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Criminal representation involves far more than simply appearing in court. Jennifer and Rachael take the time to meet personally with each client to thoroughly review the facts and circumstances of their case. They believe that informed clients are better prepared to make important decisions regarding their future and legal options.
Jennifer and Rachael work closely with their clients to explain the legal process, discuss available defenses and strategies, and help determine the best course of action based on the unique facts of each case. Whether you are facing a speeding citation, DUI charge, drug offense, juvenile matter, or a serious felony such as murder, they are committed to ensuring that your case receives the attention, preparation, and advocacy it deserves.
At Patton Moore Perry Law Office, every client matters. Jennifer and Rachael understand that criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful, and they are dedicated to providing experienced representation, open communication, and aggressive advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.
Jennifer Patton and Rachael Moore Perry bring more than 45 years of combined legal experience to the practice of criminal defense. Having served in roles on both sides of the courtroom, they possess a comprehensive understanding of how criminal cases are investigated, prosecuted, negotiated, and tried. This experience allows them to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and develop effective, well-prepared defenses for their clients.
Their background provides valuable insight into how the State evaluates evidence, prepares witnesses, and approaches plea negotiations and trial. By understanding what the prosecution is likely to challenge, Jennifer and Rachael are able to build strategic and proactive defenses tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
At Patton Moore Perry Law Office, every client receives individualized attention and a defense strategy designed specifically for their situation. Jennifer and Rachael take a one-on-one approach with their clients, ensuring they understand the charges they face, the legal process ahead, and the options available to them. Their goal is to provide skilled, attentive, and aggressive representation while guiding clients through what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Our criminal defense attorneys serve the following locations in Illinois:
Were you accused of a drug crime in Illinois? Drug offenses can carry substantial penalties upon conviction and should be handled by an experienced attorney. Failing to secure legal representation for a drug crime could result in you receiving the maximum sentence allowed by law.
At the PMP Law Office, we provide experienced representation for individuals who have been accused of drug crimes in Bloomington, Illinois. Our knowledgeable legal team will help you understand the charges and what defenses may arise in your case. We will fight hard to get you a favorable outcome in your case, including a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
If you are being investigated for or have been charged with a drug crime in Illinois, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
The lawyers at the PMP Law Office handle a wide variety of drug charges, including both misdemeanor and felony offenses. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an arrest or investigation. Early intervention can prove critical in these cases.
At the PMP Law Office, our drug crimes lawyers handle:
Prosecutors tend to have extraordinarily high conviction rates related to drug offenses. It is imperative to discuss your case with a leading attorney that can help you fight the charges and secure the most favorable disposition in your case.
Keep in mind that Illinois’s implied consent law presumes that all drivers are deemed to have given consent to chemical testing of breath, blood, urine, and/or another bodily substance if there is probable cause to believe the person is under the influence. Anyone who fails or refuses to submit to this chemical testing will be subjected to an administrative statutory summary suspension of their license. The suspension period will depend on whether the defendant has any prior failures or refusals:
Note that a driver fails a chemical test if the test shows:
Your future driving privileges and criminal record hang in the balance of a DUI charge. As a result, it is imperative that you work with a strategic DUI defense lawyer to plan your next steps in the legal process. In DUI cases, time is of the essence; the sooner you contact an attorney after the incident, the faster you can resolve your case, as we can take a closer look at the most recently available evidence.
Contact PMP Law Office online or at (309) 808-0562 to schedule a free consultation today. We will fight to protect your rights as a driver.
It is illegal to drive or be in “actual physical control” of a motor vehicle while:
An offender will face certain criminal penalties depending on the severity of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. More specifically, a defendant will incur the following penalties based on prior convictions:
Note that the penalties may increase under the following circumstances:
DUI offenders must also complete an alcohol/drug evaluation. If the evaluation indicates a substance abuse problem, the offender must subsequently complete a recommended treatment program. Some offenders may also be required to attend a victim impact panel. Be aware that the defendant is usually responsible for all the fees associated with the evaluation, treatment, and VIP.
Additionally, for second and subsequent convictions, the defendant will be required to hold a restricted driving permit (RDP) for 5 continuous years as a condition of obtaining full driving privileges after their license suspension. An RDP provides only limited driving privileges, such as commuting for work, school, medical appointments, and alcohol/drug treatment. An ignition interlock device (IID) must also be installed in the defendant’s vehicle for 5 years, and the defendant must pay $30 for each month they use the IID.
Class 1 felonies include offenses like burglary of a residence, school, or place of worship; criminal sexual assault; and second-degree murder. Class 1 felonies are punishable by 4-15 years (15-30 years for an extended term), as well as 2 years of mandatory supervision. Unless the defendant committed the offense while serving probation for a previous felony, a judge may impose probation or conditional discharge for up to 4 years.
Prison sentences for Class 2 felonies last between 3-7 years (7-14 years for an extended term) and up to 2 years of mandatory supervised release. The judge may also impose a sentence of periodic imprisonment (18-30 months) or up to 4 years of probation or conditional release.
Some examples of Class 2 felonies include:
Class 3 felonies generally carry a prison sentence of 2-5 years (5-10 years for an extended term), as well as 1 year of mandatory supervised release. Those convicted of a Class 3 felony may also be sentenced to periodic imprisonment for up to 18 months or to probation for up to 30 months.
Some crimes categorized as Class 3 felonies are:
Lastly, a Class 4 felony is usually punishable by 1-3 years in prison (3-6 years for an extended term) and 1 year of supervised release, as well as periodic imprisonment for a term of up to 18 months and/or up to 30 months of probation or conditional release. Note that crimes not categorized into a felony class will be considered Class 4 felonies.
The following are also examples of common Class 4 felonies:
If you have been charged with a felony in Illinois, it is critical that you consult an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your next legal steps. Keep in mind that, while the statute of limitations for crimes is generally 3 years, serious felonies like murder or sex crimes have no time limit. As a result, it is in your best interests to seek out an attorney as soon as possible to get started on your defense.
Crimes punished by at least 1 year in state prison or life imprisonment are felony crimes in Illinois. Illinois law groups felonies into different classes for the purposes of sentencing, where the most serious felonies are first-degree murder and Class X felonies, followed by Class 1 through Class 4.
Upon conviction, a defendant might face a range of sentences depending on the nature of the crime, such as:
Note that judges may sentence defendants to longer terms of imprisonment (extended terms) based on certain aggravating factors like when the defendant:
First-degree murder is its own class of felony in Illinois and the most serious. Anyone convicted of first-degree murder could face a sentence of 20-60 years in prison (60-100 years for an extended term). In the presence of certain aggravating factors, the sentence could be life in prison.
The next most serious class of felonies is Class X, which allocates prison sentences of 6-30 years (30-60 years for an extended term), as well as 3 years of mandatory supervised release. However, those convicted of a Class X felony may not be sentenced to periodic imprisonment, probation, or conditional release.
Some examples of Class X felonies are:
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are classified into three classes in order of seriousness – Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A misdemeanors are generally punishable by:
Some examples of Class A misdemeanors include:
Conviction of a Class B misdemeanor can result in a sentence of:
Common Class B misdemeanor crimes are:
The least serious misdemeanors in Illinois, Class C misdemeanors, will involve the following penalties:
Crimes that are considered Class C misdemeanors include:
If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Illinois, reach out to PMP Law Office for legal guidance on your next steps. Note that under the state’s statute of limitations, prosecutors may not file misdemeanor charges after 18 months from the date of the alleged crime. Our attorneys can take a look at your specific situation, whether you are facing Class A misdemeanor charges or Class C misdemeanor charges. We will do our best to argue for mitigated or dismissed charges in your defense and protect your rights in the criminal justice system.
In Illinois, misdemeanors are generally crimes punished by less than 1 year in a local or county jail. For certain misdemeanor crimes, judges may impose the following in addition to or instead of a jail sentence:
Any misdemeanor jail sentence must be a determinate sentence for a set period of time and must include a period of mandatory supervised release after release.
Be aware that some misdemeanor crimes may become felonies, such as:
Being accused of a sex crime can be crippling to your personal and professional life. If you are facing criminal charges, you need an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer that can help you understand your rights and work to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
At the PMP Law Office, we provide dedicated representation for individuals who have been accused of or are facing sex crime charges in Bloomington, Illinois. Attorney Jennifer Patton and Attorney Rachael Moore Perry have 45+ years of combined experience and are unafraid to take your case to trial. If you were arrested on a sex offense, contact our office to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Any criminal charges can damage a person’s reputation, but accusations of a sex crime can ruin a person’s life. Sex crimes are heavily prosecuted in Illinois and come with serious penalties upon conviction.
At the PMP Law Office, we provide legal representation for people accused of:
Our firm handles both misdemeanors and felonies. Attorney Jennifer Patton is a former prosecutor and public defender, well-versed in taking even the most challenging cases. She is a knowledgeable, hands-on advocate that will fight to protect your rights.
The penalties for sex offenses in Illinois depend on a number of factors, including the crime, the victim, and the criminal history of the alleged offender. For instance, a person convicted of criminal sexual assault could face penalties for a Class 1 felony. A Class 1 felony conviction is punishable by a prison sentence of 4 to 15 years and fines of $75 to $25,000.
In addition to high fines and the potential for jail or prison time, a person convicted of certain sex crimes could be required to register as a sex offender. Sex offense registration could have a long-lasting impact. It may affect where you are able to live, work, or volunteer.
There are several defenses that may apply to your case if you are accused of a sex crime in Illinois. Many of the defenses relate to a violation of a person’s constitutional rights. In order to determine what defenses may arise in your case, you need to speak with a sex crimes defense lawyer immediately.
Possible defenses in Illinois sex crime cases:
Sex crime cases should be handled by a lawyer with extensive experience. A conviction for even a low-level offense could shatter your life.
If you are arrested for a sex crime in Bloomington, you need to speak to an attorney. It is essential to remember that an arrest for a sex offense is not the same thing as a conviction, but it should be taken seriously.
If you are taken into custody, you should not give a statement. Instead, exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Too often, a person who is trying to prove their innocence ends up incriminating themselves even if they did not commit the crime. Remaining silent can help to ensure that your attorney can build a strong defense for your case.
Without the help of a skilled sex crimes lawyer, you could end up receiving the maximum sentence allowed by law. A sex crimes defense lawyer can help to prove your innocence or to negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of the charges. They can also make sure that your rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings.
The legal team at PMP Law Office will walk you through the process. They will provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions on your case, such as whether to accept a plea deal or to set your matter for trial in order to secure the most favorable disposition. It is always strongly recommended that you retain a lawyer for any criminal charges, but specifically, those that involve the severe penalties associated with a felony sex crime conviction.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated sexual assault claims can upend every aspect of your life. From limited career opportunities, to securing housing, even when accusations are proven false, the stigma behind the claim can still follow you.
When dealing with sexual assault claims, its imperative to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Navigating these accusations alone could result in worse penalties and punishments. At PMP Law Office, we believe in second chances. Our attorneys are relentless when it comes to justice. We understand the nuances of aggravated sexual assault cases and will fight to protect your rights.
In Illinois, sexual assault involves sexual penetration under threat or force, where the victim is unable to consent, or if the person holds a position of trust over the victim. Sexual assault is a Class 1 felony, however there are aggravating factors in sexual assault cases that would change the classification to a Class X felony.
Aggravating factors that elevate sexual assault to aggravated sexual assault include:
Each of these aggravating factors will affect the different potential penalties. The specific circumstances of your case will determine the severity of the charges and the possible sentence if convicted. It is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands these nuances and can fight for the best possible outcome.
Aggravated sexual assault in Illinois is considered a Class X felony, which means mandatory prison time. Probation for a Class X felony is absolutely prohibited and expungement is rarely seen.
Class X felonies carry potential fines of up to $100,000, along with:
As far as sentencing goes, the first conviction for aggravated sexual assault in Illinois ranges from 6-30 years in prison. However, if a firearm was used during the sexual assault, an additional 15 years to life may be added to your sentence. Any subsequent offense for aggravated sexual assault comes with a sentence of natural life in prison without probation.
Illinois also requires those convicted of aggravated sexual assault to register as a sex offender on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.
Being accused of a sex crime in Illinois can have devastating consequences, even if the allegations are false. It’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential defenses available to you. At the PMP Law Office, we provide dedicated representation for individuals who have been accused of or are facing sex crime charges in Bloomington, Illinois. Attorney Jennifer Patton has over 30 years of experience and is unafraid to take your case to trial.
Possible defenses for aggravated sexual assault include:
Traffic offenses are treated very seriously by Illinois law, especially incidents like driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. At PMP Law Office, we have been defending clients for nearly 30 years and are deeply familiar with both the Bloomington court system and state traffic laws. We will take a personalized approach to your defense as we fight to protect your driving privileges and argue your case for mitigated or dismissed traffic charges.
Juvenile Defense
As parents, we want to do everything we can to protect our children, including doing so after they make mistakes. When it comes to your child facing criminal charges, you want to ensure that they stay within the juvenile court system. As a juvenile, potentially being tried as an adult, could result in consequences that negatively impact their future.
If your child has been accused of a crime, ensure that they have an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney to help guide your family through the next steps in their case. Hiring a criminal defense attorney will ensure that you understand your child’s rights and protections in the juvenile justice system.
A strong criminal defense attorney will ensure that your child receives fair treatment and compassionate legal representation that will put their rights first. At PMP Law Office, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of juveniles in the criminal justice system. Contact us today to discuss your child’s situation to secure the best possible outcome for their future.
The juvenile justice system is designed to prioritize rehabilitation and programs as an alternative to detention or more severe punishments.
The juvenile justice system has some significant distinctions compared to the adult criminal justice system, such as:
The goal of juvenile court is to address the delinquent behavior by utilizing probation, counseling, community service, and diversion programs instead of sentencing harsh punishments. It is in the juvenile offender’s best interest to keep their case confidential, involve their parents or guardians, and attend informal juvenile court hearings that aim to set the child up on a path of rehabilitation that will not affect their future. By hiring an experienced juvenile rights attorney, you can prioritize their future by ensuring their court process is fair and just.
When your child is arrested on charges, you must act quickly to ensure they have representation as soon as possible. Immediately after their arrest, a probation officer will review the case and decide whether to let it go, place them under informal supervision, or petition the courts for a formal hearing. At that formal hearing, the court will be presented with a delinquency petition that asks the court to assume jurisdiction over the case. The judge will review the evidence and determine whether to admit or deny the delinquency petition.
The detention hearing will be within 24 hours of being booked, so it is vital to have an attorney present at the hearing as soon as possible for representation.
These hearings are called adjudicatory hearings, where the judge conducts them without a jury, and the state has to prove the allegations in the petition beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney can represent your child in these hearings. If the judge finds insufficient evidence or the defense has a strong enough case, then the case can be dismissed. A disposition hearing will be scheduled if the judge decides there is enough evidence that a delinquent act was committed.
If there is a disposition hearing, the attorney will work in the juvenile offender’s best interest to advocate for the best possible outcome regarding their disposition or “punishment.” The juvenile justice system can be complex to navigate and ensure that the child’s privacy as a minor is respected. When it comes to a disposition hearing for a minor in the criminal justice system, an attorney will be able to help your family understand all the possibilities and the long-term ramifications that can come from the juvenile legal system. If your child is facing a disposition hearing, you need the assistance of an experienced juvenile lawyer to protect their rights and ensure that the result is just.
During a child’s rebellious years, most juveniles don’t commit anything more than petty crimes and juvenile acts. However, getting a call from the police saying that your child has been arrested can be scary.
Common petty crimes and juvenile acts are:
Gateway crimes such as these are what the juvenile justice system is for when addressing the underlying issue and ensuring that there isn’t a full criminal trial for teenagers making mistakes or taking something just a little too far.
Juvenile criminal defense is all about preparing your child and ensuring that you have an open and honest conversation with them. If your child is ever in trouble with the law, there will be no time to speak with them and guide them before they are confronted. Having conversations with your child about this will ensure that your child is prepared for worst-case scenarios and will know to speak when you or a lawyer is present. As a parent, you should seek legal representation immediately and actively participate in the legal process to support your child through the case.
At PMP Law, our experienced criminal defense team will help your family explain the allegations and the repercussions of a delinquent conviction, advise you on the defense strategies and bargains, and ferociously negotiate for the most favorable outcome for your child. Your child’s defense rests in good hands with Patton Moore Perry Law. Contact us today if your child is facing delinquent charges.
