Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Palatine

FAQs

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

  847-359-9000 is the non-emergency contact number of the Palatine Police Department.

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

  You can acquire a copy of the police report in person from the Palatine Police Department's Records Section from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Village-recognized holidays. To order a copy online, fill out the form at https://www.palatine.il.us/347/Forms-Applications. You can also obtain a copy by entering your case number at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/home.

• How do you get your Palatine criminal record sealed?

  Filing a petition with the court is the first step in sealing a criminal record in Palatine. The petition must be submitted to the court where the original case was heard. Once the petition is submitted, the court will review it and decide whether the record should be sealed. Sealing a criminal record is complicated, and individuals seeking sealing should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.

• What are the advantages of sealing your criminal record in Palatine?

  Sealing your Palatine criminal record can result in significant advantages like expanded employment opportunities, improved housing options, and better credit options. You will also have peace of mind because a sealed record can provide closure and allow you to move on from your mistakes in the past.

• What types of criminal cases do Palatine attorneys typically handle?

  Criminal defense lawyers in Palatine usually handle issues involving drunk driving, operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, traffic violations and offenses, domestic violence, drug crimes, and assault and battery. They also deal with problems concerning the order of protection violations, burglary, theft, robbery, fraud, and weapons.

• How can a Palatine criminal defense attorney assist you with your charge?

  A criminal defense lawyer in Palatine can explain your legal rights and options so you can make informed decisions about your case. The attorney will listen to your side of the story in order to assist you in determining the proper investigative, search and seizure, and arrest procedures. In addition, the attorney will defend your case in a bench or jury trial and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss your charges.

• Can defendants in Palatine switch criminal defense lawyers if they are dissatisfied with the one they have?

  Changes in the public defender or attorney appointed by the court are only sometimes approved. However, defendants who choose their own counsel are free to change attorneys in Palatine whenever they want without the court's consent. Additionally, the defendant is not required to justify their dismissal or demonstrate reasonable cause.

• 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.