If you’re accused of committing a felony in Skokie, you may need to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The stakes are high with felony charges; convictions often result in prison sentences and serious fines, and they stay on your record forever.

For most people, it makes sense to call a Skokie criminal defense lawyer immediately after finding out they’re being charged with a felony.

What to Do if You’re Charged With a Felony in Skokie

First things first: If you’ve been arrested, don’t say anything to investigators that could cause you trouble later. You have the right to have an attorney present when you’re being questioned, so use it! Even if the police tell you that confessing will make things easier for you, don’t admit to anything (whether or not you’re guilty). If investigators tell you that they “just want your side of the story,” don’t give it to them until you’ve talked to your attorney; many innocent people make the mistake of trying to clear their names with the police and end up getting slammed in court for something they never did.

When You Talk to Your Lawyer

Your attorney will discuss your case with you and ask you for answers to specific questions. Make sure you answer honestly; your attorney can’t defend what he doesn’t know, and he needs to develop a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.

Your lawyer can sit with you while police are questioning you, and he’ll go with you to your arraignment—that’s when you’ll be formally charged with a crime. He’ll speak up when the judge asks if you’re guilty or not guilty, and he’ll prepare your defense so he can argue on your behalf if you go to trial.

Your attorney can also negotiate with the prosecutor in your case. Sometimes criminal defense attorneys are able to have charges changed, and in some cases, have cases dismissed entirely. Nobody can guarantee a specific outcome, but the possibility is there; your attorney will discuss the specifics of your case with you and let you know how he plans to protect you in court.

Do You Need to Talk to a Skokie Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you need to talk to a criminal defense attorney in Skokie because you’ve been accused of a felony, call us immediately at 847-920-4540 for a free case review. We’ll give you case-specific legal advice and start developing a strategy to defend you right away.

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