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Salem, IL Criminal Attorneys

Marion County Criminal Defense

Aggressively Defending Clients Against Criminal Charges

Call For a 100% Free Consultation at (618) 316-7322 

Email Us at jreeves@mtvernonlaw.com

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    Salem, IL Criminal Defense Lawyers – Olson & Reeves

    If you’ve been at the Marion County Courthouse before, there’s a good chance you’ve seen our criminal defense lawyers. We proudly fight for clients in Marion County and across southern Illinois facing criminal charges. In 2019, the Marion County State’s Attorneys Office filed over 483 felonies, 280 misdemeanors, and 105 DUI cases. In 2020, Marion County, Illinois prosecutors filed 375 felonies, 211 misdemeanors, and 94 DUI cases. Marion County State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth has vowed to be tough on crime and his office is notoriously tough. His first assistant prosecutor Melissa Doran has been prosecuting in Marion County for over 17 years and is an infamously tough prosecutor. Every week our criminal defense attorneys fight in the courtrooms at the Salem Courthouse, representing people facing charges just like the ones you’re facing now.

    We’re committed to you, your case, and protecting your rights. If you’re facing criminal charges, you need an experienced Salem, IL criminal lawyer who possesses the skills to achieve a successful outcome. Having the top Marion County criminal attorneys in your corner can make all the difference. Our of counsel Attorneys Eddie Veltman and Steve Quinn are Marion County legends and have been fighting for clients for over a combined 50 years. They now act as advisors for our Salem Defense Attorney Josh Reeves.

    Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

    We handle any type of criminal case, both felonies, and misdemeanors. Common types of cases we handle are:

    • DUI 
    • Drug & Narcotics Charges
    • Sex Crimes
    • Gun & Weapons Charges
    • Theft Crimes
    • Class X, 1, 2, 3, & 4 Felonies
    • Class A, B, & C Misdemeanors
    • Probation Violations
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Expungements & Criminal Record Sealing
    • Traffic Violations

    No matter what charges you are facing, we always offer 100% Free Confidential Case Evaluations!

    Prior Criminal Defense Case Results

    We don’t just talk a big game, we get results. A few examples of some of Josh’s case results for previous clients charged with criminal offenses:

    • Possession of Methamphetamine – Class X Felony – DISMISSED
    • Reckless Homicide – DISMISSED
    • Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm – Class 1 Felony – DISMISSED
    • Aggravated Battery – Class 3 Felony – DISMISSED
    • Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – DISMISSED
    • Possession of Meth – Class 3 Felony – DISMISSED
    • Domestic Battery (2 Counts) – DISMISSED
    • Domestic Battery – DISMISSED
    • Possession of Cannabis w/ Intent to Deliver – Class 1 Felony – Reduced to Misdemeanor
    • Cannabis Trafficking – Class X Felony – Reduced Charge to Class 4 First Offender Probation / No Felony Conviction Entered Against Our Client
    • Possession of Cannabis (Over 5000grams) – Class 1 Felony – Reduced Charge to Class 3 First Offender Probation / No Felony Conviction Entered Against Our Client
    • DUI – DISMISSED
    • Criminal Damage to Property – DISMISSED
    • Theft of Services – DISMISSED

    How Much Does It Cost To Retain You?

    Our prices vary on a case-by-case basis. However, we always do an initial Free Case Evaluation, to discuss your options, and whether we are a right fit for you, and after that consultation we are able to quote you an exact price. If you do hire us its always on a Flat Fee basis, meaning, you will know exactly how much it will cost you. We don’t bill by the hour on criminal cases and there aren’t any hidden fees.

    Meet Your New Criminal Defense Lawyer

    Here at Olson & Reeves, our partner Josh Reeves personally handles all our firm’s criminal cases. Josh’s passion is criminal defense work, and he fights every single day to protect the rights of those charged with crimes. Josh handles criminal & DUI cases in Fayette County as well as all over southern Illinois. Josh has defended multiple clients in jury and bench trials. Josh is continuing the legacy of providing superior criminal defense representation by our Of Counsel Attorneys Eddie Veltman & Steve Quinn. 

    Our Of Counsel Attorneys – A Tradition of Criminal Defense Excellence

    “Fast” Eddie Veltman – Eddie is a southern Illinois legend. He’s been practicing law since 1976.“ Fast” Eddie has handled criminal & DUI cases across southern Illinois. He’s taken 100 cases to jury trial with plenty of not guilty verdicts on his resume. Eddie is currently Of Counsel for Olson & Reeves and acts as an advisor to Josh Reeves on criminal cases.

    Steve Quinn- Steve enjoyed 33 plus years as a well-known attorney in his hometown of Salem. In the early years, Steve was Public Defender for Marion County for 9 years, then ventured into private practice.  His private practice was primarily criminal defense work where his true passion for the law laid. Through the years he tried several jury trials including at least 15 murder trials with a record of getting the defendant a lesser charge. Steve currently Of Counsel for Olson & Reeves and acts as an advisor to Josh Reeves on criminal cases.

    How We Can Help

    Our criminal attorneys understand how scary it can be after you’ve been charged with a crime. We know that you have a lot of questions, about the charges, the process, and your future. Josh helps too but these questions to rest. He has experience and knowledge when you need it most. Josh will be completely upfront and frank with you about the severity of your charges, and how he can help. Attorney Josh Reeves can help you get the best possible outcome, whether that means getting the case dismissed, going to a jury trial, or working out a reasonable plea with the State. Josh will go through all the evidence and file all the necessary motions to give you the best chance on your case. Your new criminal lawyer Josh Reeves is waiting to hear from you and evaluate your case completely free.

    Still Not Sure? Listen to Our Former Clients

    • Dylan D. – “Will fight for your rights and very personable, will be there when you need him.” 
    • Josh S. – “I just wrapped up a trial with Josh … Josh won a difficult case for me and more importantly he did it for a reasonable price. I thank him for the victory and the reasonable pricing.”
    • Chris E. – “Amazing results I highly recommend [Josh Reeves].  He took it out of my hands and took care of everything. He made me feel safe putting my young son[‘s] life in his hands. God forbid I have any more problems arise. But at least I know I have some where to turn.”
    • Arrie A. – “Josh was hired to represent a family member. He explained everything so that there was no room for error and handled everything promptly. I would recommend him to anyone!”
    • Kalon C. – “After weeks & weeks of the run around I was referred Mr. Reeves and he took care of things just like he said he would.”

    Salem, IL DUI Attorneys

    Arrested for a DUI in Marion County? Don’t just roll over. Fight your DUI and protect your driver’s license and future. What many people don’t understand about DUI charges is that there are two aspects to them, the actual criminal charge stemming from the arrest and the administrative sanctions from the Illinois Secretary of State associated with them. You risk losing your driver’s license as well as facing criminal penalties. This is why it’s imperative you have an experienced Salem, IL DUI lawyers on your side.  To learn more about our DUI defense practice, visit our DUI page by clicking here

    Arrested for Drug or Narcotics Charges? 

    Many people believe that the war on drugs is a relic of the 1980s and 1990s, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Southern Illinois law enforcement is constantly cracking down on drug users and sellers. Being charged with any kind of drug charge is serious, and the defendants facing these charges are looking at prison sentences that are frequently disproportionate to the crime they actually committed. If you’ve been arrested for drug charges, our Carbondale, IL Drug lawyers can help. We handle all drug and narcotics charges including:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver
    • Delivery of a Controlled Substance
    • Cannabis and Marijuana Charges
    • Methamphetamine Charges
    • Heroin and Fentanyl Charges
    • Prescription Pill Charges 

    Gun & Weapons Charges

    If you’re facing gun or weapons charges you need to act fast. Southern Illinois prosecutors across the board are cracking down on gun and deadly weapon offenders. Defendants facing these charges are looking at some of the most severe penalties of any type of Illinois criminal charge. Jackson County is no exception. We handle all gun and weapons cases including:

    • Possession of a Firearm without a Valid FOID Card
    • Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon
    • Unlawful Use of Weapons
    • Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm
    • Reckless Discharge of a Firearm
    • Aggravated Battery
    • Armed Robbery
    • Attempted Murder
    • Murder

    If you or a loved one are facing gun or weapons charges in Jackson County, Illinois, reach out today to speak to our Carbondale, IL Criminal Defense Attorney today to discuss your options.

    Sex Crimes

    Sex crimes are amongst the most serious types of offenses in the entire State of Illinois. The potential penalties are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences and being required to register as a sex offender. These charges can have lasting effects and can impact you for the rest of your life. However, sex offenses are amongst the hardest to prove for prosecutors. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney can be the difference between your freedom or spending years behind bars. We handle all Illinois sex offenses, including:

    • Criminal Sexual Abuse
    • Criminal Sexual Assault
    • Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
    • Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault
    • Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child
    • Solicitation

    Many people are embarrassed to even speak to a criminal defense lawyer. Bury those feelings immediately. Our Carbondale sex crimes defense lawyer has the experience you need in a time like this. Our criminal defense attorney is on your side and will discuss your options with you in a judgment-free consultation.

    Theft Crimes

    Being convicted of a theft crime can be disastrous for your future. Theft charges can lead to prison sentences and even if you aren’t sentenced to jail time, a conviction for a theft or “crime of dishonesty” can affect your ability to get a job in the future. We have a track record of success in theft crimes for our clients. We handle all Illinois theft crimes including:

    • Retail Theft
    • Burglary
    • Residential Burglary
    • Possession of Stolen Vehicle
    • Identity Theft
    • Unlawful Use of a Credit/Debit Card
    • Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person
    • Forgery

    Violent Crimes

    Violent crimes is a broad category of criminal offenses and can mean a variety of things. However, any kind of violent criminal offense can lead to serious jail time and have collateral consequences such as losing your FOID card. These charges are oftentimes emotional and prosecutors don’t feel like they have much wiggle room due to pressure from alleged victims and their families. If you’re facing any kind of criminal charge where the allegations are you harmed someone else, you need to seek our representation immediately. Our Carbondale criminal defense lawyers are here to help. We handle cases of alleged violence, including:

    • Assault
    • Battery
    • Domestic Battery
    • Aggravated Battery
    • Robbery
    • Armed Robbery
    • Murder

    Illinois Felonies – Potential Punishments & Sentences

    Any time you are facing felony charges, it’s serious. Having a felony conviction can be life-changing and you could be sent to the Illinois Department of Corrections. In Illinois, a felony is any criminal offense where you can be punished by one or more years in prison. Many felony charges in Illinois are probational, however, some are not. Having an experienced Illinois criminal defense lawyer on your side can be the difference between getting probation or going to prison. The breakdown of Illinois felonies and their potential sentencing ranges are:

    • Class 4 Felony: 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections
    • Class 3 Felony: 2 to 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections
    • Class 2 Felony: 3 to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections
    • Class 1 Felony: 4 to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections
    • Class X Felony: 6 to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections
    • Murder: 20 to 60 years (potentially more) in the Illinois Department of Corrections

    If you find yourself facing any kind of felony charge do not hesitate. Reach out to us to discuss your options during a 100% Free consultation.

    Probation Violations

    If you’re on probation and the State’s Attorneys Office files a Petition to Revoke Probation, commonly referred to as a “PTR”, then you are in danger. Whether it be because you were charged with a new offense, or had a technical violation such as a failed drug test, your back is against a wall. At a PTR hearing, the State does not have to prove you guilty by a reasonable doubt. The standard of proof is much lower, known as preponderance of the evidence. This is simply a legal term meaning that it is more likely than not that you committed the violation. If you are on probation and the State has filed a PTR, you need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

    Criminal Investigations

    Haven’t been charged with a crime yet but believe you will be? Are the police calling or knocking on your door wanting to speak to you? You should be reaching out to an experienced criminal defense attorney ASAP. There are many things that a criminal lawyer can do before charges have ever been filed. They can be your intermediary between yourself and the police. They can reach out to the State’s Attorneys Office to see the status of charges, and if charges are going to be filed, your lawyer can negotiate a time for you to turn yourself in instead of having police bust your door down with an arrest warrant and take you away in handcuffs. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer can also sometimes get out ahead of the charges and do their own investigation to try to nip the case in the bud. 

    Important Tip: Never ever talk to the police. They are not trying to help you. They are allowed to lie to you and they will do whatever is necessary to get a confession from you. Even if you are completely innocent, you gain nothing by talking to the police. You have the right to remain silent, use it. Let your criminal defense lawyer do all the talking.

    Not All Southern Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyers are Created Equal

    If you are facing any kind of criminal charges in Southern Illinois, you need the best representation possible. Don’t settle or sub-par representation. Many defense lawyers take a case with only the intention of getting a plea, and not with any intention of fiercely fighting your charges attempting to get them dismissed. Prosecutors aren’t dumb, they know this. These local State’s Attorneys Offices know these criminal defense attorneys, and having a defense lawyer the prosecutors know will never go trial can greatly affect your likelihood of success. 

    You need a Southern Illinois criminal defense attorney that prosecutors know will go to bat, and isn’t afraid to go to a jury trial. We pride ourselves on not being afraid to go to trial, and reviewing and researching every possible angle and outcome of your case to ensure that you get the absolute best result possible.

    Illinois Criminal Case Procedure – What to Expect

    If you have been arrested and are facing charges you most likely have a million questions. You may be unfamiliar with the court process and what you are walking into. Anxiety about court hearings a very real, but completely normal feeling. Having an experienced defense lawyer by your side to help guide you through the Illinois court process can be a massive load lifted off of your shoulders. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or high-level felony charge, the order of court proceedings doesn’t really change. The order of events for Illinois criminal cases look something like this:

    • Arrest: This stage is pretty self-explanatory. Law enforcement agents arrest an individual on the basis that there was probable cause to arrest a defendant based on the belief a crime was committed. 
    • Bond Hearings – These are also sometimes referred to as Bail Hearings. This is a hearing where the Judge sets a bond amount. This is a sum of money that is posted to assure the defendant’s appearance for all future court dates. The Judge will also set any other conditions of your release, such as no contact with a victim. — Important Note: As of 2021, the Illinois Legislature passed a Criminal Justice Reform Bill that will do away with the cash bond system by 2023. Illinois is the first State to do away with the cash bond system.
    • Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury Indictments: If you are charged with a felony, a preliminary hearing will be set. This is a hearing to determine whether or not their was probable cause to charge the defendant with a felony. Probable cause is a very low standard of proof, and this hearing is nearly impossible to win absent some incredibly neglectful work from law enforcement. In Illinois, a grand jury is a jury of 16 local citizens who determine whether probable cause exists to believe that the defendant committed the crime. If the grand jury determines that probable cause exists, then the defendant is charged by what is known as a True Bill of Indictment. A true bill of indictment supersedes a preliminary hearing, so it is possible and fairly common for a Preliminary Hearing to be set and then when a grand jury indictment comes down, the preliminary hearing is moot.
    • Arraignment: This is a hearing where the Judge formally reads the charges against the defendant and any possible penalties or sentences. At this hearing the defendant will either plead “guilty” or “not guilty”. Your defense lawyer will inform the court how you plead, which should always be “not guilty” unless a plea deal has already been reached by this point which is extremely unlikely. It is not uncommon for the arraignment stage to occur on the same day as a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment. Frequently, our criminal defense lawyers waive formal arraignment and just enter the plea of not guilty.
    • Discovery– This is arguably the most important stage of any criminal proceeding. During this period of time, the defense attorney reviews any evidence the prosecution has against the defendant. This evidence will include police reports, body cam or squad car footage, physical evidence, witness statements, or interrogation videos. During this stage the defense attorney will really get a feel for their chance at trial, and begin to cultivate a defense.
    • Pre-Trial: You will have court dates set for Pre-Trial Conferences or some courts refer to them as status hearings. For the defendant, these court dates are usually relatively uneventful, and they are just to inform the court of the status of the case. At these conferences, the defense lawyer and State will inform the court of any outstanding discovery issues, whether the parties are in active negotiations, or if the case needs to be set for trial. It is during this period that your attorney negotiates with the State, and does any investigation of their own.
    • Plea: Before the case goes to a trial, the defense and State can enter into a plea bargain. This means that the parties agree to specific terms amongst each other. A plea can be entered for a variety of reasons, including, the strength of evidence, the criminal record of the defendant, circumstances surrounding the incident, mitigating evidence of the defense. According to the innocence project, 97% of all criminal cases end in a plea bargain.
    • Trial: For the 3% or so of cases that do not end in a plea agreement, these cases will go to a trial. The defense gets to decide if they want a bench trial or a jury trial. A bench trial is exactly like a jury trial, same rules of evidence, the same standard of proof, the only difference being is that the Judge will decide guilt or innocence. A jury trial is made up of local citizens from around the county to decide based on the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The State always carries the burden of proof, and the prosecutors must prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
    • Verdict: At the conclusion of the trial, the judge in a bench trial, or the jury in a jury trial, makes a decision as to whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In a jury trial, ALL 12 jurors must be in agreement.
    • Sentencing Hearing: If the defendant is convicted at a trial or enters into what is known as an “open plea”, the judge will decide the sentence. At this hearing, the judge relies on information in a pre-sentence investigation report, or “PSI”, and also considers any aggravating evidence from the State, and any mitigating evidence from the defense.
    • Appeal: The defendant has the right to appeal a case after they enter into a plea or are convicted at a trial. However, the defendant must state in writing all the legal errors that occurred. An appeal will go to the Appellate Court to make a decision.

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