How a Top Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

The Law Offices of Brucar & Yetter
Wheaton, Rolling Meadows and St. Charles, Illinois

Leading Illinois Criminal, Traffic and DUI Defense Lawyers

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If you're arrested for a crime (or think you will be) immediately contact a criminal defense attorney at the law offices of Brucar and Yetter in Wheaton, Rolling Meadows and St. Charles, Illinois. We represent adults and juveniles accused of any criminal offense including shoplifting, theft, sexual assault, drunk driving (DUI), drug charges, murder and more. We will help you understand the charges against you, the consequences of a conviction and will fight the aggressively in your defense.
What can a lawyer do for you? A complete answer can only come after talking to a criminal defense lawyer. Please contact us to discuss your unique situation.

What can a criminal defense attorney do for me?

Our criminal justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The incarceration rate of the United States is higher than any other industrialized country and the likelihood of an arrest leading to a conviction has gone up since 1992. Under mandatory sentencing guidelines prison sentences get longer and more frequent. If you face criminal accusations contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer early in the process, preferably even before questioning or investigation by the police. If you do we may be able to avoid the charges altogether.

What are my personal Constitutional rights?

The United States Constitution limits government power and reserves individual rights. The Bill of Rights contains the basic, fundamental rights of individuals which the government cannot restrict. Many of these rights provide protection to criminal defendants. You have a right to remain silent, to fair bond, to a trial, to an appeal and to privacy in your home and person. All too often the police are willing to violate these rights.
During the investigation of a crime it is imperative you hire an attorney. It's never too early to consult with us to limit any trouble you may encounter. No matter what you're told making a statement to police never ends in the court showing leniency.
If you are accused of a crime in federal, state or local court a seasoned criminal defense attorney can explain your rights to you and help fight for them at every step of the way. Attacking these violations aggressively can result in your charges being thrown out.

What are the different classes of crimes?

Because the behaviors regulated by the criminal laws vary from relatively minor to violent, crimes are classified into levels. In Illinois misdemeanors range from A to C and felonies from the least serious Class 4 to the most serious, Murder, with several steps in between. If you are questioned about a crime or are accused of or arrested for a crime, you should consult an experienced attorney as early in the process as possible. A criminal defense lawyer can explain the particular crime involved and possible penalties.

What rights do I have if I'm charged?

The most important right at this time is the right to an attorney given to anyone facing felony charges. In Illinois this extends this to most misdemeanors. If you are accused of a crime it is vital you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for your legal and Constitutional rights.
Call or email the criminal defense lawyers at Brucar and Yetter, P.C. to receive a free initial consultation. For your convenience, night and weekend office hours may be arranged by appointment. We are available 24 hours a day.

What will happen during arrest and at my bond hearing?

Bond is the first thing addressed by a court hearing your case. If you do not bond out from the police station you will be taken before a judge to determine your bail. Special rules are followed in domestic battery cases, drug arrests, and violent crimes like aggravated battery and murder.
There are limits to the number of times bond can be contested and any defense to your case is considered at this hearing. You should always have an attorney at bond hearings to make sure your bond is reasonable. This is one reason we give our clients our personal cell phone numbers.

How can I be charged?

In Illinois a misdemeanor is charged by a complaint which is often signed by the alleged victim or arresting officer. A felony arrest can produce charges in one of two ways, either by a grand jury returning an indictment or a judge ruling there is sufficient evidence to charge after preliminary hearing. It is important your attorney is at the preliminary hearing to ensure no information is presented which should not be considered. We handle these hearings with a very high success rate.

What happens after bond court?

Arraignment and discovery follow next. Arraignment is when you are told what the case against you is and the potential punishments. We believe a plea of not-guilty should be made to preserve your rights to see the evidence against you.
This process is called discovery - when the prosecutor and the defendant exchange information. It must be handled carefully to ensure all evidence is disclosed, including things helpful to your case. This process has been complicated by the increased use of scientific evidence and videos. The defense attorneys at Brucar & Yetter have the experience to make sure all favorable evidence comes out and no evidence, like videos or DNA samples which help your case, is destroyed.

Should we negotiate?

Every case should be talked about. As thousands of clients know plea negotiation is one time Brucar & Yetter makes a huge difference in your case. We firmly believe good negotiation only comes from a strong position. Our power comes from our well known willingness to go to trial. This reputation for trying cases and winning gives our clients, even those who do not want a trial, an edge in negotiations. Our knowledge of diversionary sentences and alternatives to convictions and jail further enhances the strength of your bargaining position.

What about motions to dismiss?

Pretrial motions are the heart of great defense work. Part of winning at trial is keeping out evidence which is improper or illegal. Over the years we have won motions which excluded evidence, limited the state's case and even had our client's arrests thrown out. We use and win these motions in minor offenses and major felonies. No case is too large or small to get the best defense.

What will happen if we go to trial?

The trial experience of Brucar & Yetter is unmatched. Hundreds of felony and misdemeanors trials have gotten not-guilty verdicts. Our success and experience with scientific evidence and our skill at cross-examination gives us the reputation of preeminent trial lawyers. The Illinois Supreme Court has recognized our skill and training by issuing certification as Death Penalty Qualified Counsel. Very few lawyers have this qualification because only experience earns it.

What will my sentence be?

Sentencing is complicated in Illinois. Almost every crime now has factors which can make it a felony. Our experience with the Illinois sentencing code and the federal sentencing guidelines is unparalleled. This knowledge can make all the difference. Less experienced attorneys can fall into traps laid by the system, making their clients receive a harsher sentence than a defendant with experienced defense counsel from Brucar & Yetter.

Are there alternatives to these problems in Illinois?

If you have committed a crime you have alternatives to jail and conviction. A number of misdemeanor and felony diversion programs exist in counties like Cook County, Will County, Kane County, and McHenry County. Alternatives to jail also exist in DuPage County.

What is a diversion program?

Diversion programs are a way to reduce court's case loads and give minor offenders a second chance. They seek to address behavioral issues and any addiction causing drug, theft, and domestic violence cases. Diversion options involve education or counseling as an alternative to punishment. Rather than sending non-violent, first-time offenders to prison with violent murderers and rapists, diversion programs give people a chance to avoid the harshness of criminal sentences. In most cases it's agreed the criminal charges will be dropped in return for participation in a misdemeanor or felony diversion program.

Is there anything I need to do to participate?

Misdemeanor and felony diversion programs are run by different agencies like prosecutor's offices, hospitals, and individual towns. Brucar & Yetter has the experience it takes to understand what alternative sentencing is available.
The criminal defense attorneys at Brucar & Yetter recognize how these programs work and how to position your case by arguing in court on your behalf. Many counties offer theft deterrent programs, programs through the Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) initiative in Illinois, drug court, mental health court and "second chance" type programs.
Get the help you need to avoid problems. Stop worrying about how bad things might be and find out how good they will be - contact the Illinois criminal defense attorneys at the law office of Brucar & Yetter today.

Criminal Appeals

Brucar & Yetter handles post trial motions, post conviction petitions and appeals on cases handled by other attorneys. We have been successful in all types of criminal appeals while handling cases in state and federal courts of appeal including the Illinois Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.
The criminal appeals lawyers at Brucar & Yetter can explain how your case will progress through the entire criminal process. We will walk with you through it and advise you about your rights and options while aggressively defending your best interests.

Contact the Law Offices of Brucar & Yetter

For a free consultation to discuss the criminal process, from bond hearings to trial to appeals, contact the criminal defense lawyers at Brucar & Yetter today. For your convenience, night and weekend office hours may be arranged by appointment. We are available 24 hours a day.