Springfield Criminal Defense Lawyer
What to Do After an Arrest in Springfield, Illinois
If you have been arrested in Springfield, IL, make it your next step to contact us at Johnson Law Group. In all likelihood, this is the first time that you have ever been involved in the criminal justice system, and you may not know what to expect next. The most important thing that you need to realize at this point is the fact that the police, investigators, and prosecutors are not on your side.
No matter how friendly they may seem, you must remember that their job is solving crimes and convicting the perpetrator. The reason they are talking to you is that they believe you are guilty. They would not have arrested you unless they believed that there was probable cause to suspect that you committed the crime and were confident that you could be convicted based on the evidence they have against you.
You may be encouraged to talk to investigators based on suggestions that by being cooperative, you will get a better outcome. Keep in mind that everything you say only helps the law enforcement officers in doing their job—to have you convicted. They are good enough at what they do, and you do not need to make their job easy by agreeing to discuss the case.
There is practically nothing you can say that will improve your chances of success in this situation and an almost endless list of things you can say that will make it worse. Instead, plead the Fifth by exercising your right to remain silent and contact us now. You are legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, and we make it our job to prevent our clients from being convicted. Our criminal defense attorneys in Springfield are dedicated to protecting your rights.
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Reversed Termination from University University vs. J.F.
University immediately stayed and reversed our client's termination from the university and allowed him to resume classes.
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Dismissed Charges State vs JD
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Not Guilty State v. AW
Let a Former Prosecutor Fight for You
The fact that our Springfield, IL criminal defense team includes several former prosecutors gives us a unique edge in handling cases for our clients. We have worked on both sides of the courtroom, so we have experience in handling cases from the viewpoint of both the state and the accused. Our prosecution background provides us with special training that is not available to attorneys who have only ever worked in private practice, and we know what types of strategies the prosecutor is likely to use in your case. Our criminal defense attorneys know how to look at your case from the prosecutor's point of view, and after comparing the state's evidence with what our client has told us, we can determine what the prosecutor knows—and doesn't know—about the case.
Armed with this understanding, we can go about preparing an effective strategy for defending our client. Our criminal defense lawyers seek to point out weaknesses or errors in the prosecutor's arguments, and we seek to defeat the charges in order to clear our client's name. Furthermore, we can often spot a case that is not likely to be a high priority for the State's Attorney's Office, and based on this knowledge, we may be able to negotiate for a favorable plea bargain or even a dismissal of the charges. If you fail to take action now, the prosecution will almost certainly move forward to a conviction. By hiring us, you may be able to avoid such a disastrous outcome.
Learn more about hiring us and contact us today to discuss your options with our criminal defense lawyers.
Criminal Proceedings in Springfield
The city of Springfield and Sangamon County hosts a number of courts, each handling different aspects of criminal proceedings. Understanding the local judicial environment can play a crucial role in your defense. The Sangamon County Circuit Court, for instance, handles most criminal proceedings, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Being familiar with the court procedures and local practices can influence the strategy we deploy for your defense. At Johnson Law Group, our team's extensive experience in these local courts gives our clients a distinct advantage, as we navigate through pre-trial motions, court appearances, and negotiations. Additionally, Springfield's legal landscape includes unique local ordinances that might play a role in your case. Whether it's a DUI with particular local penalties or a drug-related charge handled through a specialty court, understanding these nuances helps us provide tailored legal strategies. We stay updated on local and state legislative changes to ensure your defense is as robust as possible, advocating for your rights effectively within this local framework.
Our Dual Perspective Advantage
Our dual perspective allows us not only to anticipate prosecutorial strategies but also to craft defenses that dismantle the state's case piece by piece. This advantage is invaluable in pre-trial negotiations, where understanding the prosecution's perspective can lead to more favorable plea offers or dismissal motions. It also significantly benefits courtroom proceedings. We aim to present a strong, cohesive defense narrative that addresses all aspects of the prosecution's case, including any potential oversights or assumptions made against you. Furthermore, our legal strategy is built on personalizing our approach to each client, leveraging our in-depth understanding of prosecutorial tactics to tailor defenses that align with our client's unique circumstances and goals. We commit time to analyze every angle, from evidential discrepancies to witness credibility, ensuring no stone is left unturned in mounting a robust defense. This dedication is part of our unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for each client we serve.
Navigating Springfield Court Systems with a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Springfield's judicial environment consists of more than just overwhelming legal procedures; it includes understanding how local courts work, their schedules, and their peculiarities. The Sangamon County Courthouse is the primary place for handling criminal cases, and familiarity with this court's proceedings can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your defense. At Johnson Law Group, we use our familiarity with these court systems to expedite processes, from filing motions to arranging court hearings, ensuring our clients have the best chance to present their case effectively. Furthermore, local policies influence how certain crimes are prosecuted, like those involving DUI or drug offenses. Knowing which alternative sentencing programs are available, such as treatment courts, can shape a strategy that mitigates potential consequences. Our comprehensive understanding of the local legal landscape means we're not only your criminal defense lawyers but also your partners in navigating the complexities of the Springfield court system, aligning with local practices to advocate for the best possible outcome.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle as Springfield Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Drug Crimes - An arrest for a drug-related criminal offense can ruin your future, whether it is for simple possession of marijuana or for participation in an international drug trafficking organization. America's war on drugs has put so many people behind bars that the United States now has the world's largest prison population. Fortunately, it is possible to fight drug-related charges, even if you were caught with drugs on your person.
- Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Intoxicated - Most people who have been arrested for drinking and driving make the enormous mistake of pleading guilty. After all, they were caught with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit of 0.08 percent, they stumbled on the field sobriety test, or maybe they even admitted to having been drinking. Our criminal defense attorneys know the most effective strategies for defending against DUI charges, even in the face of such incriminating evidence.
- Homicide - No crime is more serious than the crime of killing another human being, and if you have been accused of homicide, then your future is at stake. In some cases, the goal in defending against homicide charges is to have the charge reduced from murder to manslaughter. In other cases, it is possible to seek an acquittal or dismissal of the charges based on a lack of evidence or evidence that proves the defendant's innocence.
- Pre-File Investigation - If you have learned that you are under investigation for a crime, do not wait another moment before contacting us for a confidential consultation. You may be under surveillance, and the things you say and do could end up being used as evidence against you in court. You might be contacted with a request to come in for an interview - actually an interrogation - and could be arrested without warning. Get our criminal defense lawyers involved as early as possible so that we can represent you with the authorities and guide you through this situation.
- Sex Crimes - The consequences of being convicted for a sex crime extend far beyond the terms of a sentence that could include fines, time in prison and a lengthy probation. You would also most likely end up being ordered to register as a sex offender, meaning that you would be exposed to widespread stigma in the community. Your personal information would be included in a searchable online database, making it possible for anyone to find out the details about your conviction.
- Violent Crimes - When the police arrive at the scene of a violent crime such as an assault, they often assume that the victim is the person with the worst wounds. In other cases, they make an arrest based on the testimony of the majority of witnesses present, or of the person who makes the most compelling case. The police often arrest the wrong person in a violent crime case, whether the suspect was acting in self-defense or has been targeted with false accusations or misidentified.
- Weapons Charges - The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the right to bear arms shall not be infringed. In today's legal climate, however, there are so many laws and regulations concerning the ownership, use, possession and transfer of firearms that it is easy to find yourself on the wrong side of the law. If you have been charged with a weapons offense, whether for a standalone offense or in relation to another crime, we can help you defend your rights.
- White Collar Crimes - Make no mistake: The penalties that you could receive if convicted for a white collar crime are no less harsh than the sentence available for a violent crime or a serious drug offense. A white collar crime conviction can easily lead to enormous fines and civil penalties, as well as time in prison and a criminal record that could ruin your professional career. Let our criminal defense attorneys intervene and seek to defeat the charges and protect your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense
What Should I Do If I've Been Arrested in Springfield?
It's critical to remain calm and composed if you are under arrest. Remember that you are not obligated to answer questions without a criminal defense lawyer present. Invoke your right to remain silent and expressly request to speak to a lawyer. Contact Johnson Law Group as soon as you can, as early legal intervention is crucial in protecting your rights and building a defense. Avoid discussing your situation with anyone other than your attorney.
How Can a Local Springfield Attorney Help My Case?
Having a local attorney from Springfield can significantly influence your case's outcome. Local attorneys have established relationships within the judicial system and understand the subtleties of local laws and regulations better than an outsider might. At Johnson Law Group, we leverage our familiarity with local court procedures and knowledge of the regional legal climate to offer tailored guidance that aligns with Springfield's legal landscape.
Testimonials
Read what our clients have to say. Our clients value us as much as we value them.
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"Johnson Law Group Will Go the Extra Mile"Mistakes are made, but if you're lucky you find the right people to help guide you through what you need to do to end up where you want to be. If your not lucky you can trust that Johnson Law Group will go the extra mile and put the work in to make sure yo- T.C.
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"A Great Group"I am so thankful for everything they were able to do for my family, from the very first phone call to the great end result of our case.- Larry Mount
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"Go to Team for Expungement/Sealing"The entire staff knew exactly what to do and knew the answers to all of my questions. Thank you so much JLG, for all of your help.- Anonymous
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"Best Law Group Available"The Johnson Law Group recently represented me in a DUI case. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing their services. Their staff is very professional and compassionate.- Jane
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"Down-To-Earth and Personal"They represented me at a Jury trial on an Arson charge, and he was able to convince the jury to acquit me of the charge despite the fact that the State believed that they had enough evidence to convict me. I have used them for over a decade, and a person c- Mike B.
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"The Best Defense Available"If you have found yourself in a criminal legal situation and need top-notch representation in Illinois...The Johnson Law Group is the only choice.- Brett Bins
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"Reasonable Pricing for Top Notch Defense Attorneys"Johnson Law Group met and exceeded all of our expectations. We were able to avoid prison and felony charges for our son, charged with possession with intent to distribute.- Al Croke
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"Great People, They Will Go the Extra Mile for You"I can't say enough great things about these two gentlemen and the office as a whole!- Joel A. Neal