Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Aurora

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Aurora, Illinois?

  The phone number to contact the local police station in Aurora for non-emergency situations is (630) 256-5900.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Aurora, Illinois?

  To obtain a copy of the police report for your case, you can visit the Aurora Police Department Records Division located at 1200 E. Indian Trail Aurora, IL 60505.

• What happens following a jail sentence in Aurora?

  If you are arrested in Aurora, you will be taken into custody and detained until your arraignment. During the court hearing, you will be officially charged with a crime and asked to enter a guilty or not guilty plea. Your lawyer will review the charges and evidence against you and explain the implications of each plea option. The judge will then set the hearing dates for continued proceedings after the arraignment.

• What are the advantages of hiring a private criminal attorney instead of a public defender for your Aurora case?

  If you're facing criminal charges in Aurora, getting the help of an experienced private attorney is essential. Opting for a private lawyer gives you more control over the quality of defense you get. Typically, public defenders do not have enough resources and staff, so working with them can take a longer and more expensive process to put together a compelling defense.

• How does a conviction in Aurora affect an individual?

  In Aurora, possessing a criminal record can have significant and enduring consequences on your life. It can affect your capacity to attain employment, establish credit, or obtain appropriate housing. Incarceration in jail is an inevitable outcome of a criminal conviction, and no one has control over their housing arrangements or conditions during imprisonment.

• Do you need to hire an attorney in Aurora if you plan to plead guilty?

  Yes. Going to court without a qualified and skilled criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests is never recommended. Prosecutors are known to seek the most severe legal penalties possible in criminal cases. Therefore, it is essential to hire an Aurora criminal defense lawyer who can provide you with effective legal representation and help minimize or eliminate potential criminal charges.

• In Aurora, what is the difference between a dismissal and an expungement?

  Dismissal is the result when a prosecutor decides to drop your case. It is possible to obtain a dismissal of charges in Aurora by completing community service or attending court-mandated classes. Expungement refers to the process of removing a legal case from one's criminal record. To get your charges expunged, it is recommended to seek the services of a criminal defense attorney.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.