Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
An arrest in Chicago often happens suddenly and without warning. One moment you may believe a situation is under control, and the next you are in handcuffs, transported to a police station, and facing questions you are not prepared to answer. People commonly ask how long they can wait before contacting a criminal defense lawyer. Under Illinois law, the real question is not how long you can wait, but how much damage can occur if you do.
In Chicago, criminal cases move fast. Police reports are drafted within hours. Prosecutors review allegations quickly. Judges make early detention decisions. Evidence begins to shape the direction of the case before a defendant ever steps into a courtroom. The timing of legal representation plays a major role in whether a case becomes manageable or spirals into something far more serious. Calling a criminal defense lawyer immediately after arrest is often the most important decision a person can make.
