Many residents of Chicago and the surrounding area view violent crime as something completely out of their control. Fighting violent crime in Chicago takes the coordinated effort of police and residents of the city.
So far this year, shootings and homicides have a downward trend according to police. To date, there have been 44 homicides compared to 80 at this point in 2018. That is a decrease of 55%. In January and February of this year, there were 214 shootings. The first two months of 2018 experienced 282. The number of people who were shot decreased to 253 in 2019 from 345 last year. There have been 40% fewer homicides compared to the same period last year.
Though the numbers have been dropping, Chicago is still plagued with a disproportionate amount of crime when compared to many other cities around the country. A violent crimes defense lawyer will be able to help with your case if you have been charged or arrested.
Technology is a Major Deterrent
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson credits the improvements to more manpower, neighborhood partnerships, and new technology. The new technology allows faster response times, which lead to improved rates of apprehension. Hubs that primarily focus on analyzing data, called Strategic Support Centers, are in 12 of Chicago’s 22 police districts.
Live video feeds from security cameras across the city are supplemented with systems that can detect gunshots and pinpoint the location of the gunfire. That data is fed instantly to the mobile technology used by officers in the area. The centers are manned by a cohort of civilians and police from the University of Chicago Crime Lab. They utilize an analytical computer program entitled HunchLab which examines data such as incidents of crime and proximity of those crimes to gas stations, liquor stores, and other locations worthy of investigation.
The intuitive software anticipates spots that may be prone to violent crime and makes suggestions about how police should be deployed. This has been very helpful in deterring retaliatory shootings. A CPD spokesman said the longer HunchLab is in operation, the better the statistics will get.
Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer in Chicago
In Chicago, anyone arrested for domestic violence, manslaughter or assault faces the possibility of an extensive prison sentence, but may be able to plead down to lesser charges if he or she works with a good violent crimes defense attorney.
There are a few factors that play a role in helping the prosecutor establish how to charge the accused:
- Whether a weapon was involved
- The extent of any injuries sustained
- The motivation behind the crime
- The relationship between parties
- Whether the crime was premeditated
Frequently, arrests made after a violent crime are due to police behaving in a responsive way instead of one that is more investigative.
What does this mean?
You may be charged after an arrest without being able to tell your account of the situation. Having the ability and the right to tell your side is crucial to resolving your case. David L. Freidberg understands that being charged with any crime can be disturbing. This is particularly true if you feel you have been wrongly accused. Attorney Freidberg and his team are here to help. You are not alone. Schedule a free consultation or call (312) 560-7100. We are available 24 hours a day and have the experience to determine the best course of action in your case.