive Force Allegations Against North Chicago Police Department

North Chicago’s police chief, Mike Newsome, has been placed on leave pending an investigation into allegations of excessive force against the department by multiple parties during traffic stops or police calls. To view the full article click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

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Home Invader Demands Beer

According to an article on Chicago Breaking News, Timothy Snyder has been charged with two counts of home invasion and two counts of aggravated battery after allegedly breaking into an apartment in search of beer.  He got into a scuffle with the residents and was later arrested by police. To view the full article click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

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Massage Parlor Undercover Prostitution Sting

Two employees, Meiying Xu and Siwei Zhan, of a Naperville massage parlor were arrested on Friday after an undercover sting.  Meiying Xu was charged with prostitution and violation of the massage licensing act and Siwei Zhan was charged with violating the massage licensing act.  No customers were arrested. To view the full article on Chicago Breaking News click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

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Off-duty Joliet Officer Placed On Administrative Leave

According to an article on TribLocal, Officer Robert Mau Jr. was taken into custody on Monday and placed on administrative leave after he allegedly punched a man sitting in a car with the officer’s ex-girlfriend. Officer Mau Jr. was off-duty at the time the alleged incident occurred. To view the full article click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

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Foiled Bank Heist

According to the ABC News blog, Thomas Love was charged with Attempted Robbery after police determined that he attempted to rob a bank in New Castle, Del. Allegedly, he handed an illegible note to a bank teller.  However, the bank teller asked him to re-write the note so she could read it. At that point, Mr. Love fled and police charged him with Attempted Robbery. To view the full article click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

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Chicago Police Detective Found Guilty of Disorderly Conduct

According to an article on Chicago Breaking News, Richard Milz, a Chicago police detective, has been found guilty of Disorderly Conduct and was sentenced to a year supervision and ordered to undergo a sex offender evaluation. He was accused of making lewd remarks to a woman at a North Side insurance agency and also made several references to his genitals. To view the full article click here.

Posted by Flores Law Firm, LLC

www.floreslawfirmchicago.com