A lot of people accused of crimes do not quite realize how absolutely vital it is for them to hire a private criminal defense lawyer. Here are just a few reasons why any rational person would hire a private lawyer to defend them...
1. Representing yourself is foolish. You can not possibly hope to objectively put forth your case, when you have an emotional and personal stake in the outcome.
2. Private criminal defense attorneys are trained professionals who are comfortable negotiating the most serious of legal issues- including those that could put you in jail for a long time.
3. Although most public defenders are good, quality attorneys, they do not have the time- because of their huge backlog of other cases- to dedicate to your case. You can only spread butter so thin.
4. Private criminal defense attorneys have often been trained in the Prosecutor's Office or the Public Defender's Office and have a really good idea what strategies will be used to prosecute you and how to counter those strategies.
5. Private attorneys often have much easier access to legal resources than the public.
6. When it really counts, you need someone in your corner who has been there before- who can walk you through each step of the process.
7. Private criminal defense attorneys are trained public speakers who use this ability to argue and defend you, even in extremely emotional and tense situations.
8. Private criminal defense attorneys have often developed strong relationships with the courtroom personnel that can make things go much smoother for you.
9. An experienced criminal defense attorney can make a terrible time in your life a lot more bearable and a lot less scary.
10. An experienced private criminal defense attorney can teach you how to be the best defendant possible for your case.
Attorney Kenneth Alpert is a private criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of legal experience. Call him today at (847) 421-6464, and you will come to understand why having an experienced private attorney at your side is the greatest resource you can have when you have been charged with a crime.
1. Representing yourself is foolish. You can not possibly hope to objectively put forth your case, when you have an emotional and personal stake in the outcome.
2. Private criminal defense attorneys are trained professionals who are comfortable negotiating the most serious of legal issues- including those that could put you in jail for a long time.
3. Although most public defenders are good, quality attorneys, they do not have the time- because of their huge backlog of other cases- to dedicate to your case. You can only spread butter so thin.
4. Private criminal defense attorneys have often been trained in the Prosecutor's Office or the Public Defender's Office and have a really good idea what strategies will be used to prosecute you and how to counter those strategies.
5. Private attorneys often have much easier access to legal resources than the public.
6. When it really counts, you need someone in your corner who has been there before- who can walk you through each step of the process.
7. Private criminal defense attorneys are trained public speakers who use this ability to argue and defend you, even in extremely emotional and tense situations.
8. Private criminal defense attorneys have often developed strong relationships with the courtroom personnel that can make things go much smoother for you.
9. An experienced criminal defense attorney can make a terrible time in your life a lot more bearable and a lot less scary.
10. An experienced private criminal defense attorney can teach you how to be the best defendant possible for your case.
Attorney Kenneth Alpert is a private criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of legal experience. Call him today at (847) 421-6464, and you will come to understand why having an experienced private attorney at your side is the greatest resource you can have when you have been charged with a crime.
It always amazes me when I am in court the ways that people charged with crimes make a bad situation worse!
As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney, I have learned a lot about what makes a good Defendant and a bad Defendant. Here are some suggestions how you can become a better defendant:
1. SHUT UP! You have heard of Miranda rights, right?!?...that is, "You have the right to remain silent....". Rarely, does a big mouth help a defendant when dealing with the Police or the Court. Keep your mouth shut and let your attorney do the talking!
2. DRESS WELL FOR COURT! I just can not understand why someone would come to Court looking like they just rolled out of bed or looking like a thug. What would you think, if the lawyers and the judges walked in wearing old jeans and T shirts?!?
3. TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT! If you are arrested for something, even if it is a bad arrest, do not make it worse by acting like an fool. Swearing and fighting with the police, resisting arrest and threatening people. Let your lawyer try to legally beat a bad arrest. I cannot even count the amount of times I have been in court where the original reason a person was arrested has gotten tossed out, but they still face resisting charges or criminal damage charges, for what they did after they got stopped.
4. STOP DOING DRUGS AND DRINKING BOOZE! Doing illegal drugs and/or drinking alcohol, after you have been charged with a case is an absolute recipe for disaster. First of all, it may be in direct violation of your bond. The pre-trial folks or your judge may have you "drop" at any time. If you come back dirty and you violate bond, you could be looking at sitting in jail until your case is over. Also, as you well know, when you indulge in illegal drugs and alcohol you make bad decisions. What do you think the judge is going to do with you, even if you are innocent of your original crime, if you pick up a new DUI, a Domestic Battery or frankly, just about any new case, while you are on bond? Well, I can tell you this: it will not be pleasant for you, that is for sure!
5. DO NOT TALK TO AND DO NOT THREATEN THE VICTIM OR WITNESSES! You might think, you will help your case by seeing who is in your corner and making "sure" bad witnesses or the victim do not show; but I can just about guarantee that if the Prosecutors or the Court finds out- you are going to be in a lot more trouble than you can even imagine. Don't do it. It will tank your case!
6. DO NOT LIE TO YOUR ATTORNEY! The only other person that is there to really try to help you is your lawyer. If you give him a load of crap and he relies on that information and then your bogus story falls apart, there will be very little that he or anyone can do for you. You will have made your bed and you will sleep in it.
7. STAY ACTIVE IN YOUR DEFENSE! Sometimes, defendants think that once they hire an attorney, the attorney will wave his magic wand and get the defendant off with no help from the defendant. Well, let me tell you from experience, the best clients are those that continue to try to help from the beginning of their case through the end. By answering the phone when the lawyer calls, by providing the documents his lawyer asks for, by suggesting witnesses to talk to and by never giving up. You must take a stake in your own defense.
8. DON'T DO ANYTHING TO GET ON THE RADAR! I have seen prosecutors take little cases and make them into big cases, just because they are pissed at the Defendant. If you get on the Radar through your bad acts, bad behavior in the courtroom or buffoonery you will make it that much harder to defend you. You DO NOT want the prosecutors to LOOK FORWARD to crushing you, if they get a chance. Do not think for a minute that it does not happen, because it does...all the time.
9. SHOW UP ON TIME! If you get to Court late, you may end up leaving court in handcuffs! I always tell my clients to get to court AT LEAST a half hour early. Not only do you have to get through security, but it never fails that there is some tie up. The clerk does not have your file or some other thing goes wrong. Be early always!
10. HIRE A QUALIFIED CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER! The best defendant's are OFTEN that way because they listen to their lawyers about the things I have previously discussed. And they take actions based on the advice they are given by their experienced attorney.
Attorney Kenneth M. Alpert is an extremely qualified criminal defense attorney and can help you become the best Defendant you can be! Call him today at 847-421-6464, if you want to learn more ways to help yourself during this trying time!
As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney, I have learned a lot about what makes a good Defendant and a bad Defendant. Here are some suggestions how you can become a better defendant:
1. SHUT UP! You have heard of Miranda rights, right?!?...that is, "You have the right to remain silent....". Rarely, does a big mouth help a defendant when dealing with the Police or the Court. Keep your mouth shut and let your attorney do the talking!
2. DRESS WELL FOR COURT! I just can not understand why someone would come to Court looking like they just rolled out of bed or looking like a thug. What would you think, if the lawyers and the judges walked in wearing old jeans and T shirts?!?
3. TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT! If you are arrested for something, even if it is a bad arrest, do not make it worse by acting like an fool. Swearing and fighting with the police, resisting arrest and threatening people. Let your lawyer try to legally beat a bad arrest. I cannot even count the amount of times I have been in court where the original reason a person was arrested has gotten tossed out, but they still face resisting charges or criminal damage charges, for what they did after they got stopped.
4. STOP DOING DRUGS AND DRINKING BOOZE! Doing illegal drugs and/or drinking alcohol, after you have been charged with a case is an absolute recipe for disaster. First of all, it may be in direct violation of your bond. The pre-trial folks or your judge may have you "drop" at any time. If you come back dirty and you violate bond, you could be looking at sitting in jail until your case is over. Also, as you well know, when you indulge in illegal drugs and alcohol you make bad decisions. What do you think the judge is going to do with you, even if you are innocent of your original crime, if you pick up a new DUI, a Domestic Battery or frankly, just about any new case, while you are on bond? Well, I can tell you this: it will not be pleasant for you, that is for sure!
5. DO NOT TALK TO AND DO NOT THREATEN THE VICTIM OR WITNESSES! You might think, you will help your case by seeing who is in your corner and making "sure" bad witnesses or the victim do not show; but I can just about guarantee that if the Prosecutors or the Court finds out- you are going to be in a lot more trouble than you can even imagine. Don't do it. It will tank your case!
6. DO NOT LIE TO YOUR ATTORNEY! The only other person that is there to really try to help you is your lawyer. If you give him a load of crap and he relies on that information and then your bogus story falls apart, there will be very little that he or anyone can do for you. You will have made your bed and you will sleep in it.
7. STAY ACTIVE IN YOUR DEFENSE! Sometimes, defendants think that once they hire an attorney, the attorney will wave his magic wand and get the defendant off with no help from the defendant. Well, let me tell you from experience, the best clients are those that continue to try to help from the beginning of their case through the end. By answering the phone when the lawyer calls, by providing the documents his lawyer asks for, by suggesting witnesses to talk to and by never giving up. You must take a stake in your own defense.
8. DON'T DO ANYTHING TO GET ON THE RADAR! I have seen prosecutors take little cases and make them into big cases, just because they are pissed at the Defendant. If you get on the Radar through your bad acts, bad behavior in the courtroom or buffoonery you will make it that much harder to defend you. You DO NOT want the prosecutors to LOOK FORWARD to crushing you, if they get a chance. Do not think for a minute that it does not happen, because it does...all the time.
9. SHOW UP ON TIME! If you get to Court late, you may end up leaving court in handcuffs! I always tell my clients to get to court AT LEAST a half hour early. Not only do you have to get through security, but it never fails that there is some tie up. The clerk does not have your file or some other thing goes wrong. Be early always!
10. HIRE A QUALIFIED CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER! The best defendant's are OFTEN that way because they listen to their lawyers about the things I have previously discussed. And they take actions based on the advice they are given by their experienced attorney.
Attorney Kenneth M. Alpert is an extremely qualified criminal defense attorney and can help you become the best Defendant you can be! Call him today at 847-421-6464, if you want to learn more ways to help yourself during this trying time!
A DUI, Traffic or Criminal law client should be able to rely on their lawyer to do several things. However, some clients have unreasonable expectations of their lawyer. Here is a list of a few of them!
The Reasonable Expectations:
1). ANSWER THE PHONE! Everyone knows that lawyers can be pretty busy tending to their various cases and running around to court. A client, however, should be able to reasonably expect that when they call their lawyer, the lawyer will either answer the phone or will have a working voice mail. Further, it is reasonable for a client to expect their lawyer to call them back in a timely manner. That might be the next day or two, but a good lawyer calls his clients back as soon as he reasonably can.
2). LISTEN TO YOU! The attorney/client relationship is one of give and take. A good lawyer listens to his client's concerns and takes them into account before decisions are made. Communication is the key. It is absolutely reasonable for a client to expect that they will be treated with respect and that their ideas and thoughts will be taken into serious consideration as their case goes forward.
3). KEEPING YOU INFORMED! It is reasonable for a client to expect that their attorney will keep them informed as to what is going on in their case. That does not mean every day or even every week for some cases. What that means is that when major events come up, your attorney should be discussing these things with you and not only telling you what is happening, but allowing you to take an active role in making major decisions.
4). BEING A SHERPA! A good lawyer is an experienced guide, helping their clients understand what is going on in court and teaching them how to be a better client. Going to court can be a scary event for the inexperienced and a good lawyer does what he can to smooth the road and take paths that help his clients feel more comfortable with what is going on.
5). BEING HONEST, SOMETIMES BRUTALLY HONEST! A good lawyer will weigh all the evidence in your case and will tell you based on their experience and the facts before them what they think is a good course for you to take. Sometimes that is going to trial. Sometimes that is to plead your case. It is ultimately your decision, but a lawyer should level with you and tell you what they think even if you don't want to hear it or don't want to accept it.
The Unreasonable Expectations...
1). ABRACADABRA, PRESTO CHANGO! Your lawyer is not a magician- he does not have E.S.P. and he does not call on the four winds to work a supernatural outcome for your case. It is completely unreasonable for a client to expect that his attorney is some sort of a magical being who can make things go away. Yes, hard work and experience from the attorney can certainly make the outcome of your case more favorable, but to expect him to work some kind of magic trick for you is unreasonable. Sometimes, the client has screwed themselves so badly by their actions that even the best attorney can not fix the situation.
2). AND THE WINNER IS...! It is unreasonable for a client to expect that their attorney, right from the start, can tell the client with complete certainty what the outcome of the case will be. I have seen some outcomes in the past that have boggled my mind. Some I would consider just and some completely unjust! There are so many factors that go into what the ultimate disposition of a case will be that it is completely impossible for a lawyer to tell their client exactly what is going to happen from jump street!
3). I WANT TO TALK, NOW! Although a lawyer, must keep in communication with their clients on a regular basis; it is unreasonable for a client to think that his attorney should, on an hourly basis, be taking their calls and answering to their every whim. That is the job of a butler or a maid- not a lawyer. Lawyers have families too and it has been reported that they like to sleep once in a while. There are horror stories out there of clients that once they hire their attorney think that every time they have a fleeting thought regarding the case or frankly any random matter, they should call their attorney to talk about it. Everything in moderation! This is especially true for DUI and drug possession clients!
4). YOUR A LAWYER, YOU WILL SAY ANYTHING! It is completely unreasonable to think that because your DUI, Traffic or Criminal Law attorney has talent and gets results, that somehow they are shady and will lie or encourage you to lie to get those results. I tell every client, that I will not put you on the stand if you are going to lie. I operate my law firm with the highest standards of integrity. I will work hard for you! I will fight aggressively for you! And I will do what I can ethically for you! But, I will NOT break the law for you!
5). YOU WORK FOR FREE! No, I don't. It is unreasonable for a client to think that a good lawyer works for free. If you and I make an agreement that I will work for you and you will pay me reasonable fees to do that, then I expect that I will be paid for my services. A plumber does not work for free. A barber does not work for free. I do not work for free. You get what you pay for. If you want an aggressive, experienced and talented attorney you will have to pay for him.
Attorney Kenneth M. Alpert is an aggressive, talented and experienced lawyer who will fight for you! Call him today at (847) 421-6464!
The Reasonable Expectations:
1). ANSWER THE PHONE! Everyone knows that lawyers can be pretty busy tending to their various cases and running around to court. A client, however, should be able to reasonably expect that when they call their lawyer, the lawyer will either answer the phone or will have a working voice mail. Further, it is reasonable for a client to expect their lawyer to call them back in a timely manner. That might be the next day or two, but a good lawyer calls his clients back as soon as he reasonably can.
2). LISTEN TO YOU! The attorney/client relationship is one of give and take. A good lawyer listens to his client's concerns and takes them into account before decisions are made. Communication is the key. It is absolutely reasonable for a client to expect that they will be treated with respect and that their ideas and thoughts will be taken into serious consideration as their case goes forward.
3). KEEPING YOU INFORMED! It is reasonable for a client to expect that their attorney will keep them informed as to what is going on in their case. That does not mean every day or even every week for some cases. What that means is that when major events come up, your attorney should be discussing these things with you and not only telling you what is happening, but allowing you to take an active role in making major decisions.
4). BEING A SHERPA! A good lawyer is an experienced guide, helping their clients understand what is going on in court and teaching them how to be a better client. Going to court can be a scary event for the inexperienced and a good lawyer does what he can to smooth the road and take paths that help his clients feel more comfortable with what is going on.
5). BEING HONEST, SOMETIMES BRUTALLY HONEST! A good lawyer will weigh all the evidence in your case and will tell you based on their experience and the facts before them what they think is a good course for you to take. Sometimes that is going to trial. Sometimes that is to plead your case. It is ultimately your decision, but a lawyer should level with you and tell you what they think even if you don't want to hear it or don't want to accept it.
The Unreasonable Expectations...
1). ABRACADABRA, PRESTO CHANGO! Your lawyer is not a magician- he does not have E.S.P. and he does not call on the four winds to work a supernatural outcome for your case. It is completely unreasonable for a client to expect that his attorney is some sort of a magical being who can make things go away. Yes, hard work and experience from the attorney can certainly make the outcome of your case more favorable, but to expect him to work some kind of magic trick for you is unreasonable. Sometimes, the client has screwed themselves so badly by their actions that even the best attorney can not fix the situation.
2). AND THE WINNER IS...! It is unreasonable for a client to expect that their attorney, right from the start, can tell the client with complete certainty what the outcome of the case will be. I have seen some outcomes in the past that have boggled my mind. Some I would consider just and some completely unjust! There are so many factors that go into what the ultimate disposition of a case will be that it is completely impossible for a lawyer to tell their client exactly what is going to happen from jump street!
3). I WANT TO TALK, NOW! Although a lawyer, must keep in communication with their clients on a regular basis; it is unreasonable for a client to think that his attorney should, on an hourly basis, be taking their calls and answering to their every whim. That is the job of a butler or a maid- not a lawyer. Lawyers have families too and it has been reported that they like to sleep once in a while. There are horror stories out there of clients that once they hire their attorney think that every time they have a fleeting thought regarding the case or frankly any random matter, they should call their attorney to talk about it. Everything in moderation! This is especially true for DUI and drug possession clients!
4). YOUR A LAWYER, YOU WILL SAY ANYTHING! It is completely unreasonable to think that because your DUI, Traffic or Criminal Law attorney has talent and gets results, that somehow they are shady and will lie or encourage you to lie to get those results. I tell every client, that I will not put you on the stand if you are going to lie. I operate my law firm with the highest standards of integrity. I will work hard for you! I will fight aggressively for you! And I will do what I can ethically for you! But, I will NOT break the law for you!
5). YOU WORK FOR FREE! No, I don't. It is unreasonable for a client to think that a good lawyer works for free. If you and I make an agreement that I will work for you and you will pay me reasonable fees to do that, then I expect that I will be paid for my services. A plumber does not work for free. A barber does not work for free. I do not work for free. You get what you pay for. If you want an aggressive, experienced and talented attorney you will have to pay for him.
Attorney Kenneth M. Alpert is an aggressive, talented and experienced lawyer who will fight for you! Call him today at (847) 421-6464!
I have been a lawyer for well over a decade now and I can tell you, the things that I learned working as a young man at my Grandparents’ gas station, have proven more valuable to the practice of law than all the books I read and lectures I attended in school. Don’t get me wrong, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to attend some terrific schools; but, a real lawyer needs an education based on common sense as well as theory and book learning. Let me explain....
I had the chance to meet everybody at the gas station. When I worked at the station, it was just before the advent of the credit card pay-at-the-pump and so people still walked into the gas station to buy their gas and grocery items. Every person from every walk of life came into that station: every gender, nationality, race, religion, socio-economic group, education level, political party and sexual orientation. Sane people came into the station. Crazy people came into the station. Sometimes the crazy people had to be escorted out of the station. I got to meet some famous people and I also met some infamous people. In fact, a lot of people who didn’t even own cars came into the station. On a daily basis, I got a chance to witness the wondrous menagerie of people that make up this country. Few places offer such riches.
It was in this setting that I learned how to talk to people. I could be ringing up the gas from a C.E.O. who owned the new Mercedes on Pump 3. At the same time, talking about the Bears game with a guy wearing dirt stained overalls- buying a pop. While, of course, trying not to bump into the Pakistani cab driver, camping in front of me, who was scratching off 30 Illinois lottery instant tickets, until he finally got the big $2.00 winner!
I used to love watching the interactions of my family at the station. My grandfather, who to me is a hero above the likes of Superman or Batman. He showed me, in his quiet Zen-like way, to stand up for something- be a real man, a family man and an honest man. And my grandmother who taught me to treat people with respect and above all else, “Be a Mench!” A Mench is a good, trusted person: a gentleman.
I learned that not everyone was as fortunate in this world. I met people who paid for a gallon of gas in change, praying it would be enough so they could get home to their kids. I learned how to take out the trash, mop the floor and stock the shelves. There is a real knowledge imparted in doing jobs that don’t just push paper. I learned that people are not perfect and that they make mistakes. And I learned that everyone deserves to be heard and deserves a second chance.
It is only now that I realize that it was in this place that the concepts of justice, fairness, hard work, humanity and humility- and sometimes their direct opposites- were imparted to me. These are tangible things that you can see in some people, if you look hard enough.
So, you ask, “what does this have to do with you and your case?” Well, what I am trying to say is that I know where you are coming from. I know people like you and I have helped many people like you. I realize that you got into your legal problems for a lot of different reasons. It is not because you are a bad person, but a person who may have just made some bad decisions. I totally get that.
What I am also saying is that I have the experience to help you in your time of need. But what is more important, I don’t just have the legal understanding, but I have the real world common sense understanding to do what I can for you as a person. I know that your situation is unique. Like the amazing people that walked in one after the other into that gas station of my past; you have an important story to tell. And you have unique needs that I, as your lawyer, can address. Together we can make sure that you are represented in a way that will make you feel like finally, “I got a guy!” A guy who understands my problems and can do something to really and truly help me.
So, now you know a little bit more about me and how I run my law firm. You know that I understand where you are coming from. If you want to talk more, give me a call at (847) 421-6464. I am happy to give you a free consultation. You are not obligated to hire me. I think, however, that once you talk to me, you will say, “I really want Ken Alpert to be my lawyer”. Call me today- (847) 421-6464.
I had the chance to meet everybody at the gas station. When I worked at the station, it was just before the advent of the credit card pay-at-the-pump and so people still walked into the gas station to buy their gas and grocery items. Every person from every walk of life came into that station: every gender, nationality, race, religion, socio-economic group, education level, political party and sexual orientation. Sane people came into the station. Crazy people came into the station. Sometimes the crazy people had to be escorted out of the station. I got to meet some famous people and I also met some infamous people. In fact, a lot of people who didn’t even own cars came into the station. On a daily basis, I got a chance to witness the wondrous menagerie of people that make up this country. Few places offer such riches.
It was in this setting that I learned how to talk to people. I could be ringing up the gas from a C.E.O. who owned the new Mercedes on Pump 3. At the same time, talking about the Bears game with a guy wearing dirt stained overalls- buying a pop. While, of course, trying not to bump into the Pakistani cab driver, camping in front of me, who was scratching off 30 Illinois lottery instant tickets, until he finally got the big $2.00 winner!
I used to love watching the interactions of my family at the station. My grandfather, who to me is a hero above the likes of Superman or Batman. He showed me, in his quiet Zen-like way, to stand up for something- be a real man, a family man and an honest man. And my grandmother who taught me to treat people with respect and above all else, “Be a Mench!” A Mench is a good, trusted person: a gentleman.
I learned that not everyone was as fortunate in this world. I met people who paid for a gallon of gas in change, praying it would be enough so they could get home to their kids. I learned how to take out the trash, mop the floor and stock the shelves. There is a real knowledge imparted in doing jobs that don’t just push paper. I learned that people are not perfect and that they make mistakes. And I learned that everyone deserves to be heard and deserves a second chance.
It is only now that I realize that it was in this place that the concepts of justice, fairness, hard work, humanity and humility- and sometimes their direct opposites- were imparted to me. These are tangible things that you can see in some people, if you look hard enough.
So, you ask, “what does this have to do with you and your case?” Well, what I am trying to say is that I know where you are coming from. I know people like you and I have helped many people like you. I realize that you got into your legal problems for a lot of different reasons. It is not because you are a bad person, but a person who may have just made some bad decisions. I totally get that.
What I am also saying is that I have the experience to help you in your time of need. But what is more important, I don’t just have the legal understanding, but I have the real world common sense understanding to do what I can for you as a person. I know that your situation is unique. Like the amazing people that walked in one after the other into that gas station of my past; you have an important story to tell. And you have unique needs that I, as your lawyer, can address. Together we can make sure that you are represented in a way that will make you feel like finally, “I got a guy!” A guy who understands my problems and can do something to really and truly help me.
So, now you know a little bit more about me and how I run my law firm. You know that I understand where you are coming from. If you want to talk more, give me a call at (847) 421-6464. I am happy to give you a free consultation. You are not obligated to hire me. I think, however, that once you talk to me, you will say, “I really want Ken Alpert to be my lawyer”. Call me today- (847) 421-6464.
