Facing Criminal Charges in LaSalle County? Ms. Williams Will Fight to Protect Your Rights.
Being charged with a crime in LaSalle County can upend your entire life. Your job, your family, your reputation, and your freedom are all at stake. You need a criminal defense attorney who will listen to your situation carefully, prepare your defense thoroughly, fight aggressively to protect your rights, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Updated September 2026
With over 33 years of legal experience, Ms. Williams has dedicated her practice exclusively to criminal defense in Central Illinois. She regularly practices in the 13th Judicial Circuit at the LaSalle County Courthouse in Ottawa and has built her career on the thorough preparation and persistent advocacy that her clients deserve.
Criminal Cases in LaSalle County
LaSalle County handles criminal cases from Ottawa, Peru, Streator, Marseilles, and numerous smaller communities across its large geographic area. The county sees charges ranging from drug offenses and theft to domestic violence, weapons charges, and serious felonies. The rural character of parts of the county means some cases involve unique circumstances related to agricultural properties and more isolated communities.
Criminal cases in LaSalle County are heard at the LaSalle County Courthouse, 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, as part of the 13th Judicial Circuit. Ms. Williams practices in Central Illinois courts and is thoroughly familiar with the procedures and local practices in Ottawa.
How Ms. Williams Defends Criminal Cases in LaSalle County
Ms. Williams approaches every criminal case with four principles that set her apart from other attorneys: listening, preparing, protecting, and caring.
Listening comes first. She takes the time to hear your full story—the circumstances, the details, the things that worry you most. She asks questions. She pays attention to facts that other attorneys might overlook. She cannot build an effective defense without understanding your situation completely.
Preparing is where Ms. Williams distinguishes herself. She reviews all evidence, researches the applicable law, examines police procedures, and identifies every weakness in the prosecution's case. She prepares every case as though it will go to trial because that level of thoroughness produces better outcomes at every stage. She is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and the American Association for Justice, and she regularly pursues advanced legal training and certifications—a commitment to continuing education that is rare among criminal defense attorneys.
In the Ottawa courtroom, she protects her clients' rights with aggressive advocacy. She challenges improperly obtained evidence, questions the legality of searches and arrests, and holds the prosecution to its full burden of proof. She does not cut corners, and she does not give up when a case gets difficult.
And she cares about what happens to you and your family. She returns every phone call. She explains developments in plain English. She keeps you informed at every stage. With your permission, she keeps your family updated too—because she knows that criminal charges affect everyone who cares about you.
Criminal Charges Ms. Williams Defends in LaSalle County
◆ Drug Crimes
Possession, manufacturing, delivery, and trafficking charges. Ms. Williams challenges illegal searches, questions lab procedures, and fights for reduced charges or dismissal.
◆ Assault and Battery
Simple assault, aggravated assault, battery, and aggravated battery. She examines the circumstances of the alleged incident including self-defense claims and witness credibility.
◆ Theft and Burglary
Retail theft, burglary, robbery, and property crimes. Penalties vary widely, making experienced defense essential to protect your rights and minimize consequences.
◆ Domestic Violence
Domestic battery, orders of protection, and related charges. These cases carry serious consequences and require sensitive, thorough handling.
◆ Weapons Charges
Unlawful use of weapons, unlawful possession of a firearm, and related firearms charges. Illinois weapons laws are complex and carry severe penalties.
◆ Probation Violations
Alleged violations that could result in revocation and the original sentence being imposed. Ms. Williams defends against these allegations to keep you out of custody.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense in LaSalle County
What should I do if I am arrested in LaSalle County?
Remain calm and be polite to law enforcement. Exercise your right to remain silent—do not answer questions about the alleged crime without an attorney present. Ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not sign anything without legal advice. Contact Ms. Williams as soon as you are able to schedule a consultation about your case.
Where are criminal cases heard in LaSalle County?
Criminal cases in LaSalle County are heard at the LaSalle County Courthouse, located at 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, as part of the 13th Judicial Circuit. Ms. Williams regularly practices in this courthouse and is thoroughly familiar with its procedures.
What types of criminal cases does Ms. Williams handle?
Ms. Williams handles all types of criminal cases in LaSalle County including drug charges, assault and battery, theft and burglary, domestic violence, weapons charges, probation violations, DUI, and sentence review motions including motions to reconsider sentence and motions for new trial.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
Fees depend on the complexity of your case, the seriousness of the charges, and the work required. Ms. Williams provides clear, transparent fee information during your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect before making any commitments.
Can criminal charges be reduced or dismissed?
Depending on the evidence and circumstances, charges may be reduced to lesser offenses or dismissed entirely. Ms. Williams reviews all available evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fights for the best possible outcome. She will give you an honest assessment during your consultation—no false promises, just straightforward guidance.
How do I find a LaSalle County criminal defense attorney?
A LaSalle County criminal defense attorney should appear regularly at the LaSalle County Courthouse in Ottawa — 119 W. Madison Street — where all 13th Judicial Circuit criminal cases from the county are heard. Ms. Williams practices exclusively criminal defense in Central Illinois, has over 33 years of legal experience, and defends clients throughout LaSalle County including Ottawa, Peru, and Streator. Call (309) 999-1177.
What does a criminal defense attorney in Ottawa IL do for my case?
A criminal defense attorney in Ottawa, Illinois reviews whether the arrest was legally made, whether searches were conducted with proper authority, and whether the evidence actually supports the charge. Ms. Williams examines every piece of documentation — police reports, witness statements, body camera footage, and lab results — then identifies weaknesses in the prosecution case and builds a targeted defense strategy. She appears regularly at the LaSalle County Courthouse in Ottawa and knows how 13th Judicial Circuit judges approach criminal proceedings.