If the police believe a crime has been committed, the officer will arrest the person whom he or she believes committed the crime. Both prior to and after arrest, the accused does not have to answer questions from the police officer, other than basic questions such as your name, address and date of birth. Additionally, at anytime, the accused can ask for an attorney.

Attorney Peter LaSorsa represents individuals in Illinois and in particular the Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton and Woodford county areas regarding criminal matters. If you live in Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, Bartonville, Mapleton, Hanna City, El Paso, Elmwood, Deer Creek, Farmington, Elmwood, Chillicothe, Bloomington, Dunlap, West Peoria, Peoria Heights, Mossville or Canton contact my office regarding your rights.

Depending upon the nature and type of crime, a bond will be set. In Illinois, the accused typically will be released from custody upon paying ten percent of the bond plus a $15.00 processing fee. If the accused cannot post bond, he or she will remain in custody and is entitled to at least one hearing to request a lower bond amount.

Regardless of whether or not the accused bonds out, he or she will appear in court for an arraignment. At the arraignment, the accused is informed of the charges, his or her rights, and the possible penalties he or she faces. Also at this time the accused will either plead guilty or not guilty.

The next step in the process is pre-trial. At this stage, the prosecution and the defense will exchange discovery and discuss whether or not the case can be resolved short of trial. It is also at this stage where each side will file and have a hearing on any pre-trial motions.

Assuming the case is not resolved at pre-trial and all the pre-trial motion hearings are complete, the case will move to the trial stage. At trial, either a judge or a jury may try a person.

If you have been charged with a crime anywhere in the State of Illinois, call attorney Peter Lasorsa immediately at 309-712-1145 or contact him online.