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Former Prosecutor

Nearly a decade as a prosecutor — rose to Chief of the Criminal Bureau.

You Get Erin

No hand-offs. Erin handles every step of your case personally.

50+ Trials

Cases tried to verdict across every category of criminal defense.

ABOUT THE FIRM

Belleville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Getting arrested doesn’t just mean facing criminal charges. Those criminal charges threaten your career, family, and freedom. Whether you were arrested on suspicion of DUI, violent crimes, drug charges, theft, or violent crimes, you need a Belleville criminal defense attorney to help you fight back against the prosecution.

The Conner Law Firm provides aggressive criminal defense representation in Belleville and St. Clair County, Illinois, led by former prosecutor Erin K. Conner who brings 15+ years of trial experience and insider knowledge of how the prosecution builds its case. Our understanding of what happens on the prosecution side of things is an asset we use to build a strong defense to fight these charges and preserve your freedom.

“I’ve sat on both sides of the courtroom. I know how prosecutors build their cases, and I know how to take them apart. When your future is on the line, you deserve someone who will fight like it’s personal — because to me, it is.”

– Erin K. Conner, Founder

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

CALL (618) 277-2421

Why Choose a Former Prosecutor for Your Defense?

Choosing a defense attorney is a smart move when facing any kind of criminal charge. Even smarter, choosing a former prosecutor gives you distinct advantages over choosing other defense lawyers:

Insider Insight and Strategy: Only a former prosecutor knows how other prosecutors think and function. They can anticipate their strategies and pinpoint weak areas in a case.
Case Evaluation: Defense attorneys who served on prosecution can quickly analyze a case to find any flaws in evidence or procedural errors police have made, which could lead to charges being dropped.
Trial and Courtroom Experience: Having handled numerous cases on the prosecution side, they are seasoned at trial and comfortable in the courtroom.
Negotiation Skills: Former prosecutors often have established relationships with law enforcement and other prosecutors, which can often work out with favorable plea negotiations.
Anticipating Tactics: These defense lawyers know the pressure current prosecutors face and how they decide to bring charges, allowing for proactive, strategic preparation of defense.

Erin K. Conner spent 8 years as an ASA in St. Clair County, including supervising the Violent Crimes Unit. As a former prosecutor with trial experience, she charged hundreds of cases. This inside knowledge of how prosecutors build their case has shaped the way she provides defense to the accused.

She has insider knowledge of plea negotiation strategies, evidence weaknesses, and courtroom tactics. Now with over 50 trials to verdict with countless acquittals, she knows how to bring aggressive defense to help her clients.

When facing criminal charges, hiring a Belleville criminal defense lawyer is essential. Don’t rely on a public defender who is overburdened with cases or an attorney who doesn’t know the ins and outs of how prosecution works from the inside. Choose the Conner Law Firm to get the strongest defense against these charges.

WHAT WE HANDLE

Criminal Defense Practice Areas
We Handle

DUI Defense

While a first-time DUI in Illinois is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor, it can become an aggravated felony DUI for repeat offenses, if it causes someone else injury, or happens with a child in the car. Our Belleville DUI defense lawyer fights to minimize penalties of jail time, fines, and suspension of driving privileges.

Violent Crimes

Murder, armed robbery, home invasion, and aggravated battery are violent crimes that Illinois law treats with severity. Mandatory prison sentences, particularly when firearms are involved, are a common punishment. With a violent crimes defense attorney in Belleville from our firm, we handle these high stakes charges, fighting to protect you from lengthy prison terms and challenging mandatory enhancement penalties.

Domestic Violence

From domestic battery to stalking, a first offense of domestic violence charges is often put as a Class A misdemeanor. Erin uses her former prosecution experience to provide strong domestic violence defense in Belleville.

Sex Offenses

Sex offenses in particular carry a major stigma around them. If convicted, you may face mandatory prison sentences ranging from 4 to 15 years to life. Many people who are arrested on these charges are falsely accused or misidentified. Our vigorous defense against these allegations can help clear your good name and protect your career standing.

Weapons Charges

Illinois has strict gun laws, and our criminal defense law firm often sees clients who face charges for Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (AUUW). Our defense focuses on where the prosecution will focus to find a clear path for reducing charges or dismissal.

Drug Crimes

From possession to manufacturing and delivery, Erin has seen illegal searches and seizures that can challenge these accusations and prevent the loss of your freedom.

Theft and Property Crimes

Convictions for theft and property crimes are among those that can impact your future employment. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence to protect you from having retail thefts and burglaries on your record.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors may seem like lower-level offenses but they can still result in jail time and large fines. Whether you’re accused of simple assault or battery, we work to secure outcomes like court supervision instead of harsher penalties.

Traffic Offenses

When you’re charged with committing serious traffic violations like driving on a suspended license, leaving the scene, or reckless driving, you can face mandatory imprisonment or loss of driving privileges for an extended term. Erin fights to ensure her clients maintain their ability to drive and avoid the serious consequences associated with felony traffic offenses.

Juvenile Defense

Those under the age of 18 often make errors in judgment that could follow them around for the rest of their lives. The Conner Law Firm provides juvenile defense and expungement and record sealing in Belleville to give juvenile defendants the best chance at learning from their mistakes and moving into adulthood with freedom.

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Belleville and St. Clair County, IL, get the aggressive defense you need backed by former prosecutor knowledge from Erin K. Conner to protect your legal rights.

View All Practice Areas

Facing Criminal Charges in St. Clair County or Southern Illinois?

Don’t wait. The earlier you have an experienced defense attorney reviewing your case, the stronger your position.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

CALL (618) 277-2421

YOUR DEFENSE STRATEGY

How Our Criminal Defense Process Works

After an arrest, that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the line. The Conner Law Firm immediately gets to work on your behalf from start to finish in the criminal defense process. Working with Erin K. Conner ensures you’re in good hands.

Here is what you can expect from our criminal defense process:

STEP01

Free, Confidential Consultation

Contact The Conner Law Firm for a free consultation that is always completely confidential. We will review your charges, conduct an evidence review, and look for options in your defense.

STEP02

Investigation

After a thorough evidence review of what the prosecution has, your Belleville criminal defense attorney interview witnesses, review police reports, and gather any additional evidence that could help reduce charges or even fully clear your name.

STEP03

Pre-Trial
Motions

Certain evidence may have been obtained unlawfully, and we can file motions to have it suppressed, which may even work to dismiss these charges.

STEP04

Negotiation or
Trial

Whether a plea deal is in your best interest or seeing what the verdict is at trial, The Conner Law Firm always works to pursue your best possible outcome.

When you choose The Conner Law Firm, you’re not leaving anything to chance. Many firms pawn you off on a paralegal or associate. Here, you get Erin herself to defend you, armed with her extensive knowledge from working on the prosecution side to level the playing field.

CASE OUTCOMES

Criminal Defense Case Results in St. Clair
County & Southern Illinois

Real outcomes from real cases. Every case is different — these results reflect the aggressive preparation and courtroom skill Erin brings to every client.

Not Guilty

First Degree Murder