The City of Evanston is a scenic suburb just 12 miles north of Chicago, Illinois. World-renowned Northwestern University overlooks the Lake Michigan shoreline on Evanston’s east side, while the corporate headquarters of Rotary International and numerous other businesses make the city’s downtown area hum. Evanston’s 75,000 residents enjoy sophisticated dining and art attractions and seasonal offerings of musicals, parades, film, and festivals, and the proximity of the Second City.

Unfortunately, your perspective on this beautiful suburban setting can change if you suddenly find yourself accused of committing a crime in Evanston. Your world just got flipped on its head, and you are going to need a lawyer from Bruno Law Offices at your side. There are few things as traumatic as being arrested, and it is important for you to keep your wits about you and take steps immediately to prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

The Evanston criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices have devoted their professional careers to helping clients defend their reputation, property, and freedom, and you should call us at (217) 328-6000 as soon after your arrest as possible. We have defended clients in more than 100 jury trials in criminal matters throughout Illinois, and we have the experience, tools, and tenacity to protect your rights and to deliver the best possible outcome in your case.

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When an Arrest Can Occur

Evanston Criminal Defense Lawyers

You are subject to arrest if the police officers have a reasonable basis to believe that you are committing a crime. An arrest, by itself, is not proof that you will be found guilty of any specific crime, but it does initiate the criminal process against you. You need to start thinking about protecting yourself from the moment it occurs. An arrest may have occurred if:

You are being handcuffed
You are being held in the back of a locked police car
You are taken to the police station for booking
You get fingerprinted and have your “mug shot” taken

Duration of an Arrest

Evanston Criminal Defense Lawyers There are guidelines but no specific hard and fast rule about how long you can be held in custody before charges have to be brought against you. Factors the court may consider when deciding whether an arrestee has been held beyond a reasonable time are:

The amount of time for which you have been held
If and how many times you were advised of your Miranda rights
The specific conditions under which you were held

Watch What You Say

Once you state your real name, address, age, and date of birth, you do not have to say anything else, regardless of the number of times you are asked to disclose more information. You have the right to remain silent – and you should.

Your Rights After You’re Arrested

Once in custody (i.e., you are not free to leave as you wish), the police must tell you that you do not have to answer any questions without an attorney present (either your own or one appointed by the court). These are known as your Miranda rights, and these warnings should be provided to you before any law enforcement official asks you to disclose any information beyond your identity.

You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to talk with anyone, including detectives and State’s Attorneys, without having an attorney present.
Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You will have many opportunities in the future to tell your side of the story. Resist the urge to “explain” your conduct. Don’t give the prosecutor a statement that can be turned against you at trial.
You have the right to a lawyer. You are entitled to have a lawyer meet with you while you are under arrest. You can make more than just one phone call to reach an attorney you want to retain and to inform family members of the situation. We recommend you make your first call to us at (217) 328-6000.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you. A public defender is an attorney appointed by the court to represent people who have been charged with a crime but who demonstrate that they don’t have the resources to pay a private attorney.

Criminal Cases Bruno Law Offices Can Handle in Evanston

Bruno Law Offices criminal defense lawyers have spent decades defending criminal cases throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area. We can provide you high-quality yet affordable representation for the following felonies and misdemeanors:

How We Can Help After Your Arrest

Under Illinois law, you are presumed innocent, and the prosecutor has to prove every element of the charge against you beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction against you. We will employ every weapon in our arsenal to prevent the prosecutor from making the case and, if we’re successful, you can be acquitted of the charges (found not guilty).

Bruno Law Offices attorneys are among an elite class of criminal practitioners experienced in handling the highest-level felonies, including death penalty qualified crimes. Our attorneys understand that your arrest likely will be one of the most challenging events you ever face, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to secure the best outcome possible for you.

Contact Us

Protect yourself and your rights. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a criminal act, you’ll need a dedicated and experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you in court. Share your story with the Evanston-based criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 to find out how we may be able to help you.