Chicago Alternative Solutions to Trial Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Alternative Solutions to Litigation or Trial in DuPage and Cook County

If you are charged with a crime, you have the absolute right to persist in a plea of not guilty, and make the prosecution prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at a trial. If you are found not guilty, you walk away free and clear of any conviction, and nothing happens to you. However, in some cases, going to trial may not be your best option. For example, the prosecution may have a strong case against you. Should you go to trial and be found guilty, depending on what you are charged with, you could be facing a conviction as well as jail or prison time. But, there are ways in which you can resolve your case without having to go to trial.

Attorney Emilio Moretti has served clients facing criminal prosecution in the Cook and DuPage County areas for 23 years and counting Although he has experience with court procedure, and has worked with local court personnel, Mr. Moretti is also adept at handling cases which may be resolved without going to trial.

Plea Bargain

One way is to resolve your case without going to trial or litigation is by entering into a plea bargain. Most criminal cases are resolved this way. A plea bargain is a deal made between you, through your lawyer, and the prosecutor. The prosecutor will offer you a certain outcome consisting usually of a set of terms or conditions that you must fulfill, in exchange for your plea of guilty. At times, a plea bargain is a sensible way to resolve your case. It is less time consuming, and usually more economical than taking your case to trial. However, a plea bargain should only be considered if the prosecution offers an outcome, which would prevent a conviction from entering on your criminal record, involve no jail time, and does not affect your life in other areas such as work, school or even your status in the United States if you are not a citizen.

Other Alternatives to Litigation or Trial

Sometimes, even entering into a plea bargain may not be the best way to resolve your case. Perhaps you are charged with an offense that does not allow a way to keep it off your record, or it may require mandatory incarceration. When that is the case, then other alternatives must be explored. In Illinois, especially in Cook and DuPage County, there are special programs and probations available which will prevent any prosecution of you; prevent a conviction from entering or remaining on your record; prevent jail or prison time, and perhaps even get your case dismissed all together.

Examples of these programs include the following:

• Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC);
• Illinois 410 Probation;
• Illinois 550/10 Probation;
• Illinois Second Chance Probation;
• Deferred Prosecution;
• State’s Attorney Drug School; and
• State’s Attorney Theft School.

These programs are not automatically available. Each one has specific criteria, which must be met in order to be eligible.

For the past 23 years, Mr. Moretti has had a great deal of success in helping his clients qualify for one of these programs. Contact Moretti Law, P.C. at 312-861-1084 to discuss your case and find out if you qualify for a program, which may serve as an alternative to litigation or trial.