Category Archives: Criminal Defense
What Should I Do If the Police Call Me into the Station for Questioning?
Being called into the police station for questioning can be frightening and intimidating. Whether you’re a witness, a person of interest, or even a suspect, you do have rights and you should exercise them intelligently. In this article, the Champaign, Illinois criminal defense lawyers at Patel Law, P.C. will discuss how to respond to… Read More »
Should I Take a Breathalyzer Test in Illinois?
At the moment that you’re being asked to submit a breath sample to a law enforcement officer, you don’t really have any good options, especially if you’re drunk. On the one hand, you can refuse to take the breathalyzer test, have your license suspended for 12 months, and still face charges for DUI anyway…. Read More »
Understanding the Right to Remain Silent in Illinois
Do police officers have to tell you, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law?” This is a common question that clients ask us after they’ve been arrested and charged with a crime. They ask us whether their case can… Read More »
“Am I Being Detained?” – Questions to Ask During Interactions with Law Enforcement
Interacting with law enforcement is no time to fool around. You want to be very intentional with your interactions and ensure that you are not putting yourself in danger. The law is very procedural and very specific. There is a “best way” to handle your interactions with law enforcement. In this article, the Vermilion,… Read More »
Client Facing 108 Years in Prison Has 17 Felony Charges Dismissed Thanks to Strategic Defense by Patel Law, P.C.
When someone is charged with a crime as serious as Class X Felony Distribution of Child Pornography, the consequences can be life-ending. In this recent case, our client faced 18 separate Class X charges — each carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 6 years in prison. If convicted on all counts, he would have been… Read More »
Defendant Awarded New Trial On Appeal
In the case of People v. Hayes, the defendant, Hayes, was found guilty of two counts of armed violence and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The defendant was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 25 years on the armed violence counts. His other sentences were to be served concurrently. The… Read More »
Defendant Denied Fitness Hearing Raises Issue on Appeal
In the case of People v. Doolin, the defendant was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder, one count of armed robbery, and two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. He was sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison for the murders and 43 years for armed robbery. On appeal, the… Read More »
Defendant Charged with Home Invasion, Weapons Offenses Has Appeal Dismissed
In People v. Wiley, the defendant was charged with four counts of home invasion. According to the charges, the defendant entered the victim’s dwelling while armed with a firearm. The state made four allegations of what happened while the defendant was in the victim’s home. They claimed: The defendant threatened the use of imminent… Read More »
Defendant Charged with Home Invasion Denied Pretrial Release Under SAFE-T Act
There are a lot of cases before the appellate court concerning Illinois’ recently passed SAFE-T Act. The Act did away with cash bail and gave judges discretion on who can and cannot be released prior to their trial. Today, hearings are held on whether or not the defendant can be released while they are… Read More »
Defendant Charged with Criminal Sexual Assault Attempts to Withdraw Guilty Plea
In the case of People v. Smith, the defendant was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault as well as one count of unlawful restraint following an incident with an unnamed victim. The defendant initially told the court that he intended to rely on a defense of consent. The state rebutted this defense… Read More »