Chicago Crime Rate Decreases in 2013

According to a press release issued on April 2, 2013 by Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, the crime rate in the metropolitan area decreased in the first quarter of this year, January through March 2013. In comparison to the first quarter of 2012, the overall crime rate decreased by 8 percent. Since the first quarter of 2011, the overall crime rate in Chicago has decreased by 15 percent. As an example, the most recent quarter saw only 70 homicides as opposed to 120 which occurred in the first three months of 2012. In the month of March 2013, only 16 homicides occurred as opposed to 52 homicides in March of 2012, which translates to a 69 percent decrease.

Chicago's mayor and Police Department Superintendent offered a variety of reasons for the declining crime rate in the area, including increased focus on violence-prone neighborhoods and after school programs which keep neighborhood kids off the streets. They mentioned the fact that the 2013 winter months were much colder than the previous year, which may have been another deterrent. Both men say they favor minimum prison terms of three years for those who are convicted of illegal gun possession. In Cook County, a new law went into effect on April 1 mandating an extra $25 tax on all firearm sales which was expected to bring in $600,000 in tax revenues which would help to defray the costs of those needing treatment at the county hospital for gunshot wounds.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Chicago

For those facing criminal charges, whether stemming from DUI, theft crimes, drug crimes, weapons charges, sex crimes, violent crimes, or other allegations, it is vital to seek the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of Mitch Furman provides competent and committed legal representation in criminal defense for those in and around the Chicago area. Attorney Furman has more than a decade of legal experience as a trial lawyer in criminal cases in the local courts. He is a zealous legal advocate who will protect your rights as well as search for viable defense strategies to help minimize the harsh consequences you may be facing.

The firm offers a free, initial consultation to prospective clients. If you have been arrested or are being investigated for criminal activity, contact the firm to learn more about your legal rights and options.