Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Received summons for offense that I was never charged with

I received a summons to appear in misdemeanor court for an offense that I have never otherwise heard of. Is this some kind of bureaucratic mistake? If I wasn't charged with any offense, and this is the first time I have ever heard of this entire matter, do I actually have to appear to make some kind of statement? What is the best way to proceed in order to clear up the situation ?


Asked on 9/18/08, 8:47 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: Received summons for offense that I was never charged with

There are several ways for the criminal court process to begin. One is by way of arrest. One is by way of a warrant for an arrest. Then there is your case. A case can be filed and a summons issued which requires your appearance in court to answer the charges. If you fail to appear, at that point it is likely there will be warrant issued.

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Answered on 9/19/08, 4:16 pm
Jeremy Richey Jeremy Richey, Attorney at Law

Re: Received summons for offense that I was never charged with

Go to court. You could be arrested if you don't. If you want, you can hire an attorney to investigate what is going on.

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Answered on 9/18/08, 9:12 pm
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Received summons for offense that I was never charged with

First of all, you must appear in court or else a warrant may be issued for you arrest. You should enter a plea of not guilty at your first opportunity to do so. I would suggest hiring a criminal defense attorney to represent you since the adverse consequences of mishandling this situation could be very serious for you. Good luck.

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Answered on 9/18/08, 11:15 pm


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