USEFUL RESOURCES

• What should I do if I am arrested or asked questions by the police?
• What is the difference between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Illinois?
• Do it yourself expungement and destruction of arrest records
• Courthouse locations
• ISBA Free Legal Guide
• Laws Protecting Military Personnel

What should I do if I am arrested or asked questions by the police?

The strongest defense begins before you are arrested. No matter what police tell you, you are always better off speaking to a criminal lawyer before you make any statements or answer any questions, regardless of your guilt or innocence. If you find yourself in a situation where your attorney is not present, you should always ask that he be present before you make any statements. Below you will find a simple, easy to use and remember approach to dealing with police. Memorize it, or contact the Law Office of Chris M. Shepherd for a free wallet size "Rights Card":

Rights Card

My lawyer has told me not to talk to anyone about my case, to not answer questions, and to not reply to accusations. Call my lawyer if you want to ask me questions, search me or my property, do any tests, do any lineups, or any other I.D. procedures. I do not agree to any of these things without my lawyer present and I do not want to waive any of my constitutional rights.

Remember to be courteous and respectful to officers but also know that there is simply no way that you can talk yourself out of being arrested and that every word you say will probably be interpreted against you. In many cases your statement is the strongest and/or only evidence against you! This means that if you make no statements, you may not be arrested. Knowing your rights could mean the difference between going home and going to jail.

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What is the difference between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Illinois?

A misdemeanor is an offense punishable by less than a year in prison, while a felony is punishable by more than a year in prison. Misdemeanors and felonies are divided into classes:

Felony Penalties in Illinois 
There are 5 classes of Felony in Illinois:
Class X Felony

• Between 6 and 30 years in Prison; and/or
• Fine of up to $25,000

Class 1 Felony

• Between 4 and 15 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
• Fine of up to $25,000

Class 2 Felony

• Between 3 and 7 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
• Fine of up to $25,000

Class 3 Felony

• Between 2 and 5 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
• Fine of up to $25,000

Class 4 Felony

• Between 1 and 3 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
• Fine of up to $25,000

Misdemeanor Penalties in Illinois
There are 3 classes of Misdemeanor in Illinois

Class A Misdemeanor

• Up to 1 year in Jail; and/or
• Fine of up to $2,500

Class B Misdemeanor

• Up to 6 months in Jail; and/or
• Fine of up to $1,500

Class C Misdemeanor

• Up to 30 days in Jail; and/or
• Fine of up to $1,500

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Do It Yourself Expungement and Destruction of Arrest Records

The Cook County Court Clerk's office provides an expungement guide free of charge.

Expungements are complex, time consuming, and are not automatically granted. If you go it alone, you run the risk of being denied because of a mistake in the application. It is always ideal to get it right the first time and seek the assistance of an attorney experienced in destroying arrest records.t it right the first time you apply and seek help from an experienced attorney who knows how to destroy arrest records.

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Cook County Courthouse Locations and Contact Information

Municipal District 1 Richard J. Daley Center 50 West Washington Chicago, IL 60602 312.603.2000		DISTRICT 2 - SKOKIE 5600 Old Orchard Road Skokie, Illinois 60077 847.470.7250
Map and Directions to Daley Center Court House		Map and Directions to Skokie Courthouse
DISTRICT 3- ROLLING MEADOWS 2121 Euclid Avenue Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 847/818-3000		DISTRICT 4-MAYWOOD 1500 Maybrook Avenue Maywood, Illinois 60153 708.865.4937
Map and Directions to Rolling Meadows Courthouse		Map and Directions to Maywood Court House
DISTRICT 5 BRIDGEVIEW 10220 South 76th Avenue Bridgeview, Illinois 60455 708.974.6500		DISTRICT 6 MARKHAM 16501 South Kedzie Parkway Markham, Illinois 60426 708.210.4551
Map and Directions to Bridgeview Court House		Map and Directions to Markham Court House

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Free Legal Guide Offered by Illinois State Bar Association

The Illinois State Bar Association publishes a free legal guide covering important information on everything from cars, family, finding a lawyer, home, money, health, and estate matters

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Laws Protecting Military Personnel

The Illinois State Bar Association publishes a free legal guide for military personnel. The guide covers a wide variety of legal issues and provides practical guidance for our soldiers and their legal issues.