Being charged with a crime is not something that anyone wants to have to go through, especially if they are innocent. Unfortunately, every year in Illinois, countless individuals are investigated for crimes they did not commit, or for actions that were beyond their control. It is a taxing and difficult experience and one that is rarely over quickly. If you are faced with charges of any kind, forming a strong defense is critical.
It is a lot to take in, but making the correct choices in the wake of such accusations can be the difference between conviction and walking free. There are many lines of defense you could choose depending on your circumstances. Sometimes it is enough to simply assert that you did not do it or were not present. In other cases you could benefit from saying nothing at all.
It is also important to remember that even if you were involved to some extent, all is not lost. If you fear that avoiding conviction is impossible, you might still be able to negotiate a plea deal. This could allow you to accept some of the charges in order to have others dropped, or your sentence reduced.
No matter the charges you face, you could find the support of an attorney invaluable. He or she can help you to understand your situation and may be able to advise you on the best course of action to pursue. See our page on criminal defense for further information on the types of allegations you could be confronted with and the steps you can take to protect yourself from conviction.