Champaign Criminal Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for the Accused in Champaign, Urbana, & Central Illinois

When you are facing criminal charges, you need a lawyer who will fight for you. At Cisco Law, we are committed to providing the aggressive defense you need. We are not afraid to take on the toughest cases, and we have a proven track record of success. Our Champaign criminal defense attorney is a former prosecutor who knows how the other side thinks. We use this knowledge to build the strongest possible defense for our clients.

Call (217) 906-4320 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation with our criminal defense lawyer in Champaign.

Our Criminal Defense Services

At Cisco Law, we handle a wide range of criminal cases. We know that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the specific details of your situation. Our Champaign criminal defense lawyer will work with you to develop a personalized legal strategy that is tailored to your needs.

We represent clients in the following types of cases, and more:

• Assault & Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Drug Crimes
• DUI
• Federal Crimes
• Sex Crimes
• Theft Crimes
• Violent Crimes
• White Collar Crimes

What to Do If You Are Arrested

Being arrested can be a terrifying experience. However, it is important to stay calm and remember your rights. The steps you take immediately after your arrest can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.

If you are arrested, you should:

• Remain silent: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Do not answer any questions from the police without your lawyer present.
• Ask for a lawyer: You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you. You should ask for a lawyer as soon as possible.
• Do not resist arrest: Resisting arrest can lead to additional charges. Even if you believe you are being wrongfully arrested, you should not resist.
• Do not consent to a search: The police need a warrant to search your home or vehicle. If they ask for your consent to search, you should politely decline.
• Write down everything you remember: As soon as you are able, you should write down everything you remember about your arrest. This can help your lawyer build a stronger defense.

What to Expect from the Criminal Case Process

The criminal case process can be confusing and overwhelming. At Cisco Law, we are here to guide you through every step of your case. Our Champaign criminal defense attorney will help you understand what to expect and will keep you informed about any updates in your case.

The criminal case process typically involves the following steps:

• Arrest: The police will arrest you if they have probable cause to believe you committed a crime. They will take you to the police station, where you will be booked and fingerprinted.
• Arraignment: At your arraignment, you will be formally charged with a crime. You will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, your case will proceed to sentencing. If you plead not guilty, your case will proceed to trial.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer will file pre-trial motions to challenge the evidence against you. This can include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and more.
• Plea Bargaining: The prosecution may offer you a plea bargain. This is an agreement in which you agree to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. Your lawyer will help you decide whether to accept the plea bargain or take your case to trial.
• Trial: If you do not accept a plea bargain, your case will proceed to trial. The prosecution will present their case, and your lawyer will have the opportunity to present your defense. The jury will then decide whether you are guilty or not guilty.
• Sentencing: If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced. The judge will consider a variety of factors when determining your sentence, including the nature of the crime, your criminal history, and more.
• Appeal: If you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal your conviction. Your lawyer will help you determine whether you have grounds for an appeal.

What Are My Rights If I Am Accused of a Crime?

If you are accused of a crime, you have a number of important rights. It is important to remember these rights and to exercise them to protect yourself.

If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to:

• Remain silent: You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions from the police without your lawyer present.
• An attorney: You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you.
• Be free from unreasonable searches and seizures: The police need a warrant to search your home or vehicle. If they ask for your consent to search, you can politely decline.
• A fair trial: You have the right to a fair trial. This means that the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You also have the right to an impartial jury.
• Confront your accuser: You have the right to confront your accuser in court. This means that the prosecution must call any witnesses who can testify against you.
• Appeal your conviction: If you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal your conviction. Your lawyer can help you determine whether you have grounds for an appeal.

What Is the Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney?

A criminal defense attorney is responsible for protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom. Your lawyer will represent you at every stage of your case, from the initial investigation to the final appeal. They will investigate the charges against you, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and more. Your lawyer will also negotiate with the prosecution to try to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your defense and fight for an acquittal.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

In Illinois, crimes are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The main difference between the two is the potential penalties you face if you are convicted.

In Illinois, misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison.

There are three classes of misdemeanors in Illinois:

• Class A misdemeanors are the most serious and are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.
• Class C misdemeanors are the least serious and are punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.

There are five classes of felonies in Illinois:

• Class X felonies are the most serious and are punishable by six to 30 years in prison.
• Class 1 felonies are punishable by four to 15 years in prison.
• Class 2 felonies are punishable by three to seven years in prison.
• Class 3 felonies are punishable by two to five years in prison.
• Class 4 felonies are the least serious and are punishable by one to three years in prison.

What Are the Different Types of Criminal Defenses?

If you are facing criminal charges, you have the right to present a defense. There are a number of different defenses that you can use, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Some of the most common defenses in criminal cases include:

• Alibi: An alibi is a defense that you were somewhere else when the crime was committed. You can use an alibi to prove that you could not have committed the crime.
• Self-defense: You can use self-defense if you reasonably believed that you were in imminent danger of being harmed and used force to protect yourself.
• Insanity: You can use the insanity defense if you were legally insane at the time the crime was committed. This means that you did not know what you were doing or did not know that it was wrong.
• Mistaken identity: You can use the mistaken identity defense if you were not the person who committed the crime.
• Entrapment: You can use the entrapment defense if the police induced you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed.
• Illegal search and seizure: You can use the illegal search and seizure defense if the police obtained evidence against you through an illegal search.

What Is the Difference Between a Public Defender and a Private Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you are facing criminal charges, you have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you. These attorneys are known as public defenders. While public defenders are highly skilled attorneys, they are often overworked and underpaid. They may not have the time or resources to devote to your case.

When you hire a private criminal defense attorney, you get the following benefits:

• More time and attention: A private attorney will have more time and resources to devote to your case. They can give your case the attention it deserves.
• More experience: A private attorney will have more experience handling criminal cases. They will know how to build a strong defense and will be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
• More personalized service: A private attorney will provide you with more personalized service. They will take the time to get to know you and understand your goals.

Why Choose Cisco Law?

At Cisco Law, we are committed to providing the aggressive defense you need. We know that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the specific details of your situation. Our Champaign criminal defense attorney will work with you to develop a personalized legal strategy that is tailored to your needs.

When you choose Cisco Law, you get the following benefits:

• Aggressive representation: We are not afraid to take on the toughest cases. Our Champaign criminal defense lawyer will fight for you both in and out of the courtroom.
• Proven track record of success: We have a proven track record of success. We have helped countless clients get their charges reduced or dismissed.
• Former prosecutor: Our Champaign criminal defense attorney is a former prosecutor who knows how the other side thinks. We use this knowledge to build the strongest possible defense for our clients.
• Free initial consultation: We offer free initial consultations to all new clients. We will review the details of your case and help you understand your legal options.

Call (217) 906-4320 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation with our criminal defense lawyer in Champaign.