Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bloomington

FAQs

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

  309-820-8888 is the non-emergency contact number of the Bloomington Police Department.

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

  To obtain a copy of the report, you may submit a request through the City of Bloomington FOIA site: https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/government/departments/city-clerk/foia

• What should you do if you get arrested in Bloomington?

  The first thing you should do is exercise your right to remain silent. Do not speak to law enforcement or other inmates about your case other than identifying information. You should also ask to speak with a Bloomington criminal defense lawyer, who can advise you about your legal rights and what to do next.

• Should you hire a Bloomington criminal lawyer even if you're innocent?

  Yes. It's advisable to hire a Bloomington criminal lawyer even if you're innocent. Innocent individuals can be wrongly convicted and imprisoned. Although hiring a criminal lawyer is not mandatory, the law permits the appointment of a public defender if you can't afford an attorney. Criminal lawyers have specialized knowledge and experience in handling criminal cases. They are familiar with the local court system, the judges, and the prosecutors and can use this knowledge to your advantage.

• What is the fee for hiring a criminal lawyer in Bloomington?

  The fees charged by criminal lawyers in Bloomington can vary depending on factors such as experience, reputation, and the severity of the charges. Experienced criminal lawyers tend to charge more than those who are new to the profession. Additionally, if the charges are severe, the lawyer may require more preparation time and charge a higher fee. It's essential to ask about a lawyer's fee structure during the initial consultation to avoid any surprises down the road.

• What is the offense of unauthorized use of weapons in Bloomington?

  In Illinois, including Bloomington, a person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when they knowingly engage in certain prohibited acts such as carrying or possessing certain weapons, carrying or possessing a firearm in a prohibited location, or setting a spring gun, among others. If you are facing charges of unlawful use of weapons in Bloomington, it's important to seek legal representation from a criminal defense attorney who can help protect your rights and advocate for your interests in court.

• Do you need legal representation in Bloomington if you plan to plead guilty?

  Yes. It's advisable to consult Bloomington criminal defense attorneys for legal advice, even if you're contemplating admitting guilt to the charges against you. In Illinois, entering a guilty plea doesn't always result in a conviction, and a skilled criminal defense lawyer can potentially negotiate plea deals that could lead to reduced or lenient consequences. Criminal penalties frequently have both minimum and maximum sentences, with potential negotiation opportunities.

• 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.