If you were arrested or charged in East Peoria, the first thing to know is where your case will be heard. East Peoria sits in Tazewell County, across the Illinois River from Peoria, so most East Peoria cases go to the Tazewell County Courthouse in Pekin, not the Peoria County Courthouse downtown. The Peoria Criminal Defense Resource is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. This page explains how to choose an East Peoria criminal defense attorney with that in mind.
Which Courthouse Handles an East Peoria Case?
Charges from an arrest in East Peoria are filed in Tazewell County and heard at the Tazewell County Courthouse, 342 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554, (309) 477-2214. If the arrest happened on the Peoria side of the river, the case belongs to Peoria County and is heard at the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main Street, Peoria. Both counties are part of the Tenth Judicial Circuit, but they have separate courthouses, separate State's Attorney's offices and separate dockets. Check the county on your ticket, pretrial release paperwork or notice to appear before you call anyone.
What to Look For in an East Peoria Criminal Defense Attorney
Regular appearances in Pekin
Ask any candidate how often they appear at the Tazewell County Courthouse. A lawyer who is there every week knows how the Tazewell County State's Attorney's office handles your type of charge and what the judges expect. Familiarity with the Peoria courthouse alone is not the same thing.
Experience with your charge
DUI, drug, domestic battery, theft and weapons cases each turn on different procedures. Match the attorney to the charge. The charge pages on this site, such as DUI, drug charges and domestic violence, explain what the State has to prove.
Who will actually handle the case
Ask whether the attorney you meet will be the one standing next to you in Pekin, or whether an associate will cover court dates.
A clear fee in writing
Ask what the fee covers, whether it includes trial, and whether motions are extra. Get it in writing before you hire anyone.
Questions to Ask Any East Peoria Criminal Defense Attorney
- How many cases like mine have you handled in Tazewell County in the last year?
- Will you personally appear at my court dates in Pekin?
- What is your fee, and does it include a trial?
- What deadlines apply to my case right now (for example, a DUI license hearing)?
- How will you keep me informed between court dates?
Verify any Illinois lawyer's license and public discipline record at IARDC.org before you hire them.
If You Cannot Afford a Private Attorney
If you cannot afford counsel, you can ask the court to appoint the public defender at your first appearance. See Working With a Public Defender for what to expect.
The Sponsoring Firm Behind This Resource
If you are evaluating attorneys for a criminal matter in the Peoria area, Ms. Williams is one option to consider. The Peoria Criminal Defense Resource does not represent that Ms. Williams is the right attorney for every case — that determination is yours, based on consultation, evaluation, and the specific facts of your matter. You can reach the firm through heartofillinoiscriminaldefense.com.
Frequently Asked Questions: East Peoria Criminal Defense
Where is my East Peoria case heard?
Most East Peoria cases are filed in Tazewell County and heard at the Tazewell County Courthouse, 342 Court Street, Pekin. If you were arrested on the Peoria side of the river, the case is in Peoria County instead.
Do I need a lawyer who knows Tazewell County?
It helps. Tazewell County has its own State's Attorney's office, judges and docket. An East Peoria criminal defense attorney who appears in Pekin regularly will know how your type of case is usually handled there.
Can a Peoria lawyer handle my East Peoria case?
Yes. Any licensed Illinois attorney can appear in Tazewell County. Ask how often they do, because local familiarity affects day-to-day handling of the case.
How do I check an East Peoria criminal defense attorney's record?
Search the attorney's name at IARDC.org, the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. It shows license status, year of admission and any public discipline.