If you or someone you know has recently found themselves in legal trouble, you might wonder what your options are. No matter what kind of criminal charges you face, you can always hire an Arlington Heights, IL criminal defense lawyer to help you weather this storm. In fact, hiring an attorney is in your best interest, even if this is your first run-in with the law.

You may worry about your reputation or how this charge will impact your work or family life. By working with a lawyer, you could decrease the impact that your charges have on your career and those you love. Cost is also another concern for people facing criminal charges; however, not hiring a lawyer could end up costing you much more in the long run. 

What is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Criminal defense lawyers focus on defending people charged with a crime in criminal court. They can help guide you through the legal process and may be able to reduce your charges or your punishment. A skilled criminal defense attorney could help those charged with a variety of different crimes, including:

Drug charges are some of the most severe charges someone in Illinois can face. While many different defenses exist, using a defense that works well for your specific case is imperative. To find the best defense for your case, you will want to talk to an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL drug crimes attorney who is well-versed in state drug laws and your local court system. The most common defenses to Illinois drug charges include the following.

Unintentional Possession

To be convicted of possessing a controlled substance, you must knowingly have the substance in your possession. In some cases, there is the potential that someone was not aware that they had drugs in their possession. For example, maybe they were given a package or envelope without knowledge of its contents. Tell your attorney if this happened in your case. They can determine if this should become a part of your defense.

Lack of Knowledge

Suppose drugs are found on your property, such as in your vehicle or place of residence. In that case, law enforcement assumes that the drugs belong to you as the property owner. Even still, this does not guarantee that anything found on your property belongs to you or that you were even aware of their presence, especially if others have access to your property. 

Attorney-client privilege is a fundamental legal concept crucial in protecting the privacy and confidentiality of communications between clients and their attorneys. Particularly in criminal law, understanding the scope, exceptions, and limitations of attorney-client privilege is essential for preserving a client’s rights and facilitating an effective defense. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to understand the concept of attorney-client privilege and how it may be a factor in your case as you work with your lawyer to fight the charges against you. 

Defining Attorney-Client Privilege

Essentially, attorney-client privilege is a legal principle that guarantees the confidentiality of communication between attorneys and their clients. It allows clients to freely disclose information to their attorneys, secure in the knowledge that such communications will remain confidential. This privilege is vital as it encourages clients to be truthful and transparent with their attorneys, facilitating effective legal counsel and advocacy. 

Scope and Application

The attorney-client privilege applies to communications between an attorney and a client when seeking legal advice or representation. It can encompass various forms of communication, including personal conversations, written correspondence, and electronic communications, as long as they occur within the scope of the attorney-client relationship. 

Being arrested for shoplifting merchandise can be an alarming and stressful experience, particularly if it is your first run-in with the law. In Illinois, theft is taken seriously, and the severity of the legal consequences largely depends on various factors surrounding the incident. Today, we will provide a legal overview of the potential outcomes in such a case. If you are facing shoplifting charges, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to assist you in fighting the charges of which you have been charged. 

Understanding the Offense 

In Illinois, theft is considered a criminal offense involving unauthorized taking or controlling another person’s property. The value of the stolen merchandise plays a crucial role in determining the changes and potential penalties. 

Potential Charges 

Since the value of the stolen merchandise amounts to $100, the offense generally falls under the category of a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes compared to felonies, and they typically carry less severe penalties.