Violent Crime Attorney in Bloomington

Your Defense Team for Serious Charges in Bloomington & Central Illinois

When facing violent crime charges in Bloomington, you need more than a standard defense. At Johnson Law Group, LLC, our experienced team delivers focused and strategic violent crime defense in Bloomington and across Central Illinois. 

We provide comprehensive legal solutions tailored to your unique case, ensuring you never face the criminal justice system on your own. Our detail-oriented approach is built to anticipate the specific challenges of McLean County courts and surrounding areas, guiding you with sound counsel every step of the way.

We are former prosecutors who offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Call (309) 565-8825 or contact us online to speak with a violent crime attorney in Bloomington today.

Comprehensive Violent Crime Defense Services in Bloomington

We provide strong, decisive criminal defense across every type of violent crime, ensuring our clients receive the highest standard of advocacy where the risks couldn’t be higher. Violent crimes in Illinois are prosecuted aggressively by both local authorities and the McLean County State’s Attorney, with outcomes that can profoundly affect your future.

Clients rely on us for defense against charges such as:

• Assault & battery – Addressing both misdemeanor and aggravated charges, ensuring factual disputes and self-defense claims are carefully evaluated by your violent crime lawyer in Bloomington.
• Domestic violence – Handling emotionally charged accusations where criminal charges intersect with family law issues in Bloomington courts.
• Robbery & armed robbery – Challenging evidence and protecting against misidentification, unconstitutional searches, and procedural errors specific to local law enforcement practices.
• Weapon offenses – Defending against unlawful possession or use of weapons, which are frequently charged alongside other violent crimes under Illinois law.
• Homicide, manslaughter & attempted murder – Delivering a meticulous, unwavering defense in the most serious criminal cases prosecuted under Illinois statutes, such as 720 ILCS 5/9-1, with careful attention to forensics and local jury tendencies.

Every case deserves a defense shaped by the specifics of your situation and the realities of McLean County’s legal system. We keep you informed, answer your questions, and work hard to help you understand your options at every stage—always with your future as our top priority.

Penalties of a Violent Crime Conviction in Illinois

The direct legal penalties for a violent crime conviction in Illinois are steep and often include:

• Incarceration: Jail or prison time, ranging from a few months for a misdemeanor to a life sentence for a serious felony.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Probation and Supervised Release: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised probation or parole, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.
• Mandatory Counseling: The court may order you to attend various programs, such as anger management or domestic violence classes.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a violent crime can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a criminal conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.

Key Arguments to Build a Strategic Defense

Every case is unique, and we develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. As a seasoned Bloomington violent crime lawyer, we will leverage every possible defense, including:

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: We can argue that you were not the aggressor and that your actions were a reasonable response to the threat of physical harm from the alleged victim. Illinois law recognizes the right to use reasonable force in self-defense.
• Lack of Intent or Mens Rea: We can argue that you lacked the necessary mental state to commit the crime. For example, if the act was an accident or a misunderstanding, it may not meet the legal definition of the charged offense.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We will argue that the evidence presented is not sufficient to meet this high standard, either because the witness testimony is inconsistent or the forensic evidence is flawed.
• Mistaken Identity: We can argue that you have been misidentified as the person who committed the crime. This defense is particularly strong when the identification is based on a flawed witness lineup or a single, fleeting observation.
• Constitutional Violations: We will challenge any violation of your rights, such as an unlawful search and seizure or a coerced confession.

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