Champaign And Vermillion County – Recent Outcome Of Criminal Defense And Auto Accidents Cases
Attorney Baku Patel and the Patel Law team achieved significant criminal defense and personal injury results for Illinois clients during July and August 2019.
During July and August 2019, Attorney Baku Patel achieved several successful outcomes for clients facing serious criminal charges, including federal criminal charges and felony cases in Champaign County. During the same period, the Patel Law personal injury team recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of clients injured in auto accidents, including a $300,000 recovery for a Vermilion County client.
The cases below involved very different circumstances. Some required extensive investigation and motion practice. Others required expert testimony, examination of medical records, investigation into witnesses and informants, or preparation for trial. In each matter, the defense or personal injury team focused on developing the evidence and pursuing the client’s interests.
Important Case Results Notice: The results described on this page are examples of prior cases handled by Patel Law. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee or predict the outcome of a future case.
Recent Criminal Defense Case Results
Serious criminal cases can carry significant consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. A strong defense may require much more than simply appearing in court. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may investigate witnesses, review records, challenge evidence, research sentencing issues, retain experts, file motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare the case for trial.
Federal Robbery Case
Mr. Patel represented a client charged federally in connection with a string of robberies involving three other individuals. The government sought Armed Career Criminal treatment and a potential sentence of at least 15 years. After the defense challenged the proposed sentencing treatment and raised issues concerning the client’s prior record and limited involvement, the Court sentenced the client to 60 months.
Criminal Sexual Abuse and Aggravated Battery
The client faced aggravated battery to a police officer allegations and a separate criminal sexual abuse charge. Mr. Patel’s investigation identified a significant mental-health issue, and an expert was retained. After presenting an insanity defense, the judge found the client not guilty by reason of insanity.
Serious Methamphetamine Charge
The client was accused of possessing more than 200 grams of methamphetamine. Mr. Patel investigated the background of the informant and filed several motions. The State ultimately dropped the more serious charge and allowed the client to plead to a lower charge resulting in 120 days of boot camp.
Aggravated Domestic Battery
The client faced an aggravated battery involving an allegation of strangulation and significant potential prison exposure. The defense uncovered contradictions, investigated the scene, reviewed medical records, and located social-media evidence raising questions about the allegations. The State dismissed all charges on the eve of jury selection.
August 2019 Federal Criminal Case
60-Month Sentence After Challenging the Government’s Proposed Sentencing Treatment
Mr. Patel’s client was charged with a string of robberies along with three other individuals in a highly publicized federal case. The government argued that the client should be sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal and face a minimum of 15 years to a maximum of life in prison.
Mr. Patel’s previous experience as a former U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General and federal prosecutor provided him with experience handling federal criminal matters. In this case, the defense examined both the client’s prior criminal record and the client’s involvement and knowledge concerning certain facts in the case.
Mr. Patel filed a lengthy brief arguing against the government’s proposed sentencing treatment. The defense raised issues concerning the client’s prior record and presented arguments concerning the client’s limited involvement and knowledge of certain facts.
The Court ultimately sentenced the client to 60 months. With time served and applicable good-time credits, the client was expected to be released in less than two years. The client continued to write to Mr. Patel expressing appreciation for the representation.
Prior Record
The defense examined whether the client’s prior convictions supported the government’s proposed sentencing enhancement.
Role in the Case
The defense also presented arguments concerning the client’s limited involvement and knowledge concerning certain facts.
Federal Experience
Mr. Patel’s background as a former federal prosecutor and Navy JAG provided experience with federal criminal cases and sentencing issues.
Sentencing Result
The Court imposed a 60-month sentence rather than the much longer sentence the government had sought under its proposed treatment.
Federal sentencing can be highly fact-specific. The applicable sentencing consequences can depend on the charges, prior convictions, statutory provisions, and the particular facts of the case. In the featured 2019 matter, the defense specifically challenged the government’s proposed sentencing treatment rather than accepting the government’s position without further litigation.
July 2019: Criminal Sexual Abuse and Aggravated Battery
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
The client was accused of aggravated battery to a police officer after allegedly striking the officer with his car and fleeing in a high-speed chase. Shortly afterward, he was arrested again for criminal sexual abuse.
Mr. Patel was retained by the client’s family. During his investigation, he identified information indicating that the client suffered from a significant mental-health issue.
Mr. Patel secured an expert who evaluated the client and opined that he suffered from a mental disease. The defense presented the evidence and successfully tried the case to a judge.
The judge ultimately found the client not guilty by reason of insanity.
Why the mental-health investigation mattered: Illinois recognizes an insanity defense when the statutory requirements are satisfied. Under 720 ILCS 5/6-2, a person is not criminally responsible if, because of a mental disease or mental defect, the person lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality of the conduct at the time of the conduct. Illinois Criminal Code.
Investigation
The defense identified information concerning the client’s mental health and investigated whether that information could affect the criminal case.
Expert Evaluation
An expert was retained to evaluate the client and provide an opinion concerning the reported mental disease.
Court Result
The insanity defense was presented to the judge, who ultimately found the client not guilty by reason of insanity.
July 2019: Drug Possession and Methamphetamine Charges
Serious Drug Charge Dropped in Favor of a Lower Charge and 120 Days of Boot Camp
Mr. Patel defended a client accused of possessing more than 200 grams of methamphetamine. The original charge exposed the client to substantial potential prison time.
Rather than simply accepting the allegations, Mr. Patel investigated the background of the informant involved in the case. He also filed several motions challenging the prosecution’s case.
Following the defense investigation and litigation, the State dropped the more serious charge and allowed the client to plead to a lower charge resulting in 120 days of boot camp.
The client’s family expressed their deepest appreciation to Mr. Patel and the Patel Law team for the outcome.
Informant
Background and credibility were investigated.
Motions
Multiple motions were filed in the case.
Charge
The original serious charge was dropped.
Resolution
The client received 120 days of boot camp.
Illinois drug cases can involve substantial sentencing consequences depending on the substance, quantity, offense date, and applicable statute. The Illinois Controlled Substances Act establishes different classifications and penalties for controlled substances. Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
August 2019: Aggravated Domestic Battery
All Charges Dismissed on the Eve of Jury Selection
The client was arrested and charged with aggravated battery involving an allegation of strangulation. The proposed resolution would have required the client to plead to the maximum based on the victim’s claimed injuries.
Mr. Patel conducted an extensive investigation into the allegations. The defense identified contradictions in the victim’s statements and investigated the physical scene, social-media posts, and medical records.
The investigation uncovered social-media evidence that raised questions about portions of the allegations. The defense also identified issues within the medical records.
Rather than accepting the proposed resolution, Mr. Patel set the matter for a jury trial and continued preparing the defense.
On the eve of jury selection, the State dismissed all charges.
Scene Investigation
The defense investigated the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and examined the physical scene.
Social Media
Social-media posts were identified that raised questions concerning portions of the allegations.
Medical Records
The defense identified issues within the medical records that were relevant to the allegations of injury.
Trial Preparation
The defense prepared the case for jury trial rather than accepting the proposed maximum sentence.
How These Criminal Defense Cases Were Developed
The individual results were different, but each case required the defense to investigate the facts and identify the legal issues that could affect the outcome.
Investigate
The defense begins by examining the allegations, available evidence, witnesses, records, and circumstances surrounding the arrest or charge.
Identify the Issues
The case may involve sentencing enhancements, credibility issues, mental-health evidence, constitutional questions, evidentiary problems, or other legal defenses.
Challenge the Case
Depending on the circumstances, the defense may file motions, investigate witnesses, retain experts, challenge evidence, or negotiate with the prosecution.
Prepare for Trial
Even when negotiations are taking place, preparing for trial can ensure that the defense is ready to present the client’s case if an acceptable resolution cannot be reached.
Pursue the Best Available Legal Outcome
The appropriate objective depends on the case. The featured matters resulted in a reduced federal sentence, a not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity finding, a significantly reduced drug charge, and dismissal of aggravated battery charges.
$300,000 Auto Accident Recovery
$300,000
Patel Law recovered $300,000 for a Vermilion County auto accident client despite significant disputes concerning the client’s pre-existing medical conditions.
August 2019 Vermilion County Auto Accident Recovery
The client was a passenger in a car that was struck on the side where he was sitting. He suffered several injuries as a result of the collision.
The insurance company disputed whether many of the client’s complaints were caused by the accident because of the client’s numerous pre-existing medical issues.
The Patel Law team filed a lawsuit and began developing the evidence necessary to address the insurance company’s position. The case required extensive litigation, including numerous depositions.
Through the litigation process, Patel Law demonstrated that the team was prepared to vigorously represent the client’s interests and take the matter to trial.
The insurance company ultimately paid the full limits to the client, resulting in a $300,000 recovery.
The Collision
The client was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck on the side where he was sitting and suffered several injuries.
The Medical Dispute
The insurance company argued that pre-existing medical conditions affected whether the accident caused the client’s complaints.
The Lawsuit
Patel Law filed suit and developed the claim through discovery and numerous depositions.
Trial Preparation
The team demonstrated that it was prepared to take the case to trial and vigorously protect the client’s interests.
The Recovery
The insurance company paid the client’s full limits, resulting in a $300,000 recovery.
Scroll horizontally to view each stage of the case.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions After an Illinois Auto Accident
One of the most significant issues in the featured personal injury case was the client’s pre-existing medical history. Insurance companies sometimes argue that an accident did not cause a person’s symptoms because the person had medical conditions before the collision.
That does not necessarily end a personal injury claim. An accident can potentially cause a new injury or aggravate a condition that existed before the collision. The medical evidence must be examined carefully to determine what changed after the accident and what injuries or symptoms are attributable to the collision.
Before the Accident
Prior diagnoses, symptoms, treatment, medical records, and physical limitations may establish the client’s baseline condition.
The Collision
The circumstances of the crash, impact location, vehicle damage, photographs, witnesses, and other evidence can help establish what occurred.
After the Accident
New symptoms, changes in existing symptoms, treatment, diagnostic testing, and physician observations may become important evidence.
Medical Causation
The medical evidence may be used to evaluate whether the accident caused or aggravated the claimed injuries.
Illinois civil cases involving personal injuries can also involve comparative fault. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, a plaintiff whose contributory fault is more than 50 percent of the proximate cause of the injury is barred from recovering damages, while a plaintiff whose fault is 50 percent or less may recover damages reduced in proportion to the plaintiff’s fault. 735 ILCS 5/2-1116.
Why Litigation Can Matter in an Auto Accident Case
An insurance company may dispute liability, the extent of the injuries, the connection between the accident and the medical treatment, or the amount of compensation being requested. When a dispute cannot be resolved through the claims process, filing a lawsuit allows the parties to formally develop the evidence.
Medical Records
Evidence concerning treatment before and after the accident.
Depositions
Sworn testimony from parties, witnesses, and other individuals.
Accident Evidence
Evidence concerning how the collision occurred and who was responsible.
Trial Preparation
Preparing the case as though it may ultimately be presented to a jury.
In the featured Vermilion County case, the Patel Law team took numerous depositions and demonstrated its willingness to proceed toward trial. The insurance company ultimately paid the client’s full limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of criminal cases are included in these results?
The featured results include a federal robbery case, a case involving aggravated battery to a police officer and criminal sexual abuse, a serious methamphetamine possession case, and an aggravated domestic battery case involving an allegation of strangulation.
What happened in the federal criminal case?
The government sought Armed Career Criminal treatment for Mr. Patel’s client and argued for a sentence carrying a minimum of 15 years. Mr. Patel challenged the proposed sentencing treatment, including issues concerning the client’s prior record and role in the case. The Court ultimately imposed a 60-month sentence.
What was the outcome of the insanity defense case?
After an expert evaluated the client and provided an opinion concerning a mental disease, Mr. Patel presented an insanity defense. The judge found the client not guilty by reason of insanity.
What happened in the methamphetamine case?
The client was accused of possessing more than 200 grams of methamphetamine. After investigating the informant and filing several motions, Mr. Patel obtained a resolution in which the State dropped the more serious charge and the client received 120 days of boot camp on a lower charge.
What happened in the aggravated domestic battery case?
The defense investigated contradictions in the allegations, the physical scene, social-media evidence, and medical records. Mr. Patel prepared the case for jury trial, and the State dismissed all charges on the eve of jury selection.
How much was recovered in the Vermilion County auto accident case?
Patel Law recovered $300,000 for the client after filing a lawsuit, conducting numerous depositions, and preparing the case for trial. The insurance company ultimately paid the client’s full limits.
Does a pre-existing medical condition prevent someone from bringing an auto accident claim?
Not necessarily. A pre-existing condition can create a dispute over causation or the extent of damages, but an accident can also cause a new injury or aggravate an existing condition. The medical evidence and circumstances of the particular case must be evaluated.
Sources and Illinois Legal Resources
- Illinois Criminal Code, 720 ILCS 5 — Illinois criminal statutes, including provisions concerning insanity and aggravated battery.
- Illinois Controlled Substances Act, 720 ILCS 570 — Illinois statutes concerning controlled substances and criminal penalties.
- 18 U.S.C. § 924 — Federal firearm provisions, including the Armed Career Criminal Act.
- Illinois Pattern Civil Jury Instructions — Illinois Courts resource for civil trial instructions.
- Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 — Illinois comparative-fault statute.
- Patel Law, PC — Information about the firm’s criminal defense and personal injury practice.
Facing Serious Criminal Charges or Injured in an Illinois Auto Accident?
If you or a family member is facing serious criminal charges, or if you were injured in an auto accident and an insurance company is disputing your claim, the Patel Law team can evaluate the circumstances of your case and explain your legal options.
