Understand what you are facing. Know your rights.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in the Peoria area, this free resource explains what the charges mean, how the court process works, and what Illinois law actually says — in plain language.
Find Information by Charge
Each page explains the charge under Illinois law, what the prosecution must prove, typical outcomes in Peoria County, and what your options are.
DUI / Drunk Driving
Illinois DUI law, the 90-day suspension hearing deadline, and what a first or repeat offense means in Peoria County.
Drug Charges
Possession, delivery, and trafficking under Illinois law — schedules, penalties, and Peoria County prosecution patterns.
Domestic Violence
Illinois mandatory arrest policy, orders of protection, and how domestic battery cases move through Peoria courts.
Assault & Battery
The difference between simple and aggravated assault in Illinois, and local sentencing patterns.
Theft & Burglary
From retail theft to home invasion — Illinois thresholds, felony classifications, and Tazewell County context.
Weapons Charges
FOID cards, unlawful use of a weapon, and concealed carry violations under Illinois law.
Juvenile Offenses
How juvenile court works in Peoria, sealing and expungement for minors, and guidance for parents.
Federal Crimes
When a charge goes federal, the Central District of Illinois, and what changes procedurally.
Traffic Offenses
Reckless driving, license suspension, and serious traffic charges beyond DUI in Peoria traffic court.
Probation Violations
What triggers a violation hearing in Illinois, and the risks of revocation in Peoria County.
Expungement & Record Clearing
Illinois eligibility rules, the timeline, and how to navigate the Peoria Circuit Clerk process.
All Charge Information →
See the full charges hub with explanations of every offense type covered by this resource.
Understand the System
Before you can make good decisions, you need to understand how the criminal process works in Illinois.
How the Criminal Process Works
Arrest, arraignment, discovery, plea negotiations, and trial — step by step, with Peoria courthouse specifics and Illinois statute citations.
Read the guide →Your Rights When Arrested
Miranda rights, the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, and what Illinois law says about your rights from the moment of arrest.
Read the guide →Working With a Public Defender
Most people charged with a crime in Illinois use a public defender. Here is what to expect, how to work with one effectively, and when you may want to consider other options.
Read the guide →Looking for Defense Counsel?
Practical guidance on evaluating Peoria-area criminal defense attorneys — local courthouse experience, the right questions to ask, and how to verify any Illinois lawyer.
Find a Peoria DUI Lawyer
How to evaluate Illinois DUI defense attorneys — the 90-day license hearing deadline, courthouse experience, and the right questions.
Find a Peoria Criminal Defense Lawyer
How to evaluate criminal defense counsel for any charge type — local experience, fee structures, and basic due diligence.
About This Resource
This site exists because most people charged with a crime in Peoria have no idea what is actually happening to them. The process is confusing, the language is technical, and the stakes are high.
Every page on this resource cites actual Illinois statutes, explains what the law says in plain language, and includes specific information about how cases are handled in Peoria County and Tazewell County courts. This is not generic legal information — it is written for the Peoria area.
This resource is free, independent, and does not provide legal advice. It is sponsored by Heart of Illinois Criminal Defense, a Peoria-area law firm whose attorney brings over 33 years of legal experience, representing clients in these courts.
More about this resource →Common Questions
What is the Peoria Criminal Defense Resource?
This is a free, independent public information site covering criminal charges, court procedures, and legal rights for people in the Peoria area. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Every page cites actual Illinois statutes and includes local Peoria County court information.
What counties does this resource cover?
This resource focuses primarily on Peoria County and Tazewell County, Illinois, including the cities of Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Washington, and surrounding communities. Many pages also reference Woodford County, which shares courthouse jurisdiction for some matters.
Should I get a lawyer if I am charged with a crime in Peoria?
Yes. Under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution, you have the right to counsel in any case where incarceration is possible. Even for misdemeanor charges, an attorney can identify defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights in ways that are very difficult to accomplish on your own.
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Peoria?
Stay calm and do not resist. Clearly invoke your rights by saying: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want an attorney." Under Illinois law, once you invoke these rights, police must stop questioning you. Do not attempt to explain yourself — anything you say can be used against you regardless of your intent.
How is this site funded?
This resource is sponsored by Heart of Illinois Criminal Defense, a Peoria-area criminal defense law firm whose attorney brings over 33 years of legal experience, representing clients in Peoria and Tazewell County courts. The content is written independently and is not advertising for the firm.