How to Select a Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case in Skokie Court

Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences a person can go through. If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime and must appear in the Skokie courthouse, choosing the right criminal defense attorney is crucial. The attorney you select can significantly impact the outcome of your case, so it’s essential to make an informed decision. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a criminal defense attorney for your case in Skokie court.

1. Experience with Skokie Court Cases

Every courthouse has its own procedures, judges, and nuances, and the Skokie courthouse is no exception. When selecting a defense attorney, it’s important to choose someone who has extensive experience handling cases specifically in Skokie. An attorney familiar with the Skokie courthouse will understand the local legal landscape, know the tendencies of the judges and prosecutors, and be able to navigate the system more effectively on your behalf.

2. Concentration in Criminal Defense

Criminal law is a complex and specialized area of practice. An attorney who focuses exclusively in criminal defense is more likely to have the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to build a strong defense strategy. Look for a lawyer who focuses on criminal cases rather than someone who practices in multiple areas of law. This specialization ensures that your attorney is up-to-date on the latest legal precedents and has honed the skills necessary to defend against criminal charges.

3. Track Record of Success

When facing criminal charges, results matter. It’s important to ask potential attorneys about their track record of success in cases similar to yours. While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, you want someone with a history of achieving favorable results, whether that’s through dismissals, plea bargains, or reduced charges. A successful track record can give you confidence that your attorney has the experience and ability to handle your case effectively.

4. Personalized Attention and Communication

Facing criminal charges can be an isolating experience, and having an attorney who is attentive and communicative can make a significant difference in your peace of mind. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the attorney communicates with you. Do they listen to your concerns? Do they explain the legal process in a way that you understand? You want an attorney who will be responsive to your needs, keep you informed about your case, and treat you with respect.

5. Understanding of the Charges and Possible Consequences

Criminal charges can vary widely in severity and potential consequences. It’s important to choose an attorney who not only understands the specific charges you’re facing but can also clearly explain the possible outcomes and legal options available to you. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony, your attorney should be able to provide a realistic assessment of your situation and outline a strategy tailored to your case.

6. Transparent Fee Structure

Legal fees can be a significant concern when selecting an attorney. Make sure you discuss the attorney’s fee structure upfront to avoid any surprises later on. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, while others may bill hourly. It’s also important to understand what services are included in the fee and whether there may be additional costs, such as for expert witnesses or private investigators. A reputable attorney will provide a clear and transparent explanation of their fees.

7. Reputation in the Legal Community

An attorney’s reputation within the legal community can provide valuable insight into their abilities and professionalism. Consider asking for recommendations from other legal professionals, or check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. A well-respected attorney is more likely to have the trust of judges and prosecutors, which can be advantageous in negotiations or court proceedings.

8. Local Knowledge and Resources

In addition to experience in Skokie court, an attorney with strong local ties may have access to valuable resources that can benefit your case. This includes connections with local investigators, expert witnesses, and other professionals who can provide critical support. An attorney who is well-connected in the Skokie area is often better equipped to gather the evidence and build the strongest possible defense.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Defense

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make if you’re facing charges in Skokie court. By focusing on experience, specialization, communication, and reputation, you can find an attorney who will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact Andrew M. Weisberg for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how he can provide the defense you need in Skokie court. Call (847) 350-1266 for a free and immediate consultation.

Although it took place several months ago and footage was sent to NFL security chief in April, 2014, the video of Baltimore Ravens’ Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancée unconscious and dragging her body out of a casino elevator was released to the public only last month. Initially, Commissioner Roger Goodell gave Rice a two-game suspension, but following loud protests and wide criticism, the Baltimore Ravens released him, and Goodell suspended him indefinitely.

The league’s history of punishing players for conduct violation could be called inconsistent, at best. Sometimes, players would receive a paltry one- or two-game suspension for charges of misdemeanor assault or felony assault. Other times, recreational drug use would be more of a crime to the league than domestic violence, and those caught smoking pot would be given draconian punishment. Often, charges would be reduced, and the severity of the NFL punishment lowered, or dropped altogether, and the suspensions lifted.

Among those who got off easy are Joe Mays, whose brutal hit on Houston Texans’ Matt Schaub took off a piece of his ear, and Larry Johnson, who violated the NFL conduct policy four times in five years (between 2003 and 2008) and continued his criminal activity outside of his NFL career. Pointing a gun at a stripper warranted, in the case of Carolina Panthers’ Jeremy Bridges, only a two-game suspension, while charges ranging from battery and sexual assault to multiple DUI offenses got players suspended for a maximum of four games. Suspensions greater than one year were in large part given to players who violated NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Aside from appalling an entire country, there is a bright side to the Ray Rice scandal. First of all, it opened a national conversation on domestic violence and its many direct and indirect implications for both victims and aggressors. But most importantly, it forced the NFL to review its handling of sexual assault and domestic criminal cases, leading to a significant change in its personal conduct policy. Below are the most notable changes.

Key Changes to NFL Personal Conduct Policy

Policy will apply to all NFL personnel, players and non-players. The newly-reviewed disciplinary consequences for domestic violence and sexual assault will be applied to all those working for the league, including players, owners, executives, coaches, and staff.

All NFL personnel will undergo training on domestic violence and sexual assault. HR reps and other appropriate team personnel in the league will undergo comprehensive training to learn how to recognize and promptly address the signs and risk factors associated with domestic violence and sexual assault.

Those at risk will be asked to undergo counseling. Those who consider themselves at risk – whether as a victim or potential aggressor – will receive confidential counseling from trained personnel. Refusal could affect future penalties for those who will be found guilty of subsequent acts of domestic violence and sexual assault.

All NFL members and their families will receive confidential counseling. Spouses and partners of NFL members will have access to confidential assistance through the league, the NFL Total Wellness Program, and local resources.

The league will mandate educational programs on domestic violence and assault for all league and team personnel. To raise awareness and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault both inside the league and in society in general, NFL will implement broad educational programs that all players, executives, coaches, and staff will be required to participate in.

First-offenders will be given a six-game suspension and second-offenders lifetime ban. First offenses will be subject to a six-game suspension (but can be extended under certain conditions), while subsequent offenses will bring about a lifetime ban (although players will have the possibility of reinstatement after one year). The policy will not be applied retroactively.

Policy will apply to all incidents where physical force is involved.

All violence acts involving the use of physical force, including assault, domestic violence, battery, and sexual assault will be subject to disciplinary measures. Incidents involving weapons or violence committed against women and children will receive more severe penalties.

All these measures will probably not solve the league’s long-time problem with domestic violence and sexual assault, but it’s at least an indication that NFL has finally started to take these matters seriously. The reviewed policy will also bridge the ridiculous gap between the how a player is punished more severely for using drugs than for knocking a female unconscious and hopefully rehabilitate the league’s bad image.

About the Author

Andrew Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in Skokie, Illinois. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to theft-related crimes and drug crimes.

Shoplifting cases may have relatively lower exposure to punishment compared to other criminal offenses, but the legal, social, and personal consequences may impact a person’s life for a long time. Aside from criminal penalties that typically include fines, imprisonment, or both, the offender will get a criminal record that will be stored in the national database and accessed at any time by the police, public institutions, employers, and landlords. The stigma carried by a shoplifting conviction, which can limit housing, education, and employment opportunities, can be difficult to overcome.

As a lawyer, the best advice I can offer you about shoplifting is never to do it. Then again, if you have taken an item without paying for it and got caught, intentionally or accidentally, that doesn’t mean all is lost. There are several factors in a criminal case that will affect the final outcome, and knowing what to expect will significantly increase your chances of getting acquitted. Here is what you need to know if you’ve been caught shoplifting.

Tougher Anti-Theft Policies Aim to Reduce Fraud

In their attempt to reduce losses due to theft, some retailers have adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy to prosecute shoplifters. Major retail stores such as Best Buy, Sears, Office Depot, or Macy’s aggressively pursue suspected shoplifters and almost never hesitate to press charges and obtain restitution. Tougher anti-theft policies and procedures are also meant to help retailers avoid litigation for false imprisonment and false arrest, reduce insurance expenses, and discourage future theft.

Sometimes, in order to obtain a written statement from the suspect confessing to the crime, security officers may promise they will not call the police or press charges against them. In reality, stores almost always contact the local police after catching shoplifters; only those without a “zero-tolerance” policy may let the suspect off with just a store ban if the items are of minimal value or if the suspect is under the age of 18.

Most retailers are well aware that showing compassion may encourage criminal activity by suggesting to potential shoplifters that they will be treated with lenience, and that’s the last thing they want. Consequently, they try to maintain a strict policy of prosecuting all offenders, no matter their age, the reasons they had, or the amount stolen.

Steps in Establishing Probable Cause

In order for a store to use its right to detain a customer, a security officer or an employee must first establish probable cause by following these steps:

1) Observe the suspect approach a store item. The security officer must make sure that the customer hasn’t brought an outside item into the store for the purpose of a refund or exchange and failed to check in at the service desk first.

2) Observe the suspect select a store item. Security personnel often misunderstand when they see a shopper put an item into their purse, bag, or pocket, and fail to realize it is the client’s personal property that was brought inside the store.

3) Observe the suspect carry away, hide, or consume a store item. Shoplifting can occur when unpaid merchandise is concealed in bags or inside pockets, worn by the suspect after having its tags removed, or consumed prior to purchasing it. In cases where observation is impossible (such as inside fitting rooms), security officers the merchandise taken inside the fitting room with the merchandise returned.

4) Observe the suspect without interruption. Shoplifters who believe they have been spotted stealing may attempt to discard the concealed merchandise and no longer have it on them when approached at the exit. To prevent losing sight of the shoplifter or the hidden items, guards must keep them under uninterrupted and continuous observation.

5) Observe the suspect failing to pay for the store items. Some shoplifters will go past cashiers and attempt to exit the store without paying for the concealed merchandise, while others may go through checkout and pay for some items, but not for the ones they have hidden. Security personnel must ensure the concealed items have not been retrieved or paid for prior to leaving the store.

6) Approach the suspect once he/she passes the cashiers and exits the store. By doing so, the security guard eliminates any possibility that the suspect has the intention of paying for the concealed merchandise before leaving the store.

Even if the security personnel have reasonable cause to detain you, they must do so in a reasonable manner or risk criminal liability for false imprisonment and possibly other crimes. That means the investigation should be conducted on or near the store’s premises, and detention should be obtained through reasonable use of force and only for the time necessary to establish guilt.

You Have the Right to Legal Representation

The best thing to do in this situation is exercise your right to not incriminate yourself and ask to have your lawyer present. Confessing to the crime will significantly limit your defense options in court, so do yourself a favor and admit to nothing. For instance, if the store claims they have witnesses who saw you steal an item, your lawyer can question that witness’s credibility in court, especially if his/her statement is the basis on which probable cause was established.

Remaining silent and requesting representation is also the best way to convince security officers to release you if they don’t have a strong case against you, since most will not be willing to risk false imprisonment charges. On the other hand, being belligerent and fighting with the security officer or requesting to see the warrant wouldn’t do you much good, either, so try to maintain your calm as much as possible.

No matter what the specifics of your case, contact a criminal defense lawyer as early in the process as possible to give yourself the chance to have the charges lowered to a petty theft or dropped altogether.

About the Author

Andrew Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in Skokie, Illinois. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and violent crimes to theft-related crimes and domestic violence.

Although it took place several months ago and footage was sent to NFL security chief in April, 2014, the video of Baltimore Ravens’ Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancée unconscious and dragging her body out of a casino elevator was released to the public only last month. Initially, Commissioner Roger Goodell gave Rice a two-game suspension, but following loud protests and wide criticism, the Baltimore Ravens released him, and Goodell suspended him indefinitely.

The league’s history of punishing players for conduct violation could be called inconsistent, at best. Sometimes, players would receive a paltry one- or two-game suspension for charges of misdemeanor assault or felony assault. Other times, recreational drug use would be more of a crime to the league than domestic violence, and those caught smoking pot would be given draconian punishment. Often, charges would be reduced, and the severity of the NFL punishment lowered, or dropped altogether, and the suspensions lifted.

Among those who got off easy are Joe Mays, whose brutal hit on Houston Texans’ Matt Schaub took off a piece of his ear, and Larry Johnson, who violated the NFL conduct policy four times in five years (between 2003 and 2008) and continued his criminal activity outside of his NFL career. Pointing a gun at a stripper warranted, in the case of Carolina Panthers’ Jeremy Bridges, only a two-game suspension, while charges ranging from battery and sexual assault to multiple DUI offenses got players suspended for a maximum of four games. Suspensions greater than one year were in large part given to players who violated NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Aside from appalling an entire country, there is a bright side to the Ray Rice scandal. First of all, it opened a national conversation on domestic violence and its many direct and indirect implications for both victims and aggressors. But most importantly, it forced the NFL to review its handling of sexual assault and domestic criminal cases, leading to a significant change in its personal conduct policy. Below are the most notable changes.

Key Changes to NFL Personal Conduct Policy

Policy will apply to all NFL personnel, players and non-players. The newly-reviewed disciplinary consequences for domestic violence and sexual assault will be applied to all those working for the league, including players, owners, executives, coaches, and staff.

All NFL personnel will undergo training on domestic violence and sexual assault. HR reps and other appropriate team personnel in the league will undergo comprehensive training to learn how to recognize and promptly address the signs and risk factors associated with domestic violence and sexual assault.

Those at risk will be asked to undergo counseling. Those who consider themselves at risk – whether as a victim or potential aggressor – will receive confidential counseling from trained personnel. Refusal could affect future penalties for those who will be found guilty of subsequent acts of domestic violence and sexual assault.

All NFL members and their families will receive confidential counseling. Spouses and partners of NFL members will have access to confidential assistance through the league, the NFL Total Wellness Program, and local resources.

The league will mandate educational programs on domestic violence and assault for all league and team personnel. To raise awareness and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault both inside the league and in society in general, NFL will implement broad educational programs that all players, executives, coaches, and staff will be required to participate in.

First-offenders will be given a six-game suspension and second-offenders lifetime ban. First offenses will be subject to a six-game suspension (but can be extended under certain conditions), while subsequent offenses will bring about a lifetime ban (although players will have the possibility of reinstatement after one year). The policy will not be applied retroactively.

Policy will apply to all incidents where physical force is involved.

All violence acts involving the use of physical force, including assault, domestic violence, battery, and sexual assault will be subject to disciplinary measures. Incidents involving weapons or violence committed against women and children will receive more severe penalties.

All these measures will probably not solve the league’s long-time problem with domestic violence and sexual assault, but it’s at least an indication that NFL has finally started to take these matters seriously. The reviewed policy will also bridge the ridiculous gap between the how a player is punished more severely for using drugs than for knocking a female unconscious and hopefully rehabilitate the league’s bad image.

About the Author

Andrew Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in Skokie, Illinois. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to theft-related crimes and drug crimes.

Shoplifting cases may have relatively lower exposure to punishment compared to other criminal offenses, but the legal, social, and personal consequences may impact a person’s life for a long time. Aside from criminal penalties that typically include fines, imprisonment, or both, the offender will get a criminal record that will be stored in the national database and accessed at any time by the police, public institutions, employers, and landlords. The stigma carried by a shoplifting conviction, which can limit housing, education, and employment opportunities, can be difficult to overcome.

As a lawyer, the best advice I can offer you about shoplifting is never to do it. Then again, if you have taken an item without paying for it and got caught, intentionally or accidentally, that doesn’t mean all is lost. There are several factors in a criminal case that will affect the final outcome, and knowing what to expect will significantly increase your chances of getting acquitted. Here is what you need to know if you’ve been caught shoplifting.

Tougher Anti-Theft Policies Aim to Reduce Fraud

In their attempt to reduce losses due to theft, some retailers have adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy to prosecute shoplifters. Major retail stores such as Best Buy, Sears, Office Depot, or Macy’s aggressively pursue suspected shoplifters and almost never hesitate to press charges and obtain restitution. Tougher anti-theft policies and procedures are also meant to help retailers avoid litigation for false imprisonment and false arrest, reduce insurance expenses, and discourage future theft.

Sometimes, in order to obtain a written statement from the suspect confessing to the crime, security officers may promise they will not call the police or press charges against them. In reality, stores almost always contact the local police after catching shoplifters; only those without a “zero-tolerance” policy may let the suspect off with just a store ban if the items are of minimal value or if the suspect is under the age of 18.

Most retailers are well aware that showing compassion may encourage criminal activity by suggesting to potential shoplifters that they will be treated with lenience, and that’s the last thing they want. Consequently, they try to maintain a strict policy of prosecuting all offenders, no matter their age, the reasons they had, or the amount stolen.

Steps in Establishing Probable Cause

In order for a store to use its right to detain a customer, a security officer or an employee must first establish probable cause by following these steps:

1) Observe the suspect approach a store item. The security officer must make sure that the customer hasn’t brought an outside item into the store for the purpose of a refund or exchange and failed to check in at the service desk first.

2) Observe the suspect select a store item. Security personnel often misunderstand when they see a shopper put an item into their purse, bag, or pocket, and fail to realize it is the client’s personal property that was brought inside the store.

3) Observe the suspect carry away, hide, or consume a store item. Shoplifting can occur when unpaid merchandise is concealed in bags or inside pockets, worn by the suspect after having its tags removed, or consumed prior to purchasing it. In cases where observation is impossible (such as inside fitting rooms), security officers the merchandise taken inside the fitting room with the merchandise returned.

4) Observe the suspect without interruption. Shoplifters who believe they have been spotted stealing may attempt to discard the concealed merchandise and no longer have it on them when approached at the exit. To prevent losing sight of the shoplifter or the hidden items, guards must keep them under uninterrupted and continuous observation.

5) Observe the suspect failing to pay for the store items. Some shoplifters will go past cashiers and attempt to exit the store without paying for the concealed merchandise, while others may go through checkout and pay for some items, but not for the ones they have hidden. Security personnel must ensure the concealed items have not been retrieved or paid for prior to leaving the store.

6) Approach the suspect once he/she passes the cashiers and exits the store. By doing so, the security guard eliminates any possibility that the suspect has the intention of paying for the concealed merchandise before leaving the store.

Even if the security personnel have reasonable cause to detain you, they must do so in a reasonable manner or risk criminal liability for false imprisonment and possibly other crimes. That means the investigation should be conducted on or near the store’s premises, and detention should be obtained through reasonable use of force and only for the time necessary to establish guilt.

You Have the Right to Legal Representation

The best thing to do in this situation is exercise your right to not incriminate yourself and ask to have your lawyer present. Confessing to the crime will significantly limit your defense options in court, so do yourself a favor and admit to nothing. For instance, if the store claims they have witnesses who saw you steal an item, your lawyer can question that witness’s credibility in court, especially if his/her statement is the basis on which probable cause was established.

Remaining silent and requesting representation is also the best way to convince security officers to release you if they don’t have a strong case against you, since most will not be willing to risk false imprisonment charges. On the other hand, being belligerent and fighting with the security officer or requesting to see the warrant wouldn’t do you much good, either, so try to maintain your calm as much as possible.

No matter what the specifics of your case, contact a criminal defense lawyer as early in the process as possible to give yourself the chance to have the charges lowered to a petty theft or dropped altogether.

About the Author

Andrew Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in Skokie, Illinois. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and violent crimes to theft-related crimes and domestic violence.