The moments during which a crime takes place can be terrifying, especially if weapons are involved. Even if the person committing the offense is standing directly in front of a witness, the witness may be looking at the weapon and not be able to give police a clear description of the suspect. Illinois police investigations based on eyewitness accounts or even surveillance video may be flawed, and those facing charges would do well to build a strong criminal defense. One man is in jail on a $100,000 bond after his arrest in connection with two separate robberies. The latest incident occurred at a gas station just before 4 a.m. The clerk at the store reported that a man had tried to buy a pack of cigarettes when his credit card was declined. Witnesses say the man reacted with threats before pulling a gun from his waistband and demanding the cigarettes. The clerk complied, and the man ran out of the store with the cigarettes. It is unclear how police identified the man they arrested, but they contacted numerous law enforcement agencies in Illinois for assistance. After taking the man into custody without incident, their investigation apparently connected him with a previous robbery of cigarettes at another location some two weeks earlier. This alleged robbery did not involve a firearm. The man now faces charges that include felony aggravated robbery and theft. If convicted, his penalties may include up to 15 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. A criminal defense strategy in such situations may include an examination of the investigation methods used to identify the accused and an evaluation of police procedures that may have violated the rights of the accused. A skilled attorney will work for the most positive outcome possible.
Tags: Criminal Defense