2024
Last updated:
Our Recommended Top 12
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Peoria Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Why choose this provider?
Williams, Williams, & Bembenek is a criminal defense law firm in the Peoria area serving clients facing charges for felonies and misdemeanors. The firm defends the constitutional rights of individuals under state and federal investigation for alleged criminal violations, including assault, battery, domestic violence, homicide, sexual crimes, and theft. It works with probation and parole offices to secure work permits for clients. Williams, Williams, & Bembenek also helps clients reinstate their driver's licenses.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Dick Williams - Partner/Founder | Active | 59 yrs |
Dick Williams - Partner | Active | 28 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (8)
Why choose this provider?
Kamp Law Office Ltd. is a general litigation law firm serving the community of Peoria. Founding attorney Caryn Kamp has been practicing criminal law for over a decade, and her team offers legal counsel and representation to those accused of traffic violations, drunk driving, domestic assault, and murder. The team aims to prove the client's innocence using the case's evidence. Kamp also takes cases involving family law and landlord-tenant relationships.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Caryn Kamp - Owner/Attorney | Active | 18 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (23)
- Yelp
- 2.5 (3)
Why choose this provider?
Smith & Weer PC is a law firm defending the interests of clients throughout the Peoria metro area. This firm has significant experience with criminal cases and works to defend clients accused of many different crimes as they participate in the legal process. Violent crimes, drug charges, and traffic offenses are all areas of experience for this practice. Smith & Weer PC also advocates for suspects in DUI cases and helps them to address the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
W. edgar Weer - Partner | Active | 43 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (37)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of John Lonergan is a general litigation law firm operating out of Peoria. Founding attorney John Lonergan has been practicing law since 1992, and his team handles criminal cases involving drug possession and trafficking, domestic and sexual abuse, and drunk driving. The team also represents people facing allegations of white collar crime, including extortion and fraud. Additionally, Lonergan takes family law cases involving divorce, child custody and support, and alimony.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
John Lonergan - Principal / Owner | Active | 31 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
In operation for over 30 years, Schierer & Ritchie LLC is a law firm of criminal justice attorneys near Peoria. Its lawyers defend people accused of statutory crimes such as DUI, drug possession, and trafficking. They leverage their experience to obtain dismissals or reduced charges during jury trials. The attorneys also work on sexual assault, murder, and theft offenses involving shoplifting and burglary. Founding partner Charles Schierer is a member of the Illinois State Bar and New York State Bar Associations.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Charles Schierer - Managing Member/Partner | Active | 24 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Located in Peoria, Johnson Law Group LLC provides legal counsel and representation for individuals facing criminal charges. Its team has more than 100 years of combined experience and fights aggressively on behalf of its clients, striving to obtain acquittals or not guilty please on all cases. Johnson Law Group is a member of the American Bar Association, as well as the American Association for Justice and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Brendan Bukalski - Managing Partner | Active | 18 yrs |
Mark Johnson - Founding Attorney | Active | 31 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
McCall Law Offices PC is a firm of civil litigation and criminal defense attorneys in Peoria. The firm offers legal advice and representation to clients who are facing allegations of various criminal activities, such as drug manufacturing and distribution, theft and burglary, and violence. It also helps clients who were convicted of DUIs get their drivers' licenses reinstated. Founding attorney Christopher McCall has been practicing law for over 15 years.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Christopher Mccall - Principal | Active | 21 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Hall, Rustom, & Fritz LLC provides legal help to individuals accused of criminal offenses in Peoria. Its attorneys help people charged with weapon crimes to reclaim denied firearm owners' ID privileges. They represent individuals facing drug offenses, including possession and manufacturing. The firm also handles traffic offense cases, seeking reduced penalties during appeals and trials. Hall, Rustom, & Fritz handles commercial litigation and personal injury cases. Partner Jeffrey R. Hall is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Michael Fritz - Partner | Active | 18 yrs |
Fadi Rustom - Partner | Active | 19 yrs |
Jeffrey Hall - Partner | Active | 19 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 4.6 (13)
Why choose this provider?
Dale Thomas Attorney is a criminal lawyer near Peoria. The law firm defends clients arrested or under investigation for felonies and misdemeanors, including battery, sexual assault, drug charges, and motor vehicle offenses. Founder Dale Thomas has over 25 years of legal experience and is a member of the Peoria County Bar Association and the Tazewell County Bar Association. The firm also provides legal services in the fields of family law, personal injury, and workers' compensation.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Dale Thomas - Principal | Active | 38 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Borsberry Law Offices PC defends clients accused of criminal charges and works to get them fair trials in court. This practice operates in a wide range of categories, defending clients accused of theft, violence, domestic violence, gun charges, and DUI regularly. The firm upholds its clients' rights while making arguments on their behalf in pursuit of acquittal. In some cases Borsberry Law Offices PC can negotiate for more lenient sentencing if potential case outcomes seem negative.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Joseph Borsberry - Principal | Active | 31 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Brave Law Center PC is a criminal defense law firm in Peoria that represents individuals facing municipal or state prosecution for alleged criminal conduct. It fights for the fair treatment of individuals under investigation, jailed, and on trial for crimes that include illegal drugs, aggravated assault, battery, theft, criminal trespassing, and felonies. The firm advocates on behalf of people accused of traffic violations, including first and repeat offenses. Brave Law Center also practices real estate and family law.
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Jason Netzley - Founder | Active | 20 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Maureen Williams represents defendants in Peoria who have been charged with criminal offenses. The firm works with individuals accused of crimes versus people and property, such as kidnapping, sexual misconduct, and arson. It caters to juvenile suspects and handles post-conviction remedies like appeals and petitions to revoke. The practice has been operating since 1993 and practitioner Maureen Williams is a litigator who employs zeal and care in the protection of clients' rights.
- Murder/Manslaughter
- Juvenile Crimes
- Probation Violation
Attorney Information
Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
---|---|---|
Maureen Williams - owner | Active | 31 yrs |
Compare our Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|
Williams, Williams, & Bembenek | 139 East Washington Street, East Peoria, IL61611 | View More | ||
Kamp Law Office, Ltd. | 416 Main Street, Peoria, IL61602 | View More | ||
Smith & Weer, P.C. | 456 Fulton St 150, Peoria, IL61602 | View More | ||
Law Offices Of John Lonergan | 416 Main Street, Suite 409, Peoria, IL61602 | View More | ||
Schierer & Ritchie, LLC | 1009 Illini Drive, East Peoria, IL61611 | View More | ||
Johnson Law Group LLC | 456 Fulton Street, Peoria, IL61602 | View More | ||
McCall Law Offices, P.C. | 1225 North North Street, Peoria, IL61606 | View More | ||
Hall, Rustom & Fritz, LLC | 316 Southwest Washington Street, Peoria, IL61602 | View More | ||
Dale Thomas Attorney | 337 Court Street, Pekin, IL61554 | View More | ||
Borsberry Law Offices PC | 203 NE Jefferson St, Peoria, IL61602 | View More | ||
Brave Law Center, P.C. | 330 Northeast Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL61603 | View More | ||
Law Offices Of Maureen Williams | 416 Main Street, Peoria, IL61602 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Peoria, Illinois?
The number for the Peoria Police Department's non-emergency line is (309) 673-4573.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Peoria, Illinois?
To get a police report from the Peoria Police Department, a Freedom of Information Act Request Form must be submitted. You must provide your name, address, and telephone number, as well as your intent to use the information for commercial reasons, the police report number (if known), the type of event, the date and place of the occurrence, and the names, ages, genders, and addresses of those involved. You can also authorize the Police Department to send documentsby email by mentioning your email address in your request. It saves delays and permits you to complete the entire procedure online.
How likely are you to become a victim of violent crime in Peoria?
According to a study of FBI-reported crime data by NeighborhoodScout, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crimes in Peoria is one in 114. For municipalities of all sizes, Peoria has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the United States. Rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a dangerous weapon, were among the violent offenses monitored.
Which Peoria neighborhoods have the lowest crime rate?
According to the crime map provided by NeighborhoodScout, the following Peoria neighborhoods are considered safe and have a lower incidence of crime. The ten areas included in the list are Sankoty, Pioneer, Edwards, Alta, Detweiller Park, Norwood, Northwest Peoria, W Willow Knolls Dr / N Terra Vista Dr., and Central Peoria North.
What is considered theft or larceny in Peoria?
Illinois courts narrow the definitions of theft and larceny. When a person in Peoriaintentionally: Acquires or exercises unauthorized control over another's property; Acts threateningly or uses deception to obtain control; Acquires control over stolen property; or Acquires control over the property while an undercover officer claims it's stolen. A theft charge implies that the person who took the property intended to deprive the rightful owner or that the person used, hid, or left the property.
Is domestic violence a felony in Peoria?
Yes. Domestic battery may be considered a Class 4 felony if the accused has a history of domestic violence convictions or has been found guilty of disobeying a protection order. A Class 4 felony charge may also be brought against someone if they have previously been found guilty of a violent crime committed against a member of their home or family. For class 4 felonies, the maximum sentence is six years in prison and a fine of $25,000.
How does Peoria's government control guns and safeguard lawful gun owners?
Illinois has some of the strictest gun-related laws in the United States, placing a heavy emphasis on gun crimes and gun control in Peoria. To help you better comprehend local gun laws and how you are complying with (or violating) them, here are a few examples of state regulations:
- Waiting periods for gun purchases
- Open carry statutes
- Universal criminal record checks
- Minimum purchasing age
- Child entry prevention-Arms prohibition orders
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circ*mstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.
How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?
Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:
Misdemeanors
- Petty theft
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Vandalism
- Reckless driving
Felonies
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Specific types of fraud
- Possession of certain types of drugs
What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?
The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circ*mstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.
What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.
Why hire a criminal defense attorney?
Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circ*mstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.
Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?
Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circ*mstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.
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