Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Clients in Dupage County
If you are facing accusations of a felony or misdemeanor in Dupage County, your case will likely go through the DuPage County Courthouse. Starting from your arrest, the case can either conclude with a dismissal of charges or a conviction secured from a guilty plea or trial. However, without a competent criminal defense lawyer, the entire legal process can be confusing and stressful, and your freedom may be at risk. In Illinois, felonies can result in prison sentences ranging from one year to life, while misdemeanors may lead to jail terms ranging from one month to one year. Keep in mind that a jail sentence can have serious consequences such as losing your job and ability to support your family.Being convicted of a crime can have long-lasting consequences. The court may order you to comply with strict supervision, pay significant fines and restitution, attend drug treatment programs or do community service. Moreover, the conviction will be on your record and could harm your chances of getting a job, education, public benefits or housing.
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in the Chicagoland area, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. George P. Kallas, an attorney with an outstanding reputation, has helped numerous clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in DuPage County. He is dedicated to defending your rights and freedom. For free advice on your criminal charges, call Illinois criminal defense lawyer George P. Kallas at (630) 479-7100.
The Steps in an Illinois Criminal Case: First Step, Arrest
To start your case, an investigation will be launched. This can happen if someone reports a complaint to the police or if you are caught at the scene of the crime. If you’re not caught at the scene, a detective in charge of the case will need to obtain a warrant from a neutral magistrate judge.If there is enough evidence for the detective to suspect that you have committed a crime, a judge may issue an arrest warrant. Similarly, if the detective has reason to believe that illegal items may be found in your home, business, or vehicle, a search warrant may be granted, which could result in your arrest.
If you get arrested, you’ll be taken for processing at the precinct or given a citation. The citation will contain information about the date and time of your court appearance for arraignment. In case you are taken to the precinct, you will undergo the process of fingerprinting, photography, and an interview. An officer will give you a ride to Dupage County Courthouse for a bond hearing to decide how much money is required for your release. Alternatively, you may be eligible for an I-Bond which does not require you to pay any money to be released.
Arraignment
During arraignment, you will be informed of the charges against you. The prosecutor may ask for your detention until the trial. Detention before trial can be based on factors including the risk of you running away, being on probation or parole, or posing a threat to the community. If you are being detained before trial, you may be required to pay a cash bond known as a D-Bond in order to be released. If you are released, you may be supervised by Pretrial Services. Release conditions that are frequently implemented include drug testing, weekly reporting either in-person or over the phone, GPS ankle monitoring, abstaining from re-arrest, receiving drug and mental health treatment, and obeying orders to stay away from the victim or a specific address, among others.
Hearings and Status Dates
You will have an arraignment hearing before a trial judge, but your following hearing will be with your assigned judge. It is important that you attend every hearing, as a bench warrant will be issued if you do not appear. If you don’t show up, the judge may cancel your release and keep you in custody until the trial. You may also face charges for not appearing as required by the prosecutor.
During a status hearing, the prosecutor can present a plea offer or diversion offer. Deferred Prosecution is a program offered by the prosecutor’s office prior to trial, where you can complete community service, mediation, drug treatment or mental health treatment in exchange for having your charges dismissed. A plea offer is a specific agreement that is made between the prosecutor and your criminal defense attorney. In exchange for pleading guilty, the prosecutor may offer you certain benefits like dropping some charges against you or recommending a less severe punishment.
During the hearing, your criminal defense attorney may present arguments or highlight any issues with evidence sharing that they are facing with the prosecutor. If you decline an offer for pre-trial diversion or plea, your case will be scheduled for trial.
Trial
Your criminal defense attorney will investigate, interview witnesses, subpoena witnesses, and develop a defense strategy before your trial. They may also file motions like a motion to suppress evidence and statements made to police.
The trial will start with opening statements. The prosecutor will give a brief opening statement followed by your attorney’s statement on what they expect the evidence to reveal. Next, the prosecutor will present their case by calling prosecution witnesses and conducting direct examination. Your attorney will be allowed to cross-examine each witness.
After the prosecution presents its case, your attorney may make a Motion for Directed Finding arguing that the government has not proven its case. If the judge denies this motion, your attorney will have the opportunity to present evidence in the defense case-in-chief. Your criminal attorney will summon witnesses to the stand and ask them questions, then the prosecutor will question them as well. You may choose to testify on your own behalf, but you also have the option to remain silent. If you choose not to testify, the judge will inform the jury that they cannot consider your silence as evidence against you.
After the evidence is presented, both parties will give closing arguments. If the jury finds you not guilty, you will be acquitted and the case will end. However, if the verdict is guilty, you will receive a sentence determined by the judge. During sentencing, the judge will consider the sentencing guidelines, any aggravating factors (such as the victim’s identity or the severity of the crime), and any mitigating factors (such as lack of criminal history).
Aggressive Dupage County Criminal Defense Lawyer with over 25 Years of Experience
George P. Kallas has acquired extensive knowledge on the Illinois Compiled Statutes Criminal Code, rules of criminal procedure, and the U.S. Constitution in the past twentyfive years. He aims to utilize his training, experience, skills, and desire to serve vulnerable communities to offer clients exceptional representation. You can schedule a no-cost consultation by reaching out to The Law Offices of George P. Kallas at (630) 749-7100 at any time.
