Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to resolve my case without having a criminal record?
Possibly. If you do not have a criminal record, it is becoming more common in many misdemeanor charges and even some felony cases.
Am I going to go to jail?
People who are middle-aged and arrested for the first time for a misdemeanor almost never have to spend time in jail. When there is a criminal record involved, that’s a different story. Regardless of your personal situation, contacting a lawyer immediately is the best way to protect your rights.
What about a public defender? Will I be OK if I go with one of their attorneys?
What we can tell you is that our firm has more than 30 years of criminal defense experience in Cook County. That experience includes 150 felony jury trials and 300 bench trials. When you choose us, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
Will you be available to answer my questions?
We are available 24/7 by email, text or a phone call.
How much are your fees?
Another benefit of choosing our firm is our flat-fee payment system. We do not charge per court date. This works to your advantage because our firm will work diligently to resolve the case as quickly as possible in best result possible given your circumstances.
Do you have a payment plan?
Yes. We offer flexible options for a retainer fee and monthly payment plans.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
The primary difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Illinois lies in the severity of the crime and the corresponding punishment.
Misdemeanors are considered less severe offenses and are typically punishable by less than a year in jail, fines or community service. Misdemeanor charges can fall into three categories: Class A, B and C, with Class A being the most serious.
Felonies, on the other hand, are serious crimes that can result in more than a year of imprisonment, larger fines and a more significant impact on your future. Felonies are categorized from Class X (the most serious) to Class 4 (the least serious).
Class X felonies include crimes like armed robbery and aggravated sexual assault, while Class 4 felonies include offenses like forgery and certain drug crimes.
What are the stages of a criminal case?
A criminal case in Illinois typically progresses through several official stages:
- Arrest and initial processing: The individual is taken into police custody, fingerprinted, photographed and possibly interrogated.
- First court appearance and arraignment: The court formally reads the charges, and the defendant enters a plea.
- Discovery and pretrial motions: Evidence is exchanged between the prosecution and defense, and pretrial motions may be filed.
- Trial: Both sides present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing and appeals: If convicted, the judge determines the punishment. Appeals can be filed if legal errors occurred during the proceedings and affected the trial’s outcome.
Knowing what to expect can help you move more confidently through the criminal justice process, preparing effectively for each step along the way.
What is the burden of proof in a criminal case?
The burden of proof in criminal cases lies with the prosecution, and they must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Typically, the evidence prosecutors present must be so convincing that it leaves little – if any – doubt in the mind of a reasonable person regarding the defendant’s guilt.
Get Answers To Your Questions About Your Case
Every case is different. When you need personalized criminal defense legal advice you can trust, call the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards today in Chicago at 773-467-7079 or send us an email.