You would have to be living under a rock not to realize that there has been a major uptick in shootings and homicides here in Chicago.
Just in the first half of the year alone, there were 440 homicides in the city, an increase of 52% from the same time frame the year before.
Police under pressure to solve crimes
As one can imagine, when the violent crime statistics rise alarmingly, police are under increasing pressure from politicians and the public at large to make arrests and solve these crimes.
That can have a ripple effect on the population, as many law-abiding citizens can get themselves caught up in police dragnets. They may have merely been in the wrong place at the wrong time, or simply have the misfortune to resemble a witness’s description of a shooter.
At worst, they could have been set up, either by the actual shooter or by the law enforcement officers who arrest them.
Not all who are arrested are guilty
If you have never been arrested, you might assume that the police only arrest those who are guilty. But that is a dangerous false assumption indeed. Innocent people are arrested every day for crimes they did not commit.
While there is the presumption of innocence in our American justice system, tell that to those who are languishing in pretrial detention right here in Cook County.
You could be the shooter and still not be a murderer
Suppose you were standing at a bus stop and a car pulls up and the passenger opens fire. You pull your own weapon and fire back, killing the driver.
Yes, you shot and killed a man. But was it murder? You were afraid for your life and were shooting in self-defense. That is not murder.
But it could get you arrested on a murder charge. You could face some of the most severe penalties possible if convicted.
Get legal help now
Few people are able to adequately defend themselves on weapons and murder charges. They need the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of Illinois laws. Seeking counsel immediately can start the ball rolling in your court and protect your rights and liberty.