Serving Bloomington and beyond
Misdemeanor Criminal Attorney Bloomington
Misdemeanor charges, though considered lesser offenses, can still have significant impacts on your life. Conviction of a misdemeanor can affect your employment, educational opportunities, and your freedoms. For this reason, it is beneficial to reach out to a misdemeanor attorney as soon as possible.
At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we understand the gravity of your situation and are committed to navigating the complexities of the criminal defense process on your behalf. Our approach is to meticulously review the details of your case, ensure your rights are protected, and seek the most favorable outcome possible. You can trust our firm to advocate for you with the dedication and diligence you deserve during this challenging time.
To see how a misdemeanor defense lawyer can help, call our firm at (309) 565-8825 today.
Bloomington Misdemeanor Crimes Call for More Information Today!309-565-8825
I am 100% satisfied with the outcome in what started out as an extremely stressful situation.
dave
M"He Is Absolutely Phenomenal"
He achieved the best results possible—no charges pursued.
Marissa Grow
W"Doug Johnson Is a Phenomenal Help"
Johnson Law Group does a good job and treats you well.
Will Carmichael
C"Dawn is the absolute best"
Dawn is the absolute best, and answered every single one of my questions in a timely manner.
Colton Knapp
D"The way Johnson Law Firm handled this was flawless"
I called Mark Johnson and he jumped right into action.
Daniel Clark
C"Just Hands Down a Great Lawyer"
Alex Kurth is a great lawyer to have; he goes above and beyond to make sure you're happy and always stays in contact with you.
Craig Summers jr
B"The process was seamless"
They told me from the beginning how they were handling it, and did exactly what they said they would do.
Brittany Bates
e"I Really Recommend Johnson Law Group"
Mr. Alex, my attorney, made my family and I feel positive at all times.
emiliano marceleno
D"Great Service I Would Recommend"
Johnson Law Group worked very hard to get two of my criminal charges dropped at once.
Dalon Thomas
O"Great Experience With Johnson Law Group"
They handled my case professionally and were able to get it dismissed.
Oleh Stefanyshyn
E"We Put Our Trust in Him, and He Delivered!"
Mark Johnson took our first phone call on a holiday, eased our fears, and said he could help my son.
Elizabeth Ruiz
J"Doug Johnson Is a Godsend"
Doug Johnson is a Godsend. I would recommend this law group to anyone.
Jeremiah Williams
F"Great attorney to work with"
Great attorney to work with; communication is great and every case is treated with respect.
Flatline Records
T"We Couldn't Have Asked for a Better Outcome"
Doug was extremely patient with all of our questions and took the time to make sure we understood the process.
Terri James
K"Nothing Short of Incredible"
The end result he delivered was nothing short of incredible.
Kaden James
D"Outstanding Experience with Doug Johnson"
Thanks to his expertise and dedication, my charges were drastically reduced, and the outcome was far better than I expected.
Dana
J"This was a great outcome for his case."
Doug was able to convince the State to dismiss the non-probationable mandatory prison offenses.
Jennifer Donaldson
C"I felt like I was in good hands."
From the first phone call to the last phone call, and the emails between, I felt like I was in good hands.
Colin
M"Doug did not disappoint."
Doug helped me come out with the very best outcome and I could not be any more pleased with him and his staff.
Mark Schmidgall
L"Doug and his team were great to work with."
He and his team made the whole process easy and way less stressful and always kept me in the loop and updated me when possible.
Luke McWilliams
E"They saved my future in the United States."
As a French woman in the United States, I can honestly say that they saved my future in the United States.
Emma Belabde
T"They go above and beyond."
I highly recommend the Johnson Law Group; they go above and beyond.
Tyler Zimmerman
A"Doug fights for his clients and treats them with the utmost respect."
Doug is professional, compassionate, and transparent. Highly recommend this Law Firm and Doug Johnson.
Austin Myers
D"I could not have hoped for a better result."
Mark's preparation was remarkable along with his professionalism and commitment to my case.
Debbie Wey
R"Did a Wonderful Job"
Doug Johnson was my attorney for my case and did a wonderful job. Highly recommend if you are looking for an attorney with traffic cases!
Ryan Rhoda
0"Best Lawyer I've Ever Had!"
Doug is trustworthy and has shown he has very strong morals and principles to get the job done.
01 107
F"One of the Best Decisions I've Made"
Mark Johnson worked relentlessly for the best possible outcome.
Fallen Love
J"A true blessing to my life"
Mark Johnson and his team are the best for your defense and work relentlessly for clients.
Justin Bachar
M"They Were Very Helpful"
When down and out thought they would help, they were very helpful.
Mr Emberton
Doug Exceeded Expectations!
I couldn't ask for a better lawyer than Doug! He and his assistant went out of their way with my case. It was my first offense and I was very nervous, and they said they had me, and they were up to their word. I was looking at being upgraded to a felony, and Doug talked to my prosecutor and got me a misdemeanor and an incredible deal. He went above and beyond to ensure he had my back, and I recommend him to anyone. He was amazing. His assistant is very nice and always available for any questions you may have. Thanks again, Doug and Holly.
Jenn Persinger
Extremely Positive Experience
Had an extremely positive experience with the Johnson Law Group. The attorney (Alex Kurth) clearly laid out the options, negotiated a plea deal in a very timely manner that met all of my expectations, and was there to actively support me through the final steps of the process. The legal assistant (Holly McCann) kept me abreast of the status throughout the entire process and was kind and courteous.
I am 100% satisfied with the outcome in what started out as an extremely stressful situation.
Well done, Johnson Law Group.
dave
He Is Absolutely Phenomenal
I am so thankful that I chose this team to handle my case, and I highly recommend them to anyone trying to find a lawyer! The first person I spoke to when inquiring about a lawyer was Brendan, and right away he was very kind and informative. Alex is who handled my case, and he is absolutely phenomenal. He is so kind and genuine, and made me feel supported. He achieved the best results possible—no charges pursued. As someone who was in a domestic violence situation, I am so thankful to Alex and his team for helping me close one of the hardest chapters of my life and be able to move forward. Thank you so much again Alex, Brendan, and Holly as well!
Marissa Grow
Doug Johnson Is a Phenomenal Help
Johnson Law Group does a good job and treats you well. Doug Johnson is a phenomenal help and is a man helping people who need it. Thank you, Doug Johnson, for everything. And thank you to your law group as well.
Will Carmichael
Dawn is the absolute best
Worked with Johnson Law Group after I made the largest mistake of my life. Dawn is the absolute best, and answered every single one of my questions in a timely manner. I was able to speak with my attorney when needed, and they were able to guide me through a very lengthy and complicated process, but made it as easy and simple as possible. I would recommend them to anyone who made the same mistake I did, and I thank everyone in their offices for their time and assistance.
Colton Knapp
The way Johnson Law Firm handled this was flawless
I was in Springfield for a couple of days. I was wrongfully arrested and charged with resisting arrest. I asked the officer if I was being arrested or detained. He refused to answer. Without any respect for the law, the officer became frustrated with me exercising my rights. After several times asking the officer the same question, he decided to pull out his taser and told me if I don’t put my hands up he is going to use force. Once again I asked the same question within my rights. The cop immediately holstered his weapon and came up to me and started handcuffing me. He then told me I’m going to jail for resisting arrest. I wasn’t even read my Miranda rights. I called Mark Johnson and he jumped right into action. No charges were filed and I didn’t have to show up for any court dates. The way Johnson Law Firm handled this was flawless. I highly recommend Johnson Law Firm. I have used them any time I have issues with law enforcement. Thank you, Mark Johnson, for your service. It’s people like you who actually CARE and will make a big difference in our justice system.
Daniel Clark
Just Hands Down a Great Lawyer
Alex Kurth is a great lawyer to have. Dude goes above and beyond to make sure you're happy, always stays in contact with you, just hands down a great lawyer to have all the way around. Give a shout-out to the whole team. I appreciate all the work you guys did for me. Alex Kurth, you're the best, man.
Craig Summers jr
The process was seamless
We hired JLG to seal a felony from 20 years ago. The process was seamless. They told me from the beginning how they were handling it, and did exactly what they said they would do.
Brittany Bates
I Really Recommend Johnson Law Group
I’m really appreciative of Johnson Law Group. Mr. Alex, my attorney, made my family and me feel positive at all times. I’m so glad for the outcome of the case. I really recommend Johnson Law Group for any situation. 10/10
emiliano marceleno
Great Service I Would Recommend
Johnson Law Group worked very hard to get two of my criminal charges dropped at once. I didn’t even need to show my face in court. Also, I’m an out-of-state resident, so they’re very useful for out-of-state residents. Great service. I would recommend Johnson Law Group to anyone. MVP: Attorney Mark Johnson.
Dalon Thomas
Great Experience With Johnson Law Group
Great experience with Johnson Law Group. They handled my case professionally and were able to get it dismissed. Communication was clear and the whole process was smooth. Highly recommend.
Oleh Stefanyshyn
We Put Our Trust in Him, and He Delivered!
I wish there were more than 5 stars to give! Mark Johnson took our first phone call on a holiday, eased our fears, and said he could help my son. We put our trust in him, and he delivered! My son ended up with a favorable result and we would recommend Mark to anyone with serious legal ramifications to call him before you make a choice in legal representation.
Elizabeth Ruiz
Doug Johnson Is a Godsend
Doug Johnson is a Godsend. 🙏 I would recommend this law group to anyone. They care about their clients and are very professional. Thanks for everything.
Jeremiah Williams
Great attorney to work with
Great attorney to work with. Communication is great, and every case is treated with respect. I have worked with Mark and his team before and am grateful for the results. If you need or are looking for an attorney, I would definitely recommend Johnson Law Group.
Flatline Records
We Couldn't Have Asked for a Better Outcome
Every person in this office is kind, professional, and efficient. Doug was extremely patient with all of our questions and took the time to make sure we understood the process. We couldn't have asked for a better outcome, and I would highly recommend Johnson Law Group to anyone needing legal assistance.
Terri James
Nothing Short of Incredible
I have used Johnson Law Group on a couple different occasions. Everyone there displays a very high level of competence. Most recently, I worked with Doug Johnson, and the end result he delivered was nothing short of incredible. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that went into my case. I would 100% recommend Doug and Johnson Law Group to anyone.
Kaden James
Outstanding Experience with Doug Johnson
I had an outstanding experience working with Doug Johnson at Johnson Law Group. He was thorough, honest, and incredibly effective in handling my DUI case. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, my charges were drastically reduced, and the outcome was far better than I expected. Doug and his team kept me informed every step of the way and made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I’m extremely grateful for his work and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable attorney.
Dana
This was a great outcome for his case.
Doug was able to convince the State to dismiss the non-probationable mandatory prison offenses and also allow my son to plead to a misdemeanor so his registration would not be for life. This was a great outcome for his case.
Jennifer Donaldson
I felt like I was in good hands.
I never thought I'd need legal representation, and when the need presented itself I was unsure what to do. After consulting other firms, I happened to get a call back from the Johnson Law Group. I knew right away that I'd be choosing them. Everybody I spoke with was amazing. I had the pleasure of working with Holly and the founding partner Mark. From the first phone call to the last phone call, and the emails between, I felt like I was in good hands. I will always remember that first in-person meeting with Mark. He was very thorough, he did not try to speak over me, and he asked questions that left me feeling human. That my words mattered to him. He took his time explaining the legal process to me. I left the office feeling calm, that I was no longer navigating things on my own and in the dark. I knew that I had a group advocating for me, and that they would not give less than one hundred percent.
Though I did not get the chance to meet Holly, most of the email correspondence was through her. All of the good things I've said apply to her as well, and I wanted that to be recognized. Although there were times I didn't hear from the firm for a while, I knew this was because they were giving it their all. Not once did I feel forgotten about. For anybody reading this review, consider reaching out to them as soon as you can. Their service in representation was more than worth it for me, and I trust they'd advocate for you just as hard.
Mark, Holly, and everyone else who worked on my case. I know I've said thank you many times already, but I truly can't put into words how much I appreciate you all. Thank you for your kindness, your patience, and for all of the hard work. I am glad to have had you by my side.
Colin
Doug did not disappoint.
I found myself in a situation needing an attorney to represent me. I had seen the Johnson Law commercials many times and never thought I would need their help, but I found myself in that situation. From my first phone conversation with one of their attorneys, I was extremely impressed and made the decision to hire them. I met with Doug on my first court date and immediately felt confident in his ability to help me. Doug did not disappoint. I wish I had not needed the help, but my experience with him could not have been better. Doug helped me come out with the very best outcome and I could not be any more pleased with him and his staff.
Mark Schmidgall
Doug and his team were great to work with.
I had Doug as a lawyer for my DUI case. Doug and his team were great to work with. He and his team made the whole process easy and way less stressful and always kept me in the loop and updated me when possible. Doug worked out the best deal possible for my case (court supervision) and explained everything well. I am very grateful for all the time and work he put in!
Luke McWilliams
They saved my future in the United States.
The Johnson Law Group is simply amazing. They did a remarkable job on my case. I will never be grateful enough for what they did for me. As a French woman in the United States, I can honestly say that they saved my future in the United States. You can trust them 100%.
Emma Belabde
They go above and beyond.
I highly recommend the Johnson Law Group; they go above and beyond. They are everything you want by your side; they are concise, respectful, and trustworthy. I’ve hired my fair share of lawyers in my life, but Johnson Law Group is by far the best (most hard-working) lawyers I’ve ever seen. They don’t want to settle until you are satisfied. Thank you, Johnson Law!
Tyler Zimmerman
Doug fights for his clients and treats them with the utmost respect.
Johnson Law Group is great to work with. Doug is professional, compassionate, and transparent. I also loved how organized they were with paperwork and prompt to respond when I had questions. Their office staff does a great job sending reminders and getting in contact with you when needed. Doug fights for his clients and treats them with the utmost respect. Highly recommend this Law Firm and Doug Johnson.
Austin Myers
I could not have hoped for a better result.
I am very grateful to Mark Johnson and his office staff for their unwavering support throughout my legal process. Mark's preparation was remarkable, along with his professionalism and commitment to my case. I could not have hoped for a better result. Thank you, Johnson Law Group.
Debbie Wey
Did a Wonderful Job
Doug Johnson was my attorney for my case and did a wonderful job. Highly recommend if you are looking for an attorney with traffic cases!
Ryan Rhoda
Best Lawyer I've Ever Had!
I had ONE DUI from a LONG time ago, which I wasn't able to get back. So I hired Doug Johnson and things were MUCH easier to deal with! I just got done with my hearing and Doug was there for me the WHOLE time for support. He's a very down-to-earth person who cares about his clients' needs and addresses them promptly! Doug is trustworthy and has shown he has very strong morals and principles to get the job done no matter WHAT the case contains! I'm truly grateful I found ya Doug! I will be hiring Doug for future endeavors as I'm not a hard-core criminal, just a guy who made a couple of mistakes as a kid. He understands people. He was BY FAR THE BEST LAWYER I'VE EVER HAD! Thank you Doug! You're a beast man! đź’Ş Kristina, the legal assistant, is absolutely awesome too! Very understanding and incredibly communicative. Both of them made this process much easier. Excellent law firm! Give these people your business from Peoria if you want non-biased lawyers!
01 107
One of the Best Decisions I've Made
I highly recommend Johnson Law Group and Mark Johnson for anyone who is deciding which direction to go for their matter; the best way to go is with JLG. I was facing very serious criminal charges, and Mark Johnson worked relentlessly for the best possible outcome, even I was surprised with! The whole experience with them made me feel confident in my matter, and the decision to side with JLG was one of the best I ever made. 10/10. I'm very much thankful for Mark and his entire team at Johnson Law Group and would choose them a million times over! Thank you, Mark!
Fallen Love
A true blessing to my life
I am so ever grateful I chose Johnson Law Group to represent me in my case. I was facing very serious charges, and Mark Johnson had brought forth the very best outcome that even I was not expecting! A true light in the darkness! I would recommend Mark Johnson and his team to anyone fighting criminal charges because I believe he and JLG are simply the best for your defense, and Mark Johnson works relentlessly for his clients. 10/10. A true blessing to my life.
Justin Bachar
They Were Very Helpful
When down and out, thought they would help, they were very helpful.
Our client's former girlfriend filed for an Order of Protection and in the Petition for Order of Protection, she alleged ...
DUI
Aggravated DUI
Ms. Davidson was charged with non probationable charges of Aggravated DUI resulting in the death of a pedestrian. ...
DUI
ProbationAnother Probation Sentence After a Felony DUI Arrest for Someone on Probation for Two Felonies Already
While our client was on probation for 2 felony offenses, he was arrested for felony Aggravated DUI's as well as for ...
Drug Crimes
Class X Drug Case with No Jail!
In State v. GR, our client was charged with two drug delivery offenses. To make matters worse, our client had lots of ...
Gun Crimes
Conditional Discharge with No JailConditional Discharge with No Jail After Pointing Gun at Children
Our client was charged with several offenses, including Class 3 felonies involving a firearm. The allegation was that he ...
Drug Crimes
ProbationDrug Dealer Avoids Prison Entirely, and Only Gets 18 Months Probation with No Jail Whatsoever
Our client was on probation for a Class 1 drug offense that alleged he was dealing drugs. While on probation, he was ...
Assault & Battery
All Charges DismissedA. vs A.L.
Our client's former girlfriend filed for an Order of Protection and in the Petition for Order of Protection, she alleged a number of allegations including that our client was a severe alcoholic and that he had a history of beating her. Soon after being hired we entered our appearance in the case and we were able to convince a Judge at a contested hearing that the Order of Protection previously issued before our representation began should be dismissed. A couple of months later our client's new girlfriend filed for an Order of Protection alleging similar allegations. Our Attorneys were able to defend against this 2nd Order of Protection and we were able to get it dismissed. Thereafter, the very same girlfriend (now ex) filed for a 3rd Order of Protection in a separate county alleging the same allegations. We appeared at the 3rd hearing on the Petition and our client came out on top 3 for 3. Result: Our client was behind the eight ball on 3 occasions but came out on top each and every time.
DUI
Aggravated DUI
Ms. Davidson was charged with non probationable charges of Aggravated DUI resulting in the death of a pedestrian. Although Illinois law "requires" a prison sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections in these types of cases across the board, we were able to convince the State and the Court to a disposition of probation. Although probation required 300 hours of public service work concentrating on advocating against drunk driving our client was more than ready to accept this responsibility and was allowed to serve time in home confinement rather than be sent to prison. In the end, Ms. Davidson was adamant that the sentence that we were able to secure saved her life.
DUI
ProbationAnother Probation Sentence After a Felony DUI Arrest for Someone on Probation for Two Felonies Already
While our client was on probation for 2 felony offenses, he was arrested for felony Aggravated DUI's as well as for offenses involving drug paraphernalia and a syringe. Besides this, he had multiple traffic violations, which included misdemeanors. Because of his criminal history, he could face an extended term sentence up to 6 years in prison or IDOC. As a result of the new offenses, a Petition to Revoke his probation on 2 felony drug cases was filed, which the State has to prove only by a preponderance of the evidence, arguably one of the lowest civil burdens of proof we have in Illinois. Our client thought he was going to prison for sure, and understandably so: you generally can't expect anything but prison when you have a new felony while on probation already for 2 felonies. Then he did the right thing, and hired us. All of us worked together, went through all of his cases with a fine-toothed comb, and built a defense. Result: in just over 6 months, our client got probation and only 30 days in jail! He never went to prison, and is still able to provide for his family.
Drug Crimes
Class X Drug Case with No Jail!
In State v. GR, our client was charged with two drug delivery offenses. To make matters worse, our client had lots of prior offenses, which made him subject to mandatory Class X sentencing. In other words, he was facing mandatory prison anywhere from 6 to 30 years, and had no chance of probation. He had another attorney before us, who had accomplished little in 5 months. We immediately got to work, and began attacking the State's case. Result: in 3 months, we convinced the State to dismiss the mandatory prison count, and agree to probation with time-served! Our client never had to serve jail, much less prison, and we even kept the fines and court costs to a minimum.
Gun Crimes
Conditional Discharge with No JailConditional Discharge with No Jail After Pointing Gun at Children
Our client was charged with several offenses, including Class 3 felonies involving a firearm. The allegation was that he pointed a gun in the faces of 2 small children, and that he had a sawed-off shotgun. There were witnesses, and the case seemed indefensible. To make his case harder, he was an immigrant, who could be deported. When he hired us, we immediately got to work. We coordinated the whole time with our client's immigration attorney. We convinced the State to dismiss several counts, and talked them into giving us Conditional Discharge with no jail, which is non-reporting probation. In short, our client allegedly pointed a gun at children and had a sawed-off shotgun, and was sentenced only to serve conditional discharge without any jail, allowing him to stay in the United States.
Drug Crimes
ProbationDrug Dealer Avoids Prison Entirely, and Only Gets 18 Months Probation with No Jail Whatsoever
Our client was on probation for a Class 1 drug offense that alleged he was dealing drugs. While on probation, he was charged in another county with the same thing! Now, he faced a Petition to Revoke his probation. These petitions, called "PTR's," result in a person be re-sentenced all over again, meaning that our client could go to prison, and these petitions are easy for the State to prove. They only have to prove a probation violation by what's called a "preponderance of the evidence," which is essentially the lowest civil burden we have. Our client's fate seemed sealed, because he could have so easily gone to prison for a minimum of four years. Then he hired us. We got to work right away, and, even with his new felony still pending, we got the result we needed: in just over 3 months, we talked the State into agreeing to only 18 months probation with no jail time whatsoever!
Why Choose Johnson Law Group, LLC
At Johnson Law Group, LLC, we focus exclusively on criminal defense for clients across Central Illinois, including Bloomington, Peoria, Champaign, Decatur, and Springfield. With a large, experienced team, we provide the focused advocacy and personal attention you need to navigate the criminal justice system and fight for your future.
Why Choose Us:
One of Central Illinois’ largest criminal defense firms
Over 100 years of combined legal experience
Focused solely on criminal defense matters
Personalized attention and clear communication at every step
Team-based approach to building strong defense strategies
Committed to leveling the playing field against the prosecution
Leveling The Field Against Prosecutors
We counter police investigations with strategic, trial-ready defense.
Aggressive Advocacy From Day One
We move fast to uncover evidence, challenge charges, and negotiate.
Big-Firm Strength, Personalized Attention
Dedicated attorneys who know you, your case, and your goals.
Over 100 Years Of Criminal Defense Experience
A large, seasoned team focused solely on protecting your rights.
Meet the Johnson Law Group Team
At Johnson Law Group, LLC, our team is dedicated to standing beside individuals and families facing criminal charges throughout Central Illinois. With one of the largest criminal defense teams in the region and over 100 years of combined experience, we bring deep knowledge and strong advocacy to every case. From your first consultation through trial, we work closely with you, explaining your options, answering questions, and building a tailored defense strategy designed to protect your rights and future. We are committed to leveling the playing field against the prosecution, combining the resources of a large firm with the personal attention of a small practice. Serving communities including Bloomington, Peoria, Champaign, Decatur, and Springfield, we focus exclusively on criminal defense so you always know your case is our priority.
Travel restrictions with a misdemeanor conviction depend on the offense and the countries you plan to visit. Some countries may deny entry based on certain types of offenses. Check the entry requirements of your destination and consider seeking legal advice for guidance.
Can a misdemeanor affect employment?
Yes, a misdemeanor can impact employment opportunities. Employers may conduct background checks, and a criminal record could affect job prospects. Some professions have strict licensing requirements that may be impacted by a criminal history. Legal advice can help navigate these situations.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?
While you can represent yourself, hiring a lawyer is advisable. A lawyer will understand the complexities of the legal system, help build a defense, and may negotiate a plea deal to minimize penalties or reduce charges.
How are misdemeanors punished?
Misdemeanors usually result in penalties like fines, probation, community service, or jail time in a local facility. Jail sentences rarely exceed one year. The specific punishment depends on the nature of the offense, prior criminal record, and jurisdictional sentencing guidelines.
Mark D. Johnson Founding Partner
Brendan Bukalski Managing Partner
Douglas B. Johnson Attorney
Ken D. Eckhauser Attorney
Eric M. Schwing Attorney
Timothy Huyett Attorney
Alex Kurth Attorney
Brent R. Wright Investigator
Kelly Shapley Law Firm Administrator
Dawn Trent Legal Assistant
Holly McCann Legal Assistant
Kristina Feulner Legal Assistant
Haley Morgan Legal Assistant