In today's modern world, there are more opportunities than ever to buy and sell items directly from other individuals. Many people purchase items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or even at garage sales and flea markets.

But what happens if you buy something that turns out to be stolen? In Illinois, buying or receiving stolen property can lead to criminal charges for receipt of stolen property. Many people are shocked to learn that they can face charges for theft even if they are not the person who actually stole the item.

If you are facing criminal charges for theft or possession of stolen property, it is crucial that you work with a criminal defense lawyer experienced in these types of cases.

False confessions, or confessions to crimes that an individual did not commit, are well-known in the justice system. While it may seem strange or counterintuitive for someone to confess to a crime they themselves were not responsible for, there are several reasons people do so. For anyone charged with committing a crime, it is essential to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected. It is vital to speak with law enforcement only if an attorney is present, as this may reduce the likelihood of getting stuck in a vulnerable position, which can lead to false confessions.

Reasons Why False Confessions Occur

The following are reasons why false confessions occur, including:

• Coercion and duress – One of the most common reasons people confess to crimes they are not responsible for is coercion and compulsion. This can include physical coercion, such as torture or abuse, or psychological pressure, such as threats, deception, or intimidation. When an individual is subjected to this kind of treatment, they may feel that confessing to a crime is the only way to end the abuse or to protect themselves or their loved ones.
• Mental illness or intellectual disability – People with mental illness or intellectual disabilities are at a higher risk of making false confessions. This is because they may not fully understand the consequences of their actions or may be more susceptible to suggestion or manipulation by law enforcement. Additionally, people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities may be more likely to give inaccurate information during interrogations due to impaired cognitive abilities.
• Desire for attention or fame – Sometimes, people may falsely confess to crimes to gain attention or notoriety. This can include people who are mentally ill or have a history of attention-seeking behavior. In other scenarios, someone may falsely confess to a crime to protect another person or to cover up their involvement in the crime.
• Misunderstanding or miscommunication – Some false confessions may result from misunderstandings between the individual and law enforcement. For example, the individual may have given an ambiguous or confusing statement during an interrogation, and law enforcement may have interpreted that statement as a confession.

Contact a Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney

Remember, do not speak with the police unless there is a lawyer present. Moreover, if you have been charged with a crime, consider contacting the experienced Will County criminal defense lawyers with McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC. Call 815-727-0100 for a free consultation.

In criminal cases, a defendant must enter a plea to the charges brought against them. The plea entered is a crucial step in the legal process and can significantly impact the case outcome. Today, we will discuss three different types of pleas available in criminal cases and the pros and cons of each. If you are facing criminal charges, you must work with a criminal defense attorney to understand your rights and which plea makes the most sense for your current situation.

Guilty Plea

This plea means the defendant admits to the criminal charges and accepts responsibility for their actions. By pleading guilty, the defendant waives their right to a trial and agrees to be sentenced by a judge. Sometimes, a defendant may plead guilty as part of a plea bargain. This is when the prosecution agrees to reduce the charges or recommend a more lenient sentence in exchange for the defendant’s admission of guilt.

The pros of a guilty plea are as follows:

Criminal charges related to domestic violence fit under the umbrella of crimes where once someone is charged, the public and community often consider the person guilty of what they are charged with before a fair trial has been conducted and evidence has been presented. As a result, hiring an experienced domestic violence attorney can make a positive difference for the defendant by advocating for them and their rights as they work to acquit themselves of the charges against them.  

Domestic violence charges are aggressively prosecuted. The consequences of a conviction can be extremely damaging, both personally and professionally. However, those charged with domestic violence have options at their disposal to allow themselves to be acquitted. Today, we will talk about how someone charged with domestic violence can overcome the serious charges brought against them. 

How to Defeat the Charges 

When someone is charged with domestic violence, it can seem like the world is crashing down on them and that all hope is lost. However, staying calm and carefully considering your options moving forward is essential. Here are some tips on how you can defeat the charges:

Most people dread the prospect of the police showing up at their house. The police showing up is bad enough, but what if they arrive with a search warrant? This is likely to make even the calmest, most even-keeled person nervous, and rightfully so. Having your home searched is far from a pleasant experience, regardless of whether you have anything to hide. Because of the highly stressful situation, people whose house is being searched may act out and demonstrate behaviors they would not regularly engage in. 

Unfortunately, acting out rashly while the police search your home will likely result in additional legal difficulties and even criminal prosecution. That is why it is essential to know how to act and what to do if the police ever show up at your door with a search warrant. If this has happened to you, you must contact a criminal defense attorney who will work to ensure your rights remain protected and that you understand your options moving forward. 

Tips for Handling a Search Warrant  

We see it often in the movies or on television: as soon as the police show up yelling that they have a search warrant, the occupants of the home run and hide or try and pretend they are not home. However, these types of actions will likely increase your legal liability. To handle the situation well, here are few things you can and should do: