Proving that someone stole money over an extended period of time is often quite challenging. In fact, many criminal defense cases are successful because defense attorneys are able to poke holes in the prosecutors’ arguments, which typically include claims that evidence exists to show that a particular defendant committed a specific crime. Some Illinois cases never even make it to court because judges dismiss them for insufficient evidence or because a personal rights violation occurred during or following an arrest.
A man who is a former president of a home closely connected to a fraternity from Northwestern University is preparing for a preliminary hearing. He was recently arraigned on a felony theft charge. The state’s attorney claims that the 77-year-old man stole more than $400,000 from the Sigma Chi Home Association.
The man is accused of taking funds and using them for personal issues, such as membership dues at a club and online trading. He is also accused of using stolen money to make credit card payments. The man says he did no such thing, and he will head back to court on July 15 where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial.
As in all criminal defense cases, this man is guaranteed an opportunity to refute the charges against him. Most Illinois defendants hire experienced criminal law attorneys rather than try to go it alone in court. An experienced attorney understands the system and can help build upon certain strategies that have the greatest chance of mitigating a defendant’s circumstances.
