Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Rockford

FAQs

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

  The number for the Rockford Police Department's non-emergency line is 815-966-2900.

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

  Complete a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) form if you need to obtain Rockford police reports or public records. These forms are accessible online or in person at the Rockford Police Department's Records Center.

• How long do you spend in jail if you are charged with illegal drug possession criminal case in Rockford?

  Drug possession criminal offense in Rockford results in jail time, depending on the drug and amount. There are five classes of felonies and three classes of misdemeanors under Illinois law. Possession of 15 to 99 grams of heroin, LSD, cocaine, or hallucinogens is a class 1 felony punishable by four to fifteen years in prison. Possession of a schedule I or II narcotic as a class 4 felony could result in one to three years in prison.

• What types of drug charges do criminal defense lawyers in Rockford deal with?

  It is crucial to hire a knowledgeable and aggressive Rockford criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense in Rockford. They represent people arrested for drug offenses, including but not limited to illegal drug trafficking, unlawful possession, production, and sale of controlled substances, possession of accessories for the use of illegal drugs, and illegal drug possession with the intent to distribute or sell them.

• Which parts of Rockford are considered safe and have low crime rates?

  The following Rockford neighborhoods have the lowest reported crime rates, as determined by NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime data. These neighborhoods are Springlake Estates / Spring Lake, Prairie Ridge, Quail Run / Reid Farm Group, Tullocks Woods Neighborhood Group, Edgebrook / Hawthorn Hills, Kelley Meadows / Meridan Oaks, Bluffside Heights / Atwood Park Estates, Edgewater, Bello Reserve, and Summerfield Commons.

• What is Rockford's most frequently reported violent crime?

  Recent data from NeighborhoodScout indicates that 2,219 violent crimes were reported. Its database contains 1,846 assault reports, 212 robberies, 142 rapes, and 19 murders. According to an analysis of FBI-reported crime data by NeighborhoodScout, the probability of becoming a victim of one of these crimes in Rockford is one in 67.

• What is Rockford's statute of limitations for criminal offenses?

  In Rockford, the general time limits for felonies are three years, and for misdemeanors are one year and six months. Additionally, there is no time limit for specific crimes like murder, homicide, manslaughter, sexual assault, trafficking, child pornography and prostitution, and forgery and theft-related offenses. The statute of limitations begins when the crime is committed. However, the law may suspend the statute of limitations in cases where it is difficult to find the crime or a person is avoiding arrest.

• 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.