What to Do if You Are Charged with Felonies in Canton IL
You face time in prison, hefty fines, and punishing penalties if you are found guilty of charges for felonies in Canton IL. Attorney Jason B. Netzley at the Brave Law Center understands that being arrested is a scary time. However, it is important to remain calm and take steps to start building your best defense against criminal charges. Following these directions could help to get your charges reduced or perhaps get a not guilty verdict in trial.
The most critical step is to contact our criminal defense attorney at the Brave Law Center. Our attorney can help you understand your rights and prevent you from incriminating yourself. Law enforcement will work against you every step of the way. So, you need an experienced, local trial lawyer on your side to protect your rights and fight for your freedom. Contact the Brave Law Center now to discuss your case.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
Avoid speaking to the police if you are being charged with felonies in Canton IL. What you say can get used against you as evidence in your trial. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to refuse from incriminating yourself. If you are taken into custody, peacefully decline giving a statement to police officers. Then, tell them that you will not answer any questions until your lawyer is present. Our criminal defense attorney at the Brave Law Center formerly worked as a prosecutor. So, he can advise you how to best proceed during a police investigation.
Remain Polite and Calm with Law Enforcement
It goes against your basic instincts if you are being charged with felonies in Canton IL. However, the next step is to keep calm and avoid confrontation with police officers. Being questioned by police is scary. Plus, officers can use aggressive, in-your-face tactics. Yet, resisting arrest will make you appear to be guilty of charges and will lead to more criminal charges. Calmly let police know that you want a lawyer present before proceeding with interviews about the incident.
Understand the Charges Against You
Most people do not understand the difference between misdemeanors and felonies in Canton IL. As a result, they do not realize the severity of the charges against them and the harsh penalties that they face. Under Illinois law, felony charges fall under the following classes:
- Class X – Violent crimes such as aggravated sexual assault or robbery fall under this class of felonies. A conviction will bring a jail sentence of 6 to 30 years.
- Class 1 – Sexual assault crimes apply to this class of felony. If convicted, you face a jail sentence of 4 to 15 years and up to $25,000 in fines.
- Class 2 – This is the class of felonies for arson charges. A conviction would impose a jail sentence of 3 to 7 years. Plus, you face up to $25,000 in fines.
- Class 3 – Retail theft of items valued between $300 to $2,000 fall under this class off felony. A conviction would bring 2 to 5 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
- Class 4 – Crimes like aggravated assault, DUI, and stalking are in this least serious class of felonies. A conviction would include a jail sentence of 1 to 3 years and up to $25,000 in fines.
Give Your Attorney Honest Answers
You need to provide complete transparency about what happened when speaking with your criminal defense attorney. Any information that you tell your lawyer remains confidential. That information is protected by attorney-client privilege. Your attorney can build a better defense strategy if they know as much about what happened as possible. That way, your lawyer can interview witnesses, compile evidence and testimony that helps you, and work to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Do Not Talk to Family or Friends
Unlike conversations with your attorney, any discussions about the case with your family or friends are not protected. Therefore, do not speak about the case with anyone besides your lawyer if you are charged with felonies in Canton IL. The prosecution can call family members and friends to testify against you in court. So, avoid speaking about the details of your arrest to prevent damaging your case.
Write Down What You Recall
It is important to document what you remember as soon as possible when you are charged with felonies in Canton IL. You will be able to provide your attorney with better information to help by recording what you remember while it remains clear in your mind. Plus, it is important to record your exact location and if you were with anyone else when the crime happened. Law enforcement will document everything from the moment you are arrested. So, you need to give your lawyer the best information to refute what the prosecution presents.
Provide Your Attorney with Witnesses
Your attorney will build a defense by gather evidence and testimony from witnesses on your behalf. Therefore, you need to write down a list of witnesses that could help your case if you are charged with felonies in Canton IL. That way, your attorney can present compelling evidence that you are not guilty of the charges. Also, make sure to attend all court proceedings with your attorney.
Contact Our Local Criminal Defense Attorney
You face potentially life-altering consequences when you are charged with felonies in Canton IL. Therefore, you should contact Brave Law Center to build your best defense with our experienced trial lawyers. Call the Brave Law Center now at 309-228-9136 or send us an email to request a consultation.
