Whether you made a mistake, were in the wrong place at the right time, or have been falsely accused of a crime, having an expert criminal defense lawyer working on your behalf is essential. Without one, your future could be forever altered.
HoffmanLaw lead attorney Matt Hoffman developed his approach to criminal defense during the years he spent as a prosecutor. It involves careful and detailed analysis of every aspect of the prosecution’s case against you.
Expertise
When you find yourself facing criminal charges, whether it is a DUI or something more serious, the consequences can be devastating. The impact can linger long after you’ve paid your fines and completed probation. Often, it will also impede on your ability to get jobs and housing.
Our criminal lawyers serving Lake County have the expertise needed to fight for your rights and freedom. We will take the time to carry out any necessary investigations and gather all relevant evidence in order to strengthen your case and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Hoffman Law’s lead attorney, Matt Hoffman, developed his foundational approach to criminal defense during the years he spent prosecuting cases as a front line Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutor. This approach is central to how our firm works on every single one of our cases. Our team is dedicated to defending your rights and freedom from the moment you come to us for help.
Early Involvement
The outcome of a criminal case can be catastrophic for the life of a person. It can destroy relationships, jobs and reputations. A Lake County criminal defense lawyer that is able to craft a successful legal strategy can make all the difference in a case.
Many times, a criminal law attorney will be involved before any charges are filed. This is particularly true for drug crimes, which can lead to prison sentences, substantial fines, court-mandated attendance at rehabilitation programs and a permanent criminal record.
Criminal attorneys work assiduously to put together the most comprehensive legal strategy for their clients. Often, this can involve several different tactics such as self-defense (when a client sincerely believes physical action was necessary to protect themselves from robbery or criminal trespassing) and duress (when a crime was committed under the threat of force). Depending on the case, a defense may also be based on lack of mental clarity. The goal of a criminal defense lawyer is to avoid conviction, but if that is not possible, a strong defense can make all the difference in a criminal case.
Defensive Strategies
When you’re facing a felony charge, the right criminal defense attorney can save your life. A lawyer from a top law firm has the experience and resources to develop a powerful, winning legal strategy.
For example, a lawyer might argue that you were acting in self-defense. If you sincerely thought that physical action was necessary to protect yourself from robbery or criminal trespassing on your property, this could be a valid defense. You may also be able to prove duress, which means that you were coerced into participating in the crime.
Many white collar crimes, such as mail fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud and wire fraud are filed in federal court. If this is the case, your lawyer will know how to work with federal prosecutors and the federal courts. Criminal lawyer Matt Hoffman’s former prosecutor experience gives him a unique understanding of how the prosecution views its evidence and cases. This enables him to anticipate positions and arguments the prosecution will make and to undercut them before they’re even made.
Negotiation
When a client is arrested and summoned to court, the first thing an experienced criminal defense lawyer will do is fight for the most comprehensive legal approach. Depending on the facts of your case, this could involve one or more of the following tactics:
Violent crime cases can be particularly difficult to defend because Illinois criminal law imposes severe punishment for violent crimes. In these cases, a skilled criminal defense attorney will try to challenge the state’s proof of intent by arguing that you did not act with the specific intention of committing a felony.
Your attorney will also work to protect your rights and interests by challenging the evidence and negotiating for a fair resolution. Many times, it makes sense to accept a plea deal when compared with the harsh penalties that can result from taking your case to trial. However, the decision to take a plea should not be made without careful consideration from your Lake County criminal attorney.