Assume it's all "On the Record"

When you walk into a Chicago DUI or Criminal courtroom anywhere in Cook County, Lake County or DuPage County, every word that is said is on the record.

The attorneys at Fagan, Fagan & Davis focus on legal defense in the state of Illinois including Criminal and DUI matters at courthouses in Cook County, Lake County and DuPage County.

When you enter a courtroom facing an Illinois DUI or a felony or misdemeanor criminal charge, official court reporters are either in the courtroom or listening to the proceedings from a remote location. They have have training that allows them to take down the official record of court proceedings using a transcription machine which creates a written record in a shorthand language. That shorthand language can then be translated using a computer application that is designed to produce an official written record.

Court Reporters in Criminal and DUI Cases

During hearings and trials involving circuit court judges, court reporters take down an official record of everything you say. Everyone tends to say things that may be harmful to their defense or that may undermine a possible favorable legal argument. The court transcript produced can then be used against you in later hearings or proceedings.

The 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that a defendant has the right to remain silent. This right should be exercised. Defendants should avoid making any statements without the expert advice of an experienced Chicago DUI and criminal defense lawyer like the attorneys here at Fagan, Fagan & Davis.

Public Spaces are Public

Even where court reporters aren't, there may be people listening. The seats while you wait in court for your case to be called, hallways and stairwells are all public areas in the sense that other people are around you at all times. If someone listens in while you discuss things about your case you want to remain private, your words are now on the record. In fact, we've seen deputies in Lake County actually hide in stairwells hoping to have the chance to listen in on conversations conducted in that public setting. It's wrong, but not necessarily illegal.  

Contact us now for a free consultation.