Fight for Release After a Conviction in Illinois | Heart of Illinois Criminal Defense
Facing sentencing? Just pled? Just lost a trial? Let Heart of Illinois Criminal Defense fight for your release. Reach out today for a confidential case review to explore your legal options.
Seeking Relief After a Conviction in Illinois?
Recently sentenced, just pled, or lost at trial? Don’t lose hope. At Heart of Illinois Criminal Defense, attorney Maureen Williams reviews your record fast, identifies appealable issues, and maps the best path forward under Illinois law.
How We Fight Your Appeal
- Immediate review: sentencing orders, plea/trial transcripts, deadlines.
- Issue spotting: legal errors, constitutional issues, ineffective assistance, sentencing mistakes.
- Strategy memo: best route (motion, petition, or direct appeal) plus expected timeline.
- Filing & advocacy: we prepare, file, and argue—keeping you informed at each step.
What We File (Case-Specific)
- Post-plea motions
- Post-trial motions
- Sentencing advocacy & mitigation
- Motions to reconsider
- Direct appeals
- Post-conviction petitions
Why People Choose Maureen Williams for Appeals
- 31+ years focused on criminal defense: trial + appellate experience under one roof.
- Hands-on record development: transcripts, exhibits, and mitigation fully prepared—no cookie-cutter filings.
- Clear, frequent communication: you’ll know what’s filed, why it matters, and what’s next.
- Relentless advocacy: we pursue the best relief the law allows.
What Others Are Saying
“She is an outstanding advocate for her clients… takes the time to really prepare and learn their stories. I would not hesitate to send a friend or family member to her for representation.”
— Marie McHale Drake, The Drake Law Firm, P.C.
Your future is too important to leave to chance. If you’re considering an appeal or post-conviction relief, get a focused legal review and a clear plan forward.
Serving Central Illinois: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, McLean and nearby communities (Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, Bloomington-Normal).
Don’t Wait—Start Your Appeal Today
Deadlines after a plea, sentencing, or verdict can be short. Share a couple of details so we can review your case and outline your best next steps.
What Helps Us Move Fast
- Sentencing or plea date (even approximate)
- County/court name and case number (if handy)
- Any filing deadlines you’ve been told about
If it’s during business hours, calling us is the fastest way to get help. But if you’re reaching out after hours or prefer email, you can contact us below. Please include:
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Any details you’d like to share
We respond quickly — including evenings and weekends when possible.
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What Happens Next
- Quick review: We look at your details and deadlines.
- Plan: We identify your best route (motion, petition, or direct appeal).
- Next steps: We explain timing, likely filings, and what to expect.
Serving Central Illinois: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, McLean, and nearby communities.
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