Who determines what crime to charge the defendant?

In the case of a felony, the LaSalle County State's Attorney Felony Review Division prosecutors review information supplied by the investigating police department and determines which criminal charges best apply under the Illinois Compiled Statutes for Criminal Law.

Misdemeanor charges are determined by the investigating police department, except in certain situations where they are reviewed by the State's Attorney's Office. As misdemeanor cases are being prosecuted, the assistant state's attorney on the case may file different or additional charges.

Show All Answers

1. What do I do if I just had a crime committed against me?
2. Who investigates a crime?
3. Who determines what crime to charge the defendant?
4. What is an indictment?
5. What is an arraignment?
6. Will the defendant be sentenced the same day he/she is found guilty of a violent crime?
7. What is a sentencing hearing?
8. What is a pre-sentence investigation report (PSI)?
9. What happens if the defendant is sentenced to the Department of Corrections (prison)?
10. How much actual time will a defendant serve on his incarceration sentence in the department of corrections (prison)?
11. Will the defendant be ordered to pay restitution?
12. If restitution is ordered how does it get to the victim?
13. How long does the defendant get to pay restitution?
14. What happens if restitution is not paid?
15. What is the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Compensation Program and who is eligible?
16. Will I have to testify in court?
17. What do I do if I receive a subpoena to testify?
18. What should I do if the defense attorney or investigator contacts me?
19. What are the responsibilities of a witness to a crime?
20. How long will I be in court?
21. Can a friend or relative be in court when I testify?
22. Will the defendant be in the courtroom when I testify?