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EXPERIENCED LEGAL
PROFESSIONALS

The Experience You Need to Fight Criminal Charges in Bloomington

Getting charged with a crime around Bloomington or in another part of Illinois can be an overwhelming experience – especially if you are not familiar with the inner workings of our criminal justice system.

One moment you are living your life and the next you are terrified and confused about what is coming next. Will there be a trial? Should you take a plea deal? Is there any way to get your charges dropped or dismissed? Will you lose your job? Go to prison? What does your charge even mean?

To navigate the Illinois criminal justice system, you need an experienced guide who can take you by the hand and walk you through the process while working with you to craft the strongest possible defense. John Prior, Jr. of The Prior Law Firm, P.C., has over 27 years of legal experience in the state of Illinois, so he knows exactly what is needed to help you craft a strong defense and give you the best chance at a positive outcome.

Unlike some defense attorneys, he is not afraid to go to trial if he believes that it will result in a better outcome for you, and he will never stop fighting until he has exhausted every possible legal avenue to protect your rights and fight for your future.

Illinois Charges The Prior Law Firm, P.C. Can Help You Battle Against

Not all criminal charges are created equal, and when it comes to choosing a defense attorney to help you clear your good name – or at least minimize the damage – that matters a lot. Many people who have been charged with a criminal offense often consider the do-it-yourself route. While the do-it-yourself route may be a good one to take when putting  together a table from IKEA, trying to represent yourself could end up being a huge mistake.

In his more than 27 years as an attorney, John Prior, Jr. has handled just about every type of criminal charge on the books in Bloomington and other parts of Illinois. He has an in-depth understanding of both misdemeanor and felony sentencing guidelines, as well as the collateral consequences that you may face. No matter what you are up against and how confusing it seems, he can help you make sense of your charges, the options available to you, and the rights you have under the rules of criminal procedure.

Common criminal charges that The Prior Law Firm handles include:

Aggravated Battery

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

Aggravated DUI

Aggravated Kidnapping

Aggravated Robbery

Criminal Damage to Property

Criminal Trepass to Real Property

Criminal Trepass to Vehicles

Arson

Assault

Battery

Burglary

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault

Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm

Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking

Armed Robbery

Cannabis Conspiracy

DUI

Home Invasion

Unlawful Use of Weapons

Theft

Robbery

Residential Burglary

Prostitution

Production or Possession of Cannabis Sativa Plant

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of Cannabis

Grooming

Cannabis Delivery to Persons under 18 Years of Age

Cannabis Trafficking

Casual Delivery of Cannabis

Criminal Sexual Abuse

Criminal Sexual Assault

Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds

Domestic Battery

Forgery

Fraudulent Identification Card

Manufacture or Delivery of Cannabis

Obstructing Identification

The list above contains the most common criminal offenses in Illinois, but is in no way exhaustive. Even if your specific charge is not listed, reach out to our office and describe your situation.

Case Results

State of Illinois v. JM
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Case
JM was facing a potential felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.
NO CHARGES FILED
In June 2017, after hiring The Prior Law Firm, the State declined to file any charges against JM.
State of Illinois v. BO
Aggravated Battery
BO was charged with aggravated battery in March 2017.
DISMISSED
The charge against BO was dismissed in August 2017, right before trial.
State of Illinois v. RP
DUI
RP was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in March 2017.
NOT GUILTY
In September 2017, RP had a jury trial and was found not guilty.
State of Illinois v. AE
Possession of a Controlled Substance Case
AE was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, in May 2017.
DISMISSED
In September 2017, the charge was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. KM
DUI
KM was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.
DISMISSED
In October 2016, the DUI charge was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. SB
DUI
SB was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.
DISMISSED
In June 2017, the DUI charge was dismissed and a petition to rescind statutory summary suspension was granted, allowing SB[...]
State of Illinois v. AH
Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer
AH was charged with aggravated battery of a police officer and with obstructing justice.
DISMISSED
All charges were dismissed in June 2017.
State of Illinois v. RM
DUI
RM was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.
DISMISSED
In February 2017, the charge against RM was dismissed and a petition to rescind statutory summary suspension was granted, allowing[...]
State of Illinois v. AM
Criminal Damage to Property Case
In April 2005, AM was charged with criminal damage to property in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
The jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
State of Illinois v. HT
DUI Case
In 2005, HT was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted[...]
NOT GUILTY
The jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
State of Illinois v. RR
In August 2006 in McLean County, RR was charged with: aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony; indecent solicitation[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. MC
Resisting/Obstruction a Peace Officer and Obstruction of Justice Case
In August 2007, MC was charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer and with obstruction of justice in McLean County, both[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the judgment of the convictions were vacated. The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. AV
DUI Case
In September 2007, AV was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned.
State of Illinois v. TH
Manufacture/Delivery of Narcotic Case
In November 2007, TH was charged with manufacture/delivery of a narcotic in McLean County, a Class 2 felony. A motion[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the conviction was vacated. The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. SP
DUI Case
In March 2008, SP was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned.
State of Illinois v. JG
Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis Case
In July 2008, JG was charged with manufacture/delivery of cannabis in McLean County, a Class 3 felony. A motion was[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the conviction was vacated. The case was dismissed.
Illinois Secretary of State Petition
After receiving a DUI, CL lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to[...]
Granted
CL was granted full reinstatement of his driving privileges in March 2010.
State of Illinois v. CR
Manufacture/Delivery of a Narcotic Case
In October 2008, CR was charged with manufacture/delivery of a narcotic in McLean County, a Class 2 felony. A motion[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the judgment of conviction was vacated. The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. NR
In November 2008, NR was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, and with resisting a[...]
Dismissed
The possession of a controlled substance charge was dismissed. A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned for the charge of[...]
State of Illinois v. AR
DUI Case
In November 2008, AR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Granted
The motion was granted.
Illinois Secretary of State Petition
CL
After receiving a DUI, CL lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to[...]
Granted
The petition was granted and CL was able to receive a restricted driving permit.
State of Illinois v. KH
DUI Case
In April 2009, KH was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Granted
The motion was granted.
State of Illinois v. SF
Possession of Cannabis Case
In 2009, SF was charged with possession of cannabis in McLean County, a Class C misdemeanor.
Dismissed
In August 2009 the case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. SB
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Case
In January 2010, SB was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse in DeWitt County, a Class 2 felony. The prosecution[...]
Dismissed
The petition was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JL
DUI Case
In June 2010, JL was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. DA
In July 2010, DA was charged with possession of a controlled substance in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. RO
Arson and Fraud Case
In July 2010, RO was charged with arson/defrauding an insurance company, a Class 2 felony, and with defrauding a governmental[...]
Dismissed
Both charges were dismissed.
State of Illinois v. SD
DUI Case
In September 2010, SD was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. NB
DUI Case
In September 2010, NB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. LH
Credit Card Fraud Case
In September 2010, LH was charged with credit card fraud in McLean County, a Class 3 felony. A motion to[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JG
Possession of a Controlled Substance Case
In November 2010, JG was charged with possession of a controlled substance in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. CB
Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Case
In January 2011, CB was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church in[...]
Dismissed
The felony case was dismissed. CB pled guilty to disorderly conduct, a Class C misdemeanor.
State of Illinois v. MD
Improper Left Turn Case
In January 2011, MD was charged with an improper left turn in McLean County, a petty offense. The charge resulted[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. AG
DUI Case
In March 2011, AG was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Granted
The motion was granted
State of Illinois v. JJ
DUI Case
In June 2011, JJ was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A Motion[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the case was dismissed
State of Illinois v. PS
DUI Case
In August 2011, PS was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. BB
DUI Case
In August 2011, BB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered
State of Illinois v. RF
DUI Case
In December 2011, RF was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. NR
DUI Case
In December 2011, NR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Granted
The motion was granted.
State of Illinois v. SB
Violation of Sex Offender Registration Act Case
In February 2012, SB was charged with violation of the sex offender registration act in McLean County, a Class 3[...]
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JD
Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon Case
In March 2012, JD was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.
Dismissed
The felony case was dismissed. JD pled guilty to a Class A misdemeanor.
State of Illinois v. MM
DUI Case
In May 2012, MM was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charges[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. JL
DUI Case
In June 2012, JL was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
Illinois Secretary of State Petition
BR
After receiving a DUI, BR lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to[...]
Reinstated
The petition was granted and BR's driving privileges were reinstated.
State of Illinois v. SC
DUI Case
In July 2012, SC was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. SC
Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer
In December 2012, SC was charged in McLean County with aggravated battery of a police officer, a Class 2 felony,[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts was rendered.
State of Illinois v. KC
RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER
In December 2012, KC was charged with resisting a peace officer in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A motion for directed verdict was granted and a verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. JN
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis Sativa Plants Case
In December 2012, JN was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis sativa plants in McLean County, a Class 3 felony.[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. BS
Driving While Revoked/Suspended Case
In February 2013, BS was charged with driving while driver's license was revoked/suspended in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. CK
In February 2013, CK was charged with domestic battery in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in[...]
NOT GUILTY
A motion for directed verdict was granted and a verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. MM
Transport Cigarettes to Evade Tax and Possession of Contraband Cigarettes Cas
In February 2013 in McLean County, MM was charged with transporting cigarettes to evade tax, a Class 3 felony. MM[...]
Dismissed
Both Class 3 felony charges were dismissed. MM pled guilty to a Class A misdemeanor.
State of Illinois v. SB
Domestic Battery Case
In March 2013, SB was charged with three counts of domestic battery in McLean County, all Class A misdemeanors.
Dismissed
The case and all three charges were dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JH
DUI Case
In March 2013, JH was charged with two counts of driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A[...]
NOT GUILTY
The jury rendered a verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts.
State of Illinois v. SR
DUI Case
In April 2013, SR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. JW
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Case
In April 2013, JW was charged with a Class 4 felony for unlawful possession of a controlled substance in McLean[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. KB
DUI Case
In April 2013, KB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. VG
Retail Theft Case
In July 2013, VG was charged with retail theft in McLean County, a Class 3 felony.
Dismissed
The retail theft case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. MW
Aggravated DUI Case
In August 2013, MW was charged with aggravated DUI for not having a valid driver's license in McLean County, a[...]
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. MM
RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER
In August 2013, MM was charged with resisting a peace officer in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JF
DUI Case
In September 2013, JF was charged with two counts of driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A[...]
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. MR
DUI Case
In September 2013, MR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Granted
The motion was granted.
State of Illinois v. RB
DUI Case
In October 2013, RB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. In May[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.
State of Illinois v. NB
DUI Case
In October 2013, NB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. AB
Aggravated DUI Case
In November 2013, AB was charged with aggravated DUI in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JT
DUI Case
In March 2014, JT was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Dismissed
The case was dismissed and the petition was granted.
State of Illinois v. HS
DUI Case
In May 2014, HS was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. TM
DUI Case
In May 2014, TM was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JT
Aggravated DUI Case
In July 2014, JT was charged with aggravated driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class 2 felony.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JB
DUI Case
In November 2014, JB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
The case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. DW
DUI Case
In December 2014, DW was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Granted
The motion was granted.
State of Illinois v. TV
DUI Case
In January 2015, TV was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion[...]
Granted
The motion was granted.
State of Illinois v. CB
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Case
In February 2015, CB was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in McLean County, a Class 2[...]
NOT GUILTY
The jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts.
State of Illinois v. JG
Criminal Sexual Assault Case
In February 2015, JG was charged with criminal sexual assault in McLean County, a Class 1 felony.
Dismissed
Case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. TD
DUI Case
In April 2015, TD was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge[...]
NOT GUILTY
A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned.
State of Illinois v. RM
DUI Case
In June 2015, RM was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A Motion[...]
Dismissed
DUI case was dismissed.
Illinois Secretary of State Petition
TJ
After receiving a DUI, TJ lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to[...]
Reinstated
The petition was granted and TJ's driving privileges were reinstated.
State of Illinois v. II
Battery Case
In January 2016, II was charged with battery in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.
Dismissed
Case was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. JH
Traffic Case
In April 2016, JH was charged with violating the right-way and crosswalk statute.
Dismissed
The charge was dismissed.
Illinois Secretary of State Petition
BQ
After receiving a DUI, BQ lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to[...]
Reinstated
The petition was granted and BR's driving privileges were reinstated.
State of Illinois v. JR
Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of Cannabis
In July 2016, JR was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, and with possession[...]
Dismissed
Both charges against JR were dismissed.
State of Illinois v. YS
Unlawful Visitation Interference
In June 2016, YS was charged with unlawful visitation interference.
Dismissed
The charge against YS was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. EG
DUI Case
In September 2016, EG was charged with DUI.
Dismissed
The DUI charge was dismissed.
State of Illinois v. RP
Hit & Run Case
In October of 2016, RP was charged with failing to notify damage to an unattended vehicle, a Class A Misdemeanor,[...]
Dismissed.
Both charges were dismissed.
State of Illinois vs. D.J.
RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER
In February 2016, DJ was charged with resisting a peace officer. A motion was filed to quash the arrest and[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and the charge was dismissed.
State of Illinois vs. J.G.
CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT
In February 2015, JG was charged with criminal sexual assault in McLean County, a Class 1 felony.
Dismissed
Case was dismissed.
State of Illinois vs. J.H.
POSSESSION OF CANNABIS & DRUG PARAPHERNILIA
In April 2016, JH was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. A motion to[...]
Dismissed
The motion was granted and both charges were dismissed.
Petition To Seal Felony Convictions
J.A. & L.A.
In 1999, JA and LA were both convicted of forgery, a Class 3 felony. In June 2016, a petition to[...]
Outcome
Both petitions were granted and the felony convictions were sealed.
Illinois Secretary of State Petition
AN
After receiving two DUIs, AN lost his driving privileges. A hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State to reinstate AN’s[...]
Outcome
In January 2017, AN was granted a restricted driving permit.
State of Illinois vs. B.S.
UNDERAGE DRINKING
In October of 2016, BS was charged with unlawful consumption of liquor by a minor, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Dismissed
In January 2017, the charge was dismissed.
State of Illinois vs. R.M.
DUI
In January 2017, RM was charged with driving under the influence of a drug, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Dismissed
In February 2017, the charge was dismissed. A petition to rescind RM’s statutory summary suspension was filed and was granted,[...]

*The above results do not guarantee any particular outcome in your case.

Why More People In and Around

Bloomington Choose The Prior

Law Firm to Defend Them

 

 

Selecting the right attorney goes beyond making sure they have handled your specific charge in the past. When people choose John Prior, Jr. and The Prior Law Firm, it is due to several very important reasons.

Experience and Background. The Prior Law Firm, P.C. has been helping people in and around Bloomington to fight for their rights since 2004. Over the lifetime of the firm,      Mr. Prior has successfully defended countless people charged throughout Illinois. However, his experience in criminal law started long before 2004.

For years, he worked as a brief writer for the Appellate Prosecutor’s office, an Assistant State’s Attorney and even served as the elected State’s Attorney for Henderson County. In other words, his job was to build cases against alleged offenders and try to secure convictions.

Why should this matter to you? Because it means that he understands how the minds of prosecutors work. He now uses the countless hours he spent crafting legal strategies to put people behind bars to more easily anticipate and poke holes in those strategies when defending his clients.

Recognition and Results. Over his years of defending people just like you, Mr. Prior has been recognized in a number of ways, including being named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers and earning glowing reviews and a high rating on Avvo.

Dedication and Respect. When you find yourself facing criminal charges, it can negatively impact the rest ofyour life. Because of this, fighting those charges should be your number one priority.

John Prior, Jr. has a clear understanding of the stakes involved and will use every legal avenue available to him to make sure your rights are respected as he works to get your charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed. Moreover, he knows how confusing and depersonalizing the criminal legal process can be for defendants, so he strives to help his clients understand their situation and keep them informed about what to expect every step of the way.

CALL: (309) 827-4300 EMAIL: johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com

John G. Prior, Jr.

With over 27 years of legal experience, John G. Prior, Jr. has seen just about everything and successfully helped countless people to fight their charges. As a former State's Attorney, he understands how the minds of prosecutors work and is not afraid to use that knowledge to help his clients, one of many reasons The National Trial Lawyers named him to their list of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers.

View Profile

What Our Clients Say About The Prior Law Firm

 

 

John was a wonderful asset when it came to my defense for my DUI.  Not only was he very knowledgeable and very responsive, we truly felt he had my best interest at heart.  He made a very difficult time for me run very smoothly.  He answered all of my questions no matter how trivial.  Having him there to guide and walk me through the process made my life less stressful.  I highly recommend Mr. Prior!
- Monica F.
John is the best lawyer I have ever talked to. He kept me informed through the entire process in terms the average person could easily understand. I hope I never need an lawyer again, but if I do it will be John Prior!
- Daniel V.

Latest Blog Posts

Jan
18
Posted by: John Prior

How Does Illinois Define and Penalize Domestic Battery?

More commonly referred to as domestic violence, domestic battery is an Illinois crime that addresses aggressive conduct against a family or household member. This type of crime has serious ramifications, as the perpetrator and victim have a close association with each other. Given this reality, Illinois imposes stringent laws against and penalties for domestic battery.

How Does Illinois Define Domestic Battery?

Under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2, domestic battery occurs when a person knowingly and intentionally attacks or provokes someone in his or her family. In precise terms, a person commits domestic battery if he or she:

    Causes physical harm or injury to a family or household member; or Initiates physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with a family or household member.

To understand the boundaries of domestic battery, it is necessary to review the definition of a family or household member under Illinois law. Under the Illinois Domestic [...]

READ MORE
Jan
11
Posted by: John Prior

What is the Difference Between Arson and Aggravated Arson in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, arson occurs when a person uses fire or explosives to intentionally damage another person’s property. Given the inherent danger of arson — especially fire’s ability to spread quickly — there are strict penalties against arson in Illinois. In certain severe situations, using fire or explosives can result in criminal charges for aggravated arson.

Illinois Laws and Penalties for Arson

The Illinois laws and penalties for arson appear under 720 ILCS 5/20-1. There are essentially three different types of arson crimes in Illinois — arson, residential arson and place of worship arson.

Arson

First, a person commits the standard version of arson if he or she knowingly uses fire or explosive to:

    Damage at least $150 of another person’s property without consent; or Defraud an insurer by damaging at least $150 of another person’s property.

Arson is a Class 2 felony in Illinois. The penalty structure for [...]

READ MORE

Areas We Serve

6th Judicial Court
  • Dewitt County
10th Judicial Court
  • Tazewell County
  • Peoria County
11th Judicial Court
  • Ford County
  • Livingston County
  • Logan County
  • McLean County
  • Woodford County

Reach Out to The Prior Law Firm, P.C. Today to Start Crafting a Strong

Defense against Your Illinois Charges

Regardless of the charges that you are facing, one thing is always true: speed matters. The faster you get a skilled Bloomington criminal lawyer in your corner, the more likely you are to experience a positive outcome. Waiting to hire an attorney only benefits the prosecution.

Why? Because they will start building their case against you the second your file hits their desk. If you wait to hire your own lawyer, it gives them a bigger head start.

Worse, police officers and prosecutors will be able to meet with you and question you even if you do not have a legal representative on your side. You can be sure they will use every legal maneuver imaginable to get you to admit to the charges and take a deal that will be in their best interests rather than yours. Finally, some types of evidence simply do not last very long. If you wait to get an attorney, the evidence may be gone before they can collect it to use for your defense.

The bottom line? Do not delay. Get in contact with our office today for a free consultation.

CALL: (309) 827-4300 EMAIL: johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com