When Should I Hire A Lawyer For Illinois Criminal Charges?

If you were arrested on misdemeanor or felony charges in Illinois recently, you may face severe consequences, such as jail time and heavy fines. Plus, having a charge or conviction on your record could make getting and keeping a job immensely difficult. You need a fierce Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer fighting for your rights in times like these.

Learn in this blog post about when you should hire an attorney for Illinois criminal charges. Then, talk to one of our attorneys at (847) 298-5740 if you have questions.

Should You Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Many people arrested on a criminal charge in Illinois might think they do not need a lawyer. Perhaps the charge is ‘not too serious,’ or it is your first offense, so you may be able to get a plea deal on your own. Or, if you already have a record, you could think that a criminal defense attorney will not be able to help you. Thinking any of these things is incorrect and could impact your future negatively.

Whether you are facing your first or subsequent charge, you can be helped by an experienced criminal defense attorney. The truth is, even if you face a ‘minor’ misdemeanor charge, there are several valid reasons to hire an Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney:

You Can Go To Jail

There are Class A, B, and C misdemeanors in Illinois. According to 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5.-65, a conviction for a Class C misdemeanor can result in a 30-day jail sentence, while a Class B conviction can bring a six-month jail term. If you are convicted of a felony, you could do at least a few years in prison. Having an attorney negotiating on your behalf when your future is on the line is vital.

You Could Have A Criminal Record

A criminal conviction in Illinois may result in a permanent criminal record. You will then have to go through the process of sealing or expungement which is not an option for all types of cases. Even if you do not go to jail, you could find many aspects of life difficult. For example, many convicted criminals find getting and keeping a good job challenging, at best.

You Do Not Understand The Legal System

An experienced criminal defense lawyer understands state and local laws and how local judges and prosecutors treat various kinds of cases. Your lawyer can provide invaluable legal advice about the Illinois criminal justice process while safeguarding your rights.

In summary, you should be represented by a skilled criminal defense attorney in Illinois if you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime. The results you can get without legal representation are almost always worse than with a criminal defense lawyer.

Speak To Our Arlington Heights Criminal Defense Lawyers Now

Being arrested on criminal charges in Arlington Heights can be scary. With so much uncertainty about your future, having a skilled attorney in your corner is critical. The Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyers at Villadonga & Villadonga have the legal tenacity and skill to defend you against various misdemeanor and felony charges.

Call our law offices today at (847) 298-5740 for a confidential consultation. Our criminal defense attorneys have more than 50 years of proven experience and can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.