Violent Crimes
Attempted Murder
NOT GUILTY
Took an attempted murder case to trial and secured a complete not guilty verdict from the jury.
Swansea cases are filed at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Belleville. Most violent-crime arrests in Swansea originate with Swansea PD and involve domestic incidents, bar fights, or weapons recovered during traffic stops. Each scenario calls for a different defense approach.
Domestic battery cases continue even when the alleged victim recants — the prosecution belongs to the State, not the complaining witness. Defense focuses on the actual evidence: 911 audio, body-cam footage, scene photographs, medical records, and any prior false reports.
Order of Protection hearings frequently accompany domestic battery filings in St. Clair County. These civil proceedings affect housing, custody, and FOID status, and the firm defends them in parallel with the underlying criminal case.
Full Violent Crime Defense practice overviewStrategic defense for assault, battery, domestic violence, and weapons-related allegations.
Violent crime allegations carry the harshest sentencing in Illinois and the most aggressive prosecution. Aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, robbery, aggravated robbery, home invasion, and unlawful use of weapons by a felon all carry mandatory prison time on conviction, and many fall under the 85% truth-in-sentencing regime. The defense must match the stakes.
These cases frequently hinge on witness credibility, identification, and self-defense. The firm investigates independently — interviewing witnesses, securing surveillance footage, obtaining 911 audio, and retaining forensic experts where the State's narrative depends on physical evidence. Inconsistent witness accounts, prior false reports, and motive to fabricate are documented and used at trial.
Violent Crime Defense cases from Swansea are typically heard at the St. Clair County Courthouse. The firm appears in this courthouse regularly and is familiar with its judges, prosecutors, and procedures.
Decades of appearances in St. Clair County courthouses. Familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and local procedures that shape your case.
Your case is handled by Cheryl Whitley personally — not handed off to associates or paralegals. Direct communication from intake to resolution.
Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial. That preparation drives better plea negotiations and stronger outcomes at every stage.
Emergencies don't wait for business hours. The firm is reachable when you need guidance most — including evenings and weekends.
Took an attempted murder case to trial and secured a complete not guilty verdict from the jury.
Mitigation package and witness investigation led to a reduction from aggravated to simple battery with probation.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Confidential consultation for violent crime defense matters across St. Clair County. Share a few details and Cheryl will respond personally — typically within one business day.