If there is the possibility thatI might be charged with a crime, shouldI speak with an attoreny?
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If there is the possibility thatI might be charged with a crime, shouldI speak with an attoreny?
We got pulled over for making a wide turn. I was a passenger. There was 1 open beer that was not mine, so the officer searched the vehicle and my bookbag. He found some homemade lock picks. The officer took them and said they are “burglary tools”. I have prior convictions of burglary. But really honestly I like to pick padlocks; it was a hobbie I took up awhile ago. In my bag there where a couple of padlocks as well. She didn’t believe me cause of the priors. I got those priors almost 6 years ago. Me and everyone else had no intentions of burgalrizing anything this was obvious. Officer said there turning the evidence over to States Attorney, should I get acriminal defense lawyer? Will the States Attorney be motivated to pick up the charges? I’m in Woodford County, IL.
Asked on November 1, 2010 under Criminal Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Anytime criminal charges are a possibility it is always advisable to have an attorney representing you. Get one in the area where all of this occurred. They will have local contacts with law enforcement that can be used to your best advantage. Since charges have not yet been filed you need to speak to one ASAP. Possibility they can arrange it so that no charges are filed or if they are, they can be dismissed on a procedural technicality of some sort, or at least have them reduced. Again, getting legal repsresntation immediately will only help your case. The fact is that with your record, there is a very good chance that the States Attorney's office is already in the process proceeding against you.
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