For many of us, the idea of being arrested for a crime is as terrifying a thought as anything that can be conjured in our minds. The thought of being handcuffed and led away in a police vehicle is incomprehensible to most people. As a result, being arrested can be a deeply traumatic experience. Still, staying calm and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself legally from further legal trouble is essential. Today, we will discuss what you should do if you are arrested. Remember, the best way to fight a criminal charge is by hiring an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are adequately protected, and a favorable case outcome can be pursued.

Tips On How to Act After Being Arrested

Here are some tips on how to act after being arrested, including:

• Stay silent – The first and arguably most important thing to do after being arrested is to stay silent. You have the right to remain silent, so exercise this right! Anything you say can be used as evidence, so a best practice is to say nothing at all.
• Ask for a lawyer – The second thing to do after being arrested is to ask for a lawyer. You have the right to a lawyer; exercising that right as soon as possible is vital. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you. Remember, anything you say to your lawyer is confidential and cannot be used against you in court.
• Be compliant – While staying silent and asking for a lawyer is important, it is also important to cooperate with the police. You should refrain from resisting arrest or arguing with the police, as this will likely worsen things. Instead, remain calm and follow the instructions of the police.
• Provide basic information – You should provide police with basic information such as your name and address. However, do not provide any other information or answer any questions without a lawyer present.
• Contact a friend or family member – After being arrested, you should contact a friend or family member and let them know what has happened. They may be able to provide support and help you find an attorney.

Contact a Chicago, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact the experienced Chicago, IL criminal defense lawyers with Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney to vigorously protect your rights and guide you through this difficult time. Do not wait to call an attorney. Contact 312-629-0669 for a free consultation.

There is a common misconception that if a crime is not violent or does not result in serious injury, it means that it is not a serious crime. However, this is not true. Non-violent crimes, such as most types of property crimes, are still serious offenses that can have a devastating impact on someone’s life, which is why you must take the situation seriously if you are charged with such a crime. 

Today, we will look at different types of property crimes in Illinois and what the associated penalties are. Suppose you have been arrested for a property crime. In that case, it is crucial that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who has worked with clients accused of committing property crimes. Your lawyer will work to ensure that you avoid a conviction and thus can resume your life as quickly as possible. 

What Are Some Different Types of Property Crimes in Illinois? 

Property crimes are unique because there is a multitude of crimes that fall under this umbrella. Commonly prosecuted property crimes in Illinois include the following:  

Almost every adult in America uses search engines every day. For most of us, our search histories remain private forever - something we typically are grateful for, considering the inherent privacy most of us would prefer when asking all those questions that randomly come to mind. While we can generally feel secure that our searches are done anonymously, certain keywords and phrases can trigger the attention of federal law enforcement. Even a search done out of pure curiosity with no ill intentions may trigger an internet crimes investigation, and curiosity alone may not be a sufficient criminal defense. If you have law enforcement asking questions about your online behavior, contact a criminal defense attorney right away. 

Is the FBI Monitoring Civilian Search Histories? 

The FBI and other law enforcement organizations usually have no interest in what you might be looking up online. But if you are consistently looking up words, instructional materials, or other suspicious search terms that may indicate interest in criminal behavior, you may end up on a government watchlist. 

Furthermore, if you are charged with a crime, your search history may be used to show intent. It is important to be careful about what you are searching and to be aware that even when you are using someone else’s computer or searching on a public computer, like at a library, your search terms can still be linked back to you. 

Now that the Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard verdict has been handed down by the court, many people have asked the same question: Did Amber Heard commit perjury? Many people use terms like “lying under oath,” and “perjury,” but few understand exactly what they mean. Perjury is a federal criminal offense prohibited by multiple federal statutes. Anyone accused of perjury or another federal offense should contact a federal criminal defense attorney right away to get legal advice for their particular situation.

Swearing to Tell the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth

Individuals who provide testimony in court are required to “tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Being sworn in binds a person to honesty. Telling a lie on the witness stand is not like lying elsewhere. Lying under oath is a serious criminal offense because it undermines the justice system.

Lying or making false statements in court is not always perjury. Perjury occurs when a lie is told while under oath. Furthermore, perjury only includes false statements. Refusing to answer a question or remaining silent is not perjury. You cannot face perjury charges because of something you did not say. However, refusing to provide information or answer a question may potentially lead to contempt of court charges or other adverse consequences.

Federal criminal offenses are generally considered to be more severe than state-level offenses. The penalties for federal crimes are often severe, involving years or even decades in prison. If you have received a subpoena from a grand jury, you may understandably feel confused and panicked. You may be unsure of what this means and how you should respond.

If you have received a grand jury subpoena, it means that the federal government believes that you have information related to a federal criminal case. It is very important to understand your rights and obligations in this situation. It is even more important to retain a skilled federal criminal defense lawyer who can advocate on your behalf and give you the personalized legal guidance you need.

Types of Grand Jury Subpoenas

Grand jury subpoenas are legal tools used by the government to gather evidence during the investigation or prosecution of a crime.