Belleville Violent Crimes Lawyer

When people commit crimes, few carry as great judgment as those that are noted as violent crimes. Not everyone facing these charges is guilty, or has committed them out of ill-will. Many of those facing convictions of violent crimes are people who were protecting themselves or their families from an imminent threat of harm.

In Illinois, violent crime charges carry some of the most severe penalties. If convicted, you could face decades in prison with no chance for probation, even if you were trying to defend yourself. Beyond that, the stigma that remains from these charges, especially when convicted of a Class X felony, can pose serious consequences for your personal and professional life.

The Conner Law Firm defends violent crime charges in Belleville and St. Clair County, with former Violent Crimes Unit Supervisor Erin K. Conner bringing prosecutorial insight to protect your freedom and future. Erin knows how the state builds these cases from the inside and brings her former prosecutor knowledge to your case strategy. Reach out today to speak with a Belleville violent crimes lawyer who knows the ins and outs from both sides to help you fight for your freedom.

Violent Crime Charges We Defend

Facing violent crime charges in Illinois requires immediate, aggressive, and knowledgeable legal representation to fight the severe penalties in this category. The Conner Law Firm is seasoned at defending individuals against the most serious charges to uphold their constitutional rights throughout the process. No matter what kind of violent crime charges you’re going up against, you’ll want us in your corner for the strongest defense you can possibly have.

First Degree Murder

Under 720 ILCS 5/9-1, this is the most serious charge, where prosecutors will fight to prove you intentionally killed another person. If convicted, you face a mandatory prison sentence of 20 to 60 years. For exceptionally brutal actions or if the victim was a police officer or firefighter, you may face a natural life sentence. With the right defense, you can get a second chance at freedom. Our Illinois murder charges defense guide explains how that may be possible in certain circumstances.

Second Degree Murder

The section of law, 720 ILCS 5/9-2, for a second degree murder puts it as a Class 1 felony. Murders in this classification are considered in the heat of the moment and although it is a lesser charge than murder in the first degree, you may face 4 to 15 years in prison. Mitigating factors like provocation may allow for probation.

Attempted Murder

Attempted murder (720 ILCS 5/8-4) is charged as a Class X felony as it combines the intent to kill with taking a real step toward making that a reality. When firearms are involved, the sentence can go from 20 to 80 years.

Armed Robbery

Under 720 ILCS 5/18-2, armed robbery is also a Class X felony by using a dangerous weapon while committing theft. Theft would normally provide 6 to 30 years for a prison sentence, though if a firearm is involved, mandatory enhancements can add 15, 20, or even 25 years to life.

Home Invasion

Home invasions fall under 720 ILCS 5/19-6, and are classified as entering a home knowing that people are there and either causing injuries or threatening force. This is charged as a Class X felony with a penalty of 6 to 30 years, often mandating 85% truth-in-sentencing if great bodily harm occurs. In other words, you would be made to serve a minimum of 85% of your sentence if convicted.

Aggravated Battery

Under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05, aggravated battery could be a Class 3 felony or up to a Class X felony, depending on the severity of injuries to the victim and whether they were a vulnerable member of the population or a peace officer. Generally, Class 3 felonies are punished with 2 to 5 years in prison though more serious felony classes can range from 6 to 30 years.

Arson and Aggravated Arson

Both arson and aggravated arson are felonies, though aggravated arson involves committing this crime while knowing it is occupied or causing injury, making it a Class X felony. For aggravated arson, convictions result in 6 to 30 years in prison.

Firearm Sentencing Enhancements

Using a firearm to commit a crime in Illinois means firearm sentencing enhancements will be applied to the charges. A mandatory 15-20-25-to-life enhancement is added to violent crimes with an additional 15 years if you were armed with a firearm. You would get an additional 20 years if you personally discharged the firearm, and 25 years to life on top of your charges if you discharged a firearm and caused serious injury or death.

Every single violent crime charge truly requires experienced criminal defense. Whether you need a domestic violence defense attorney or weapons charges defense in Belleville, with Erin in your corner, you will have the unique lens of a former prosecutor to stay ahead of their case strategy and bring balance to fight your charges for the sake of your freedom.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Call (618) 277-2421 or contact the office online to schedule your initial consultation.

Self-Defense and Justification in Illinois

Violent crimes happen to be among the most misunderstood, especially in terms of self-defense and justification in Illinois. According to 720 ILCS 5/7-1, force is justified in circumstances where it is deemed reasonably necessary to prevent imminent harm. A deeper look at these laws may hold the key for case strategy in defending these crimes.

Illinois Self-Defense Laws (720 ILCS 5/7-1)

You are justified in using force against someone else when you reasonably believe you need to defend yourself or someone else from impending unlawful force. Using deadly force can be justified to prevent death, great bodily harm, or to halt a forcible felony such as burglary, robbery, or arson. There is an initial aggressor exception that deems self-defense is not available when they initially provoke the use of force against themselves unless they have gone through all other means of escape.

Castle Doctrine (720 ILCS 5/7-2)

The Illinois Castle Doctrine means you do not have a duty to retreat if you are attacked in your own home. Similar protections apply to occupied vehicles that allow you to stand your ground through justified use of force.

Affirmative Defense Requirements

In order to use these defenses against violent crimes, you need to prove that the threat of harm was happening or about to happen at that moment. The force you use must also be proportional to the threat issued.

Imperfect Self-Defense

You may have killed another person using force under the belief that this force was needed for self-defense. The law considers it “imperfect” self-defense, which can reduce first-degree murder charges to second-degree. With Erin understanding the way prosecutors will pursue cases like these, it is vital to have her on your side to protect you from the worst consequences that could befall you for simply trying to protect yourself or your loved ones.

How a Former Violent Crimes Prosecutor Defends You

When you’re facing serious criminal charges like violent crimes, having an attorney who understands both sides of the courtroom is a complete game-changer. Erin K. Conner is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who brings a unique perspective to her clients with her former experience as a supervisor of the Violent Crimes Unit. This experience gives her precise knowledge of exact pressure points, strategies, and weaknesses that prosecutors use to build cases.

Unmatched Insider Knowledge

Erin knows how law enforcement gathers their evidence, the techniques they use during interviews, and what is required to file charges. She uses this to dismantle the state’s case against you from the inside out.

Key Defense Strategies

With Erin’s background, she is able to scrutinize reports for procedural errors and challenge the reliability of forensic evidence. Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained in a violation of constitutional rights and making strategic negotiations are other ways she works to get results for her clients.

Leveraging her extensive trial experiences allows her to handle every type of violent crime charge and fiercely defend her clients in the courtroom. By choosing Erin K. Conner, you are not just hiring a defense attorney. You are hiring a former prosecutor who knows exactly how to fight back and win, giving you the strongest defense possible. Do not wait it out or go with a public defender who does not have the experience to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case. Schedule your free consultation with Erin and see the difference it makes to have someone who understands both the prosecution and the defense when crafting case strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Class X felony in Illinois?

A Class X felony is the most serious felony category in the state of Illinois, only slightly less serious than first-degree murder. When a Class X felony is charged, it is because the crimes committed pose a huge threat to public safety. Those convicted of Class X felonies are sentenced to a mandatory state prison term ranging from 6 to 30 years with probation not available. In the event of aggravating factors, such as prior convictions for example, the prison term could be set at a maximum of 60 years. Fines are also imposed up to $25,000. Common violent crime charges that are upgraded to aggravated status are aggravated robbery, home invasion, and aggravated battery of a child.

Can I claim self-defense if I’m charged with murder?

Yes, you can claim self-defense if you are charged with murder, but there are strict conditions under Illinois law. The law in this state allows you to use force in self-defense in situations where you reasonably believe this is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm. It is also an acceptable defense when preventing the commission of a forcible felony, however, you will need strong evidence that it was self-defense.

With Erin K. Conner, you will have the mind of a former prosecutor working quickly for you. When you present evidence of your self-defense, then the burden shifts to prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your actions were not made in self-defense.

What are the penalties for armed robbery in Illinois?

Penalties for armed robbery in Illinois start with a base sentence that can range from 6 to 30 years in prison. If you were armed with a firearm, another mandatory 15 years of prison time is added to your sentence. In the event the judge would provide you with the lowest sentencing time for the base charge, that would be 6 years plus the mandatory 15 for being armed with a firearm, making the minimum time you’d serve 21 years.

Discharging a firearm during an armed robbery adds a 20-year mandatory enhancement to your sentence. If discharging the firearm caused someone else injury or was responsible for their death, you will have a mandatory enhancement of 25 years to natural life added. Once this time has been served, you also face a mandatory parole period for 3 years after getting out of prison.

Contact The Conner Law Firm

Violent crimes come with a huge stigma, and for many facing these charges, they have only acted in self-defense to protect themselves or the ones they love. Others may be mistaken for someone else, and with such strong penalties, the time to take action is immediately. Every hour matters and as the seconds tick by on the clock, key evidence disappears and witnesses start forgetting crucial details that can keep you from being sentenced.

The Conner Law Firm defends violent crime charges in Belleville and St. Clair County, with former Violent Crimes Unit Supervisor Erin K. Conner bringing prosecutorial insight to protect your freedom and future. If you are facing violent crime charges, call 618-277-2421 immediately to speak with a Belleville criminal defense attorney who will stand up for your rights and freedoms.