Criminal Defense Lawyer in Decatur IL

Have you been arrested for a crime in Illinois? It is important to take immediate action and secure the legal assistance of an aggressive Decatur criminal defense lawyer from our firm. We have a strong track record of success and the necessary experience handling all types of criminal law cases to be able to effectively represent you.

Many of our Decatur criminal defense attorneys are former police officers and prosecutors who have a unique advantage when representing people who are accused of a criminal offense. With our insight, we can accurately anticipate the moves of law enforcement and prosecutors so that we can present a strong defense on your behalf.

What Is a Defense Attorney?

A criminal defense lawyer is a legal professional who focuses on the defense of individuals and companies charged with criminal activity. These attorneys play a crucial role in the justice system, providing a defense for the accused and ensuring that their legal rights are protected throughout the legal process. They are adept at navigating the intricacies of criminal law and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients, whether through case dismissal, acquittal, or the negotiation of reduced charges.

Methods Used by Criminal Defense Lawyers to Help Their Clients:

• Thorough Investigation: They conduct a comprehensive investigation of the case beyond what law enforcement examines, gathering crucial evidence and identifying inconsistencies or flaws in the prosecution's argument.
• Expert Witnesses: Utilizing expert witnesses to provide testimony that can challenge the prosecution's evidence or support the defense's argument.
• Plea Bargaining: Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure a more lenient sentence, when applicable, to serve the client's best interest.
• Legal Motions: Filing pre-trial motions to exclude certain evidence against the accused or to dismiss the charges if there's insufficient evidence or procedural errors.
• Defense Strategy Development: Crafting a tailored defense strategy based on the evidence, aiming to demonstrate the client's innocence or raise reasonable doubt about the guilt.
• Advocacy at Trial: Offering a vigorous defense in court through compelling opening and closing arguments, skillful cross-examination of witnesses, and strategic presentation of the defense case.
• Appeals: Pursuing appeals to challenge a conviction or sentence on legal grounds, aiming to overturn errors that occurred during the trial process.

Types of Cases We Handle

At Johnson Law Group, we focus on every detail involved in our clients' cases so that we fully explore every defense option available to them. The penalties you could face if convicted are likely to be severe, which is why we are prepared to give our full attention and energy to your case.

Contact our firm at your earliest convenience to discuss the specific details of your situation with a criminal defense attorney in Decatur, IL.

We Can Assist You Through Any of the Following Types of Cases:

• Drug Crimes - If you are facing an arrest or are under investigation fort a drug crime, you could be sentenced to substantial penalties. You can be arrested for cases involving possession, trafficking, cultivation and a variety of other circumstances. Most of these cases are charged as felonies.
• DUI - Whether this is your first charge for driving under the influence (DUI) or you have received DUI convictions in the past, you will need a strong defense. A lawyer from our firm can fight for a reduction or dismissal of your charges. Generally, you can be arrested after failing a breath test, blood test, or field sobriety test.
• Felonies - A criminal offense can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor. Felonies are reserved for the most serious types of crimes in the criminal law system. These are crimes that were committed on government property, across state lines, against the government, and other serious offenses. They are typically punishable by more than a year in federal prison.
• Murder - The offense of murder is charged as a felony and is the most severe criminal charge. Facing a charge for murder can be frustrating and frightening. The Decatur criminal defense attorneys at our firm can help you fight these charges if you have been accused of taking the life of another individual.
• Pre-File Investigations - Prior to being arrested or charged for a criminal offense, you can obtain our firm's help while you are under investigation. You have the right to be represented by a Decatur criminal defense lawyer and you do not have to wait to be charged or arrested to retain us.
• Sex Crimes - Sex crime convictions carry heavy penalties in both criminal and civil cases. Sex crimes range from indecent exposure and prostitution to child molestation and rape. Allegations of any of these crimes can ruin a person's personal and professional life. Hire an our Decatur criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your name and your rights.
• Theft Crimes - Crimes of theft vary in their level of severity. Penalties and charges often depend on the value of the item or items that were stolen. A person can be guilty of theft if they have taken another person's property without consent and have no intention of giving it back.
• Weapon Charges - A conviction for weapon offenses can result in serious consequences. Some of the most common penalties for this type of offense include heavy fines and incarceration. Learn more about your Second Amendment right to bear arms and various defense strategies we may be able to apply to your case.