Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Naperville, IL

FAQs

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

  You may contact the Naperville Police Department's non-emergency hotline at 630-420-6666.

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

  You may contact the Naperville Police Department's Records Section at 630-420-6157 or personally request the police report by visiting the office at 1350 Aurora Ave., Naperville, IL 60540. The Records Section is available from Mondays through Fridays (except holidays), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• When a person is arrested for a crime in Naperville, what are his/her rights?

  When an individual is arrested in Naperville, he/she has the privilege of exercising certain rights, such as the right to—

  • remain silent during an investigation
  • choose whether to enter a guilty plea
  • a pro bono lawyer
  • information of evidence and witness testimony against the defendant
  • a bond hearing
  • appeal judgments
  • examine opposing witnesses
  • whether testify or not
  • a jury or judge in a courtroom trial
  • reject DNA samples unless a magistrate orders them

• What are some situations that may qualify someone for expungement in Naperville?

  If the criminal case's final disposition is already concluded, the individual is eligible for expungement in Naperville. However, there are specific conditions that the lawsuit's outcome must meet for a defendant to be qualified for expungement. Those include the following:

  • pardoned by the governor
  • overturned/vacated conviction after the appeal
  • no formal accusations were made
  • finished court supervision
  • completed probationary period
  • cleared of all allegations
  • dismissed accusations

• What are your other options if your criminal charge in Naperville is not eligible for expungement?

  You may have the option for your record to be sealed if you have a past conviction of a criminal case in Naperville. Note that record sealing only restricts its access to a handful of parties, including government institutions and law enforcement agencies, and does not completely wipe out your record from the system. It is still beneficial for you because the general public will not be granted access to your record.

• What are the common types of juvenile crimes that occur in Naperville?

  Naperville and other communities in Illinois do not have an exhaustive list of juvenile crimes. However, there are several criminal offenses commonly committed by young people in the area. These offenses include curfew violations, vandalism, disturbing the peace, underage drinking, resisting arrest, shoplifting, and possession or distribution of drugs.

• Are there penalties for criminal sexual assault in Naperville?

  Criminal sexual assault is classified as a Class 1 felony in Naperville and throughout Illinois, which carries severe consequences. Criminal sexual assault can result in prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years, as well as penalties in excess of $25,000. If the charge is upgraded to aggravated or predatory, the penalties rise.

• 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.