Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Bolingbrook

FAQs

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

  The Bolingbrook Police Department can be contacted for non-emergency matters at (630) 226-8660.

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

  You can obtain the police reports for incidents by submitting a FOIA request to Bolingbrook Police Department online portal at https://bolingbrookil.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(dnmj1kbddcnntm0cqkdijght))/RequestLogin.aspx?. You must provide all required information to be filled out on the site to create your database account. You may check your email for updates on the document's progress and completion.

• What criminal defenses are admissible if proven factual in the legal courts of Bolingbrook, Illinois?

  The results of field sobriety tests used by police enforcement, such as the BAC breathalyzer test, straight-line walk, and backward-recital of the alphabet, are notoriously unreliable and may be used to the defendant's advantage in a Bolingbrook, Illinois criminal charge defense. A police statement without a legitimate cause for the traffic stop might also mitigate or dismiss the case. As a further consideration, a DUI action conducted in response to a life-threatening emergency may be acknowledged.

• Can you have a criminal record even if you are found not guilty in a criminal case in Bolingbrook, Illinois?

  A criminal record is produced even if you are found not guilty in a Bolingbrook, Illinois, criminal case. A lawyer can assist if you seek to expunge, seal, and impound your record. Some offenses may qualify to be concealed or deleted, including arrests for misdemeanors and felonies without a conviction, sentences for supervision after the waiting period, convictions that have been overturned, annulled, or pardoned, and terms of probation after five years.

• How can self-defense be used as a criminal case defense in Bolingbrook, Illinois?

  Self-defense can be used as a criminal case defense if proven to be reasonable among considerations, such as (a) you or another person was threatened by a suspect's imminent use of unlawful force; (b) you did not initiate the attack against the suspect; (c) the use of force was a reasonable force to protect yourself or another person or to stop the suspect; and (d) you used only the degree of force necessary to prevent danger or harm.

• How is a burglary charge defended by a criminal defense attorney in Bolingbrook, Illinois?

  As most burglaries occur at night, a Bolingbrook, Illinois, a criminal defense attorney might take advantage of the situation to prove innocence by casting doubt on the victim's identification of the offender. A misunderstanding between the suspect and the property owner over authorization and consent may also lead to a false burglary accusation. It is also possible to recognize cases relating to entrapment. In addition, there must be proof of criminal intent to steal for a burglary charge to stand.

• What are common crimes committed by young adolescents in Bolingbrook, Illinois?

  Common crimes committed by young adolescents in Bolingbrook, Illinois, include offenses relating to sexual actions and theft. Depending on the crime and the culpability demonstrated, a child can be prosecuted as a juvenile or adult. In the offenses mentioned, juveniles under 18 will go through the juvenile court system to seek rehabilitation. If offenders aged 13 or older committed a serious felony, such as murder or aggravated sexual assault, they are transferred to adult criminal court and even given life sentences.

• 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.