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And Punish Criminals
Specific divisions of criminal prosecution responsibilities are
as follows:
Felony Division
Recent Statistics from our Felony Division
Description
The felony division is responsible for prosecuting felony offenses committed
by adults (17 years and older) in McLean County. A felony offense is
a crime for which a defendant may be sentenced to a term of incarceration
of longer than one year. Examples of Felony Crimes of Violence are:
first degree murder, criminal sexual assault, Aggravated criminal sexual
abuse (of a child), aggravated battery, and armed robbery. Retail theft
over $150 and criminal damage to property over $300 are examples of
felony crimes against property.
Our Office Goals
Experienced attorneys in the office handle the most serious cases, from
charging to trial practice and appeals. The
more reasoned screening and uniform charging practices now in place
allow prosecutors to focus on the most serious and strongest cases which
will lead to higher conviction rates and fewer dismissals at trial.
With the increase in violent crimes, gang crimes and murder cases experienced
in McLean County over the last year, the focus of the office is to allocate
resources allowing us to vigorously prosecute violent offenders
Drug Prosecutions and Forfeitures
Felony drug prosecutions are a specialized assignment in the State’s
Attorney’s Office. These prosecutions usually involve dealers
and users of illegal drugs. The drug prosecutors also conduct forfeiture
hearings in which the state seizes money and property gained by and
used in the furtherance of drug offenses.
Child Advocacy
One of the goals of the felony division is to focus on cases with child
victims. A full-time prosecutor is assigned to handle child victim cases
from investigation through conviction and sentencing, thus allowing
child victims and their families to feel more comfortable with the prosecutor
assigned to their case. The felony division now works closely with the
Children’s Advocacy Center, and one prosecutor observes all child
interviews. Child victims and serious victims of sexual crimes offenses
are better served by having a full-time experienced prosecutor who is
trained to serve the needs of child victims in our community.
Misdemeanor Division
Description
The Misdemeanor Division is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor
offenses committed by adults in McLean County. A misdemeanor offense
is a crime for which a defendant may be sentenced to a term of incarceration
for less than one year.
The Misdemeanor Division is also responsible for prosecuting petitions
at mental health hearings. Mental health hearings involve petitions
for involuntary commitment of individuals who are mentally ill or developmentally
disabled who, because of that mental illness or disability, are unable
to care for their own basic needs or who present a danger to inflict
serious physical harm on themselves or others.
Misdemeanor Diversion Program
Our Office Goals
With the implementation of the court diversion program, first-time offenders
with non-serious misdemeanor arrests now have the opportunity to avoid
criminal charges with compliance in the program. The program administrator
tailors the requirements of the program to the individual and the crime
involved which leads to restorative justice and more community-based
punishment, i.e. community service work. The program allows prosecutors
to focus limited courtroom resources on the more serious misdemeanor
cases and repeat offenders.
Purpose:
This program is intended to promote effective use of judicial, prosecutorial
and county resources by allowing first-time offenders an opportunity
to avoid court cases and appearances by completing the Diversion Program.
Basic Eligibility:
This program is intended to include first-time offenders who are charged
with non-violent offenses. A participant must have no prior criminal
history or arrests, including DUI charges.
Non-Qualifiers: There are certain cases that are automatically disqualified
from the program. They are as follows: domestic violence cases, DUI
cases, cases with injuries, cases involving weapons, and cases where
defendant has prior criminal history.
DUI and Major Traffic Division
The DUI and Major Traffic division is responsible for the prosecution
of all DUI and related statutory summary suspension cases. This division
also prosecutes all jailable traffic offenses as well as felony traffic
matters.
Traffic Division
The Petty Traffic Division is responsible for the prosecution of non
jailable violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
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