Facing Criminal Charges in Central Illinois?
Experienced Defense for Felonies and Misdemeanors
Call (309) 999-1177 Now⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Reviews • 30 Years Experience • 14 Counties Served
You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Being charged with a crime—whether felony or misdemeanor—is one of the most frightening experiences you’ll ever face. Your freedom, your family, your job, and your future are all at stake. You need an attorney who will fight for you with the same intensity you would fight for yourself.
Attorney Maureen Williams has devoted 30 years exclusively to criminal defense in central Illinois. She knows the courts, the prosecutors, the judges, and most importantly—she knows how to win. When everything is on the line, experience matters.
Criminal Charges We Defend
Drug Offenses
- Possession of controlled substances
- Possession with intent to deliver
- Drug trafficking and distribution
- Marijuana charges
- Prescription drug fraud
- Drug paraphernalia charges
Violent Crimes
- Assault and battery
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence charges
- Armed robbery
- Weapons offenses
- Terroristic threats
Property Crimes
- Theft and shoplifting
- Burglary and home invasion
- Criminal damage to property
- Trespassing
- Arson
- Fraud and forgery
Other Criminal Charges
- DUI and traffic offenses (see DUI Defense page)
- Disorderly conduct
- Resisting arrest
- Probation violations
- Expungement and record sealing
- Juvenile offenses
Our Defense Approach
Thorough Investigation
We examine every detail—police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and surveillance footage. Prosecutors make mistakes. We find them.
Challenge the Evidence
Was the search legal? Were your rights violated? Was evidence properly collected and handled? We challenge every weakness in the state’s case.
Strategic Negotiations
Sometimes the best outcome is a negotiated plea to lesser charges. We know when to fight and when to negotiate for the best possible result.
Aggressive Trial Defense
If your case goes to trial, you want an attorney who knows the courtroom. We’re not afraid to take your case to a jury when it’s in your best interest.
What’s at Stake: Understanding the Consequences
Criminal convictions have serious, long-lasting consequences beyond jail time and fines:
Employment
Many employers conduct background checks. A criminal record can disqualify you from jobs, professional licenses, and career advancement.
Housing
Landlords routinely reject applicants with criminal records. Felony convictions make finding safe, affordable housing extremely difficult.
Education
Some schools and financial aid programs exclude applicants with criminal convictions, limiting educational opportunities.
Rights
Felony convictions can result in loss of voting rights, firearm ownership rights, and the ability to serve on juries.
Immigration
Non-citizens face deportation, denial of citizenship, and inability to return to the U.S. for certain criminal convictions.
Family
Criminal convictions can affect child custody, parental rights, and your ability to be present for your family.
Your Criminal Defense Process
Immediate Consultation
Contact us as soon as possible. The sooner we start, the more we can do to protect your rights and build your defense. We’ll review your case and explain your options clearly.
Case Investigation
We gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police procedures, and identify every possible defense. We leave no stone unturned in building the strongest possible defense.
Strategic Defense Plan
Based on the evidence and circumstances, we develop a custom defense strategy. Every case is different, and cookie-cutter approaches don’t work in criminal defense.
Court Representation
From arraignment through trial, we stand beside you at every court appearance. You’ll never face the judge or prosecutor alone.
Common Criminal Defense Strategies
Constitutional Defenses:
- ◆ Illegal search and seizure
- ◆ Violation of Miranda rights
- ◆ Lack of probable cause
- ◆ Coerced confessions
- ◆ Right to counsel violations
- ◆ Speedy trial violations
Factual Defenses:
- ◆ Mistaken identity
- ◆ Alibi witnesses
- ◆ Self-defense claims
- ◆ Lack of intent
- ◆ Consent defenses
- ◆ Entrapment by police
Procedural Defenses:
- ◆ Chain of custody issues
- ◆ Improper evidence handling
- ◆ Witness credibility problems
- ◆ Police misconduct
- ◆ Forensic testing errors
Mitigation Strategies:
- ◆ Plea to lesser charges
- ◆ Alternative sentencing
- ◆ Probation instead of jail
- ◆ Treatment programs
- ◆ Community service options
Why Choose Maureen Williams for Criminal Defense
10 Reasons to Choose Attorney Maureen Williams
◆ 30 Years of Experience
Three decades defending clients in central Illinois criminal courts.
◆ Exclusive Criminal Defense Focus
We handle criminal defense exclusively—not personal injury, not family law.
◆ Local Court Knowledge
We know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in all 14 counties we serve.
◆ Personal Attention
You'll work directly with Attorney Williams—not paralegals or junior attorneys.
◆ Proven Track Record
Hundreds of successful case outcomes across central Illinois.
◆ Strategic Defense Planning
Custom defense strategies based on your specific circumstances.
◆ DUI Defense Specialist
Extensive experience with license hearings, breathalyzer challenges, and DUI trials.
◆ Appeals Expertise
Specialized knowledge in post-conviction relief and appellate law.
◆ Clear Communication
We explain everything in plain English—no confusing legal jargon.
◆ Aggressive Advocacy
We fight to reduce or dismiss charges and protect your future.
What Our Clients Say
"Maureen was excellent to work with. She was very knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. I highly recommend her services."
— Sarah M., Peoria
"Best attorney in central Illinois. She fought hard for my case and got great results. Worth every penny."
— Michael R., Bloomington
"Maureen was professional, responsive, and truly cared about my case. She made a stressful situation much easier to handle."
— Jennifer L., Pekin
"I was facing serious charges and Maureen got them reduced significantly. She knows the local courts and judges very well."
— David K., Decatur
"Maureen went above and beyond. She was available when I needed her and always kept me informed. Highly recommend."
— Robert T., Ottawa
Criminal Defense Across Central Illinois
Attorney Maureen Williams defends criminal cases in 14 central Illinois counties. Click your county for local information:
Common Criminal Defense Questions
Should I talk to the police without a lawyer?
No. Politely exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Even innocent explanations can be twisted by prosecutors.
What if I’m guilty? Should I still hire a lawyer?
Absolutely. Even if you believe you’re guilty, you still have rights. An experienced attorney can often reduce charges, minimize penalties, negotiate alternative sentencing, or identify defenses you didn’t know existed.
Will I go to jail if convicted?
Not necessarily. Many criminal charges can result in probation, community service, treatment programs, or other alternatives to incarceration—especially for first-time offenders.
Can a criminal record be expunged or sealed?
Some criminal records can be expunged (erased) or sealed (hidden from most background checks). Eligibility depends on the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your criminal history.
What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Felonies are serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Misdemeanors are less serious, with maximum sentences up to one year in jail. Felony convictions carry more severe long-term consequences.
How long does a criminal case take?
It varies. Simple misdemeanors may resolve in weeks or months. Complex felony cases can take a year or more. We work efficiently but never rush when your freedom is at stake.
Related Defense Services
Attorney Williams handles all aspects of criminal defense:
DUI Defense
Arrested for driving under the influence? Time is critical. You have only 46 days to save your driver’s license.
Post-Conviction Appeals
Already convicted? We handle appeals, sentence reductions, and post-conviction relief petitions to challenge unjust convictions.
Your Future Depends on Your Defense
Don’t face criminal charges alone. Call now for a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights and your future.
Call (309) 999-1177 Now30 Years Experience • 14 Counties Served • Personal Attention to Every Case