Oak Park is home to about 52,000 people just west of the City of Chicago. Oak Park is perhaps most famous for being the proving ground of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Many of his classic Prairie-style bungalows are preserved as breathtaking private homes and repurposed as business offices and community spaces in Oak Park. In its modern form, Oak Park is recognized as one of Chicago’s most diverse communities, blending a remarkable mix of cultures, races, ethnicities, professions, lifestyles, religions, ages, and incomes.
Even in a beautiful suburban setting, however, crime still happens, and if the police are pointing their finger at you, you want a lawyer from Bruno Law Offices at your side. An arrest is a traumatizing experience, and it is important for you to understand your rights and take steps immediately to prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
The Oak Park criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices have spent decades helping clients defend their reputation, property, and liberty in the face of state or federal charges, and you should call us at (217) 328-6000 as soon after your arrest as possible. We have defended clients in more than 100 jury trials in criminal matters throughout Illinois, and we have the experience, tools, and tenacity to protect your rights and to deliver the best possible outcome in your case.
You’re Arrested If:
Police officers can arrest you if they reasonably believe that you are committing a crime. The fact that you are being arrested does not necessarily mean that you will be found guilty of any specific crime. Many different situations qualify as an arrest, including:
- Being handcuffed
- Holding you in the back of a locked police car
- Taking you to the police station for interrogation and booking you
- Having your fingerprints and “mug shot” taken
Duration of the Arrest
There is no exact limit on the amount of time an adult can be held in police custody before being charged. A judge will consider multiple different factors when assessing whether someone has been held too long, including:
- The amount of time for which you have been held
- If and how many times you were advised of your Miranda rights
- The specific conditions under which you were held
What to Say to the Police
You must provide your real name, address, age, and date of birth. That’s it. You have the right to remain silent, and you should do so until you have an attorney present.
Your Rights After Arrest
Once you are in custody (i.e., you are not free to leave as you wish), you must be advised about your right not to answer any questions, to request an attorney and to have an attorney appointed to represent you if you can’t afford one. These are known as your Miranda rights. You should be provided these warnings before you are asked to answer any questions other than about your identity.
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to talk with anyone, including detectives and State’s Attorneys, without having an attorney present.
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You will have many opportunities in the future to tell your side of the story. Resist the urge to “explain” your conduct. Don’t give the prosecutor a statement that can be turned against you at trial.
- You have the right to a lawyer. You are entitled to have a lawyer meet with you while you are under arrest. You can make more than one phone call to reach an attorney you want to retain and to inform family members of the situation. We recommend you make your first call to us at (217) 328-6000.
- If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you. A public defender is an attorney appointed by the court to represent people who have been charged with a crime but who demonstrate that they don’t have the resources to pay a private attorney.
Cases Bruno Law Offices Can Handle in Evanston
The criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices have experience defending criminal cases in Oak Park and throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area. We can help you with the following felonies and misdemeanors:
- DUI
- Gun Possession
- Theft & Burglary
- Violent Crimes
- Child Pornography
- Criminal Defense
- Drug Crimes
- Battery
- Driving Suspended/Revoked
- Federal Offenses
- Felony Offenses
- Home Invasion
- Homicide & Murder Charges
- Police Interviews
- Resisting a Peace Officer
- Sex Offenses
- Traffic Violations
- White Collar Crimes
How Bruno Law Offices Can Help
The first thing you need to know is that, under Illinois law, you are presumed innocent, and the prosecutor has to prove every element of the charge against you beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction. If we prevent the prosecutor from making the case, you can be acquitted of the charges (found not guilty). Bruno Law Offices attorneys are among an elite class of criminal practitioners experienced in handling the highest-level felonies, including death penalty-qualified crimes.
Your case may be the most stressful issue you have ever faced. Our attorneys understand that and will do whatever it takes to secure the best outcome possible for you.
Contact Us
Criminal charges have the potential to result in severe punishment, and even if you avoid a harsh sentence, a conviction or guilty plea on a lesser charge will still remain on your record for years. This, in turn, can make it much more difficult to get a job, attend the school of your choice, or qualify for credit.
Protect yourself and your rights. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a criminal act, you’ll need a dedicated and experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you in court. Share your story with the Oak Park-based criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 to find out how we may be able to help you.