Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Heart of Illinois Criminal Defense and Attorney Maureen Williams are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or contact our law firm.

By using this website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Voluntarily

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when you contact us through forms, email, or phone
• Case Information: Details about your legal matter, charges, court dates, and other information you choose to share with us
• Communication Content: The content of your messages, emails, and other communications with our office

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information, including:

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type, and screen resolution
• Usage Information: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring website, and navigation patterns
• Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address (city/region level, not precise location)
• Cookie Information: Data collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Cookies section below)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Respond to Inquiries: To respond to your requests for information about legal representation
• Provide Legal Services: To provide legal services if you become a client
• Communication: To communicate with you about your case, appointments, and legal matters
• Website Improvement: To analyze website usage and improve our website, content, and user experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, court orders, subpoenas, and regulatory requirements
• Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats
• Business Operations: For administrative purposes and to maintain business records

Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality

However, simply contacting us or visiting our website does not create an attorney-client relationship or trigger attorney-client privilege. Information sent to us before we agree to represent you may not be confidential or privileged.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, subpoena, legal process, or government request
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us (e.g., email providers, website hosting, cloud storage, payment processors) who are contractually obligated to protect your information
• Legal Defense: To defend against legal claims, protect our rights, or comply with professional obligations
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (subject to confidentiality obligations)
• Case-Related Sharing: If you become a client, we may share information with courts, prosecutors, expert witnesses, investigators, or others as necessary to represent you

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and analyze website usage.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites remember your preferences and track your activities.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (via Google Analytics)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and usage patterns. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. Google Analytics uses cookies to track your interactions with our website.

For more information about Google Analytics privacy practices, visit: https://policies.google.com/privacy

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from specific sites
• Block all cookies
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Note: Blocking or deleting cookies may affect your website experience and functionality.

Data Security

We implement reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction, including:

• Secure website connections (SSL/TLS encryption)
• Password protection for systems and files
• Limited access to personal information (need-to-know basis)
• Regular security assessments and updates

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage method is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, and you transmit information to us at your own risk.

Email Communications and Security

Do not send highly sensitive, confidential, or time-critical information via email or web forms. This includes:

• Social Security numbers
• Credit card or bank account information
• Passwords or login credentials
• Detailed descriptions of your legal matter before establishing attorney-client relationship

If you need to share sensitive information, please call our office at (309) 999-1177 to arrange a secure method of communication.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy
• Comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain records required by law or professional ethics rules

If you become a client, we retain your file and information in accordance with Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and legal requirements, typically for a minimum of 7-10 years after case closure.

Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal, regulatory, and professional record-keeping obligations)
• Opt-Out: Opt out of non-essential communications and marketing messages
• Object: Object to certain processing of your information

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information at the end of this policy. Note: We may need to verify your identity before responding to requests. Some requests may be limited by legal or professional obligations.

Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

Third-Party Websites and Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience and information. We do not control these external sites and are not responsible for their privacy practices, content, or terms of use.

When you click on a link to a third-party website, you are subject to that website’s privacy policy and practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and how we use it, and the right to request deletion of your information.

We do not sell personal information to third parties. For more information about your California privacy rights, please contact us.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on this page
• Update the “Last Updated” date at the top
• Notify you of material changes (if required by law)

Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us: