Robbery Attorney in Bloomington

Contact Johnson Law Group Today to Put Our Century of Experience to Work for You

If you or someone close to you has been arrested on a robbery charge in Bloomington, you are facing a serious felony that can change the rest of your life. You may be worried about prison, a permanent record, and what will happen at your first appearance in court.

At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we focus our practice on criminal defense throughout Central Illinois, including robbery and related felony cases. Our attorneys understand how quickly a situation can escalate once charges are filed, and we work to step in, steady the process, and protect our clients’ rights at every stage.

We are one of the largest criminal defense firms in Central Illinois, and our attorneys bring over 100 years of combined experience to the table. When you contact us, you reach a robbery criminal defense lawyer in Bloomington that defendants can turn to for skilled advocacy and personal attention—Call now (309) 565-8825

Understanding Robbery Laws in Illinois

Robbery is defined under 720 ILCS 5/18-1 as knowingly taking property from the person or presence of another by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. In Bloomington, these charges are classified based on the circumstances of the encounter and the perceived threat to the victim.

Classifications of Robbery

• Robbery (Class 2 Felony): The baseline charge for taking property by force. Punishable by 3 to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, if the victim is over 60, has a physical disability, or if the act occurs in a school or place of worship, it is elevated to a Class 1 Felony (4 to 15 years).
• Aggravated Robbery (Class 1 Felony): This charge applies if the offender informs the victim—verbally or through actions—that they are armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon, even if it is later found that they had no such weapon. Under 2026 guidelines, "drugging" a victim without their consent to facilitate the theft also constitutes aggravated robbery. Punishable by 4 to 15 years.
• Armed Robbery (Class X Felony): The most severe form of robbery, occurring when the offender is actually armed with a dangerous weapon. Armed robbery is a non-probationable offense, meaning prison is mandatory. Punishable by 6 to 30 years, with significant "firearm enhancements" (15/20/25-to-life) added to the base sentence if a gun is carried, discharged, or causes injury.

What to Do After A Robbery Arrest In Bloomington

If you have just been arrested or learned that a loved one has been charged, the first hours and days are often the most confusing. You may be unsure what to say, who to call, or how soon you will have to appear at the courthouse. Taking a few careful steps can help protect the case.

These practical steps can help support your defense from the start:

• Avoid discussing the incident on social media or through text messages, since these communications can be obtained and reviewed.
• Do not talk about case details with friends or coworkers, because they may later be contacted as witnesses.
• Keep any paperwork you receive from the police or court in one place so you can share it with our attorneys.
• Write down your recollection of events while it is still fresh, and note the names and numbers of anyone who may have seen what happened.
• Contact our robbery criminal lawyer in Bloomington as soon as you can so we can begin advising you before critical decisions are made.

In many situations involving an arrest in this area, the person will be brought before a judge in the McLean County Circuit Court for an initial appearance or bond hearing. The timing and details depend on the specific circumstances, including when the arrest occurred and the nature of the charges. Having a robbery defense attorney in Bloomington means you have someone prepared to start guiding you through bond conditions and early court dates.

Why Our Robbery Defense Team Fits Your Case

When you are charged with robbery, you are going up against the State of Illinois and the resources of the prosecutor’s office. Trying to handle that alone, or with minimal support, can feel overwhelming. Our firm is built to give you a meaningful counterweight to that power.

Johnson Law Group, LLC is one of the largest criminal defense firms serving Central Illinois, and our attorneys share over a century of combined experience in criminal courts. This depth means there is usually more than one lawyer thinking through your options, reviewing the evidence, and preparing for hearings in the McLean County Circuit Court. For a robbery criminal attorney in Bloomington, that kind of team effort can be crucial when the stakes are high.

Size alone is not enough, and we recognize that many people worry about becoming just another case file. Our goal is to provide personal attention even with a large team. We work to keep you informed, explain what is happening in clear terms, and give you space to ask questions about your robbery case. You should know who is standing next to you in court and what they are working on behind the scenes.

How We Defend Robbery Allegations in Bloomington

Robbery cases require close attention to facts and procedure. The defense begins with a confidential consultation to understand your account, review charging documents, and clarify upcoming court dates in Bloomington. Once retained, the team gathers and analyzes the prosecution’s evidence, including reports, video, photos, and witness statements, while examining whether the investigation and evidence collection followed proper legal standards.

Many robbery defenses focus on identification, intent, or whether force or threats actually occurred. The firm evaluates lineup methods, witness reliability, and factual gaps that may weaken the state’s case. Clients are also guided through realistic outcome expectations, including plea discussions, with decisions made collaboratively. With extensive experience in McLean County, the team prepares thoroughly for hearings or trials while keeping clients informed throughout.

At Johnson Law Group, we utilize a proactive and sophisticated defense methodology tailored to the high-stakes nature of violent crime allegations.

• Challenging the "Armed" Allegation: In aggravated or armed robbery cases, we meticulously review evidence to determine if a "weapon" was actually present or if the prosecution is overreaching.
• Motions to Suppress: We investigate whether the police conducted an illegal search of your person, vehicle, or home. If evidence was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, we fight to have it thrown out.
• Constitutional Rights (The FAIR Act): Under the 2026 FAIR Act (HB 3363), we ensure that your rights against deceptive police interrogation are protected, especially in cases involving young adults.
• Negotiation for Lower Grading: If the evidence is strong, we use our reputation and experience to negotiate for a reduction from a Class X Armed Robbery to a lower-level felony, avoiding mandatory prison time.

Talk To A Robbery Lawyer in Bloomington Today

Robbery charges are serious, but you do not have to face them alone. By contacting Johnson Law Group, LLC, you connect with a robbery lawyer in Bloomington for steady guidance and focused criminal defense representation. Taking this step can help you regain some control over a situation that may feel unmanageable.

We offer confidential consultations so you can learn more about how we approach robbery criminal defense in Bloomington. Reach out today to talk about your situation, your questions, and the next steps available to you.

Call (309) 565-8825 or reach out online to speak with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for robbery?

Robbery is usually charged as a felony in Illinois, which can involve the possibility of years in prison, probation, fines, and restitution. More serious forms that involve weapons or injury can increase that range. The exact potential penalties depend on your charge level and prior record.

How soon should I call a robbery lawyer?

It is generally best to contact an attorney as soon as you know about an investigation or arrest. Early involvement allows our team to advise you before important decisions are made and before you appear in the McLean County Circuit Court. Waiting can limit options and increase stress.

What will your team do first on my case?

We typically start by reviewing the charges and any documents you received, then listening carefully to your account. Our attorneys then work to obtain police reports and other evidence. From there, we explain the court process in Bloomington and outline an initial strategy tailored to your situation.

Will I have to go to trial for robbery?

Many robbery cases resolve without a trial, but some do proceed to a jury. Whether a trial is appropriate depends on the strength of the evidence, available defenses, and your goals. We discuss these factors with you, explain risks, and help you make the decision that fits your circumstances.

How will I stay updated on my case?

We work to maintain clear communication so you know what is happening. Our attorneys and staff contact you about upcoming court dates, developments in the evidence, and any offers from the prosecution. You are encouraged to ask questions, and we explain legal terms in straightforward language.

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