Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

1st felony

My nephew was charged with illegal possesion of a stolen car. He was drinking with friends and and doesn't remember anything of what happened up until the next day. So far this is the only charge. He wasn't charge for DUI (maybe because his license was suspended for parking tickets?) Since he doesn't have any money, do you think a public defendant can do almost the same job as an a pivate attorney? We do not want him to go to jail. He has a stable job and have reccomendation letters from work and community leaders. Thank you!


Asked on 7/19/08, 4:25 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jeremy Richey Jeremy Richey, Attorney at Law

Re: 1st felony

Some public defenders are better attorneys than some private attorneys and vice versa. I suggest that your nephew start with the public defender. If he isn't satisfied with the public defender's representation, he can alway hire a private attorney later. Defendants are always free to change attorneys.

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Answered on 7/20/08, 8:28 am
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: 1st felony

There are a number possible ways to proceed in this matter. You do not mention if he has posted a bond in this matter. In some instances, depending upon the case and the amount of the bond, a situation may work out where the bond can be used for all or part of his private legal fees. It sounds a bit unusual that he was not charged with a DUI or a suspended license. The fair inference is that he was not driving. That may provide him some defenses to the charges. For more information regarding felony issues in Illinois please visit: http://www.shestokas.com/Felony.html If you have further questions, please visit: http://www.shestokas.com/Ask_an_Attorney.html

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Answered on 7/21/08, 2:09 pm


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