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1. What do I do if I believe I have just been a victim of a crime?

Get to a safe place and immediately call 9-1-1 or the police department in the town in which the crime occurred. File a police report giving as many details as possible about what occurred, when, where, who was present, what was said, how you can be contacted, etc. The police will investigate the crime and will bring it to the attention of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible criminal charges. Then, the police will make an arrest, if appropriate. Always call the police first. 

2. Who investigates a crime?

The police department in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred investigates the crime. When the police believe they have enough evidence to make an arrest, they bring the information to the Lake County State’s Attorney's Felony Review Division to file charges. The State’s Attorney’s Office does not investigate crimes. That is the duty of law enforcement.  

3. Who determines what charge(s) are brought against the defendant?

In felony cases, Lake County Assistant State's Attorneys from the Felony Review Division, review information supplied by the investigating police department and determine which criminal charges best apply under the Illinois Compiled Statutes for Criminal Law.

Misdemeanor charges are determined by the investigating police department, with the exceptions of 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.