Illinois criminal defense lawyers represent clients who have allegedly committed a crime and provide legal assistance that ensures a just outcome in a court of law. Anybody who has been accused of a crime is entitled to an attorney irrespective of age, social status or other factors. If the accused is under the age of eighteen this is termed as a delinquent act and the case will originate in the juvenile district court. In the event that the accused cannot afford a lawyer, the state appoints one to defend the case if one is filed.

The benefits of an experienced legal counsel are many and the professional assistance that a criminal attorney familiar with the statutes and court system in Illinois is of utmost value to an accused. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges talk with the appropriate local criminal defense lawyer to ensure that you take the proper steps to ensure that a fair judgment is given in the event of the case going to trial.

The seriousness of the crime committed will decide the degree of the sentence. For serious crimes, that is, felonies, the accused is liable to jail time of at least one year, whereas misdemeanors may receive only a fine or a short jail term. Depending on whether the crime committed is a misdemeanor or a felony, the defendant may rely on the defense counsel to proceed with the case in a certain manner. For instance, if you are charged with a misdemeanor, you can plead guilty or not guilty at the time of the arraignment. First-time offenses such as drug possession may allow one to plead guilty, and depending on the drug diversion programs in the jurisdiction the court may order the defendant to get counseling and dismissal of the charges on completion of the counseling sessions.

An experienced Criminal attorney will advise on the course of action in case you are accused of committing a felony. Felonies are crimes usually punishable by more than a year of imprisonment. A defendant will typically have the right to a jury trial when charged with a felony crime. The common felonies are rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, treason and other highly serious crimes including murder. To obtain a conviction, the state or the prosecutors must prove the elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A qualified Illinois criminal lawyer attorney will possess thorough knowledge of the criminal justice process in the state.

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