When you face murder charges, the stakes could not be higher. A conviction can result in decades of imprisonment or even a life sentence. Your freedom, your family, and your future depend on having aggressive legal representation from someone who understands the complexities of violent crime defense. Our Bloomington murder defense lawyers have defended clients facing murder charges for 45 years. We know how to challenge the prosecution’s case, protect your constitutional rights, and fight for the best possible outcome in your situation.
Understanding Murder Charges in Illinois
Illinois law distinguishes between first-degree murder and second-degree murder, and the differences matter significantly for your defense and potential sentence.
First-degree murder under Illinois law requires proof of one of three elements: (1) you intentionally killed another person with intent to kill or cause great bodily harm; (2) you knew your actions created a strong probability of death; or (3) the death occurred during the commission of a forcible felony (felony-murder rule). The prosecution must prove one of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt. (720 ILCS 5/9-1)
Second-degree murder applies when you intentionally kill someone under mitigating circumstances: either (1) you acted in sudden, intense passion resulting from serious provocation, or (2) you reasonably believed the victim was about to use unlawful force against you. (720 ILCS 5/9-2)
Illinois also recognizes felony murder, where a death occurs during the commission of a forcible felony, including but not limited to robbery, burglary, rape, arson, and other forcible felonies as defined by law. Under this rule, you can be convicted of murder even if you did not intend to kill anyone and did not personally cause the death. This is why understanding the specific charges against you is essential to your defense strategy.
Sentencing Penalties for Murder Convictions
The penalties for murder convictions in Illinois are severe and depend on the specific charge:
- First-degree murder: mandatory minimum of 20 years, standard range of 20 to 60 years, with possible natural life imprisonment in certain circumstances
- Second-degree murder: 4 to 20 years of imprisonment
- Felony murder: same as first-degree murder (20 years to life)
Understanding which charge applies to your situation and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence are critical first steps. This is why immediate legal representation matters. The decisions you make in the hours and days after an arrest can affect your entire case.
Our Approach to Murder Defense
Every murder case is unique, and your defense must be tailored to the specific facts and evidence. We begin by conducting a thorough, independent investigation, as well as reviewing police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and all discovery materials. We also look for inconsistencies, procedural errors, and constitutional violations that may have occurred during the investigation or arrest.
Our Investigation and Defense Strategy
Our defense process includes several key components designed to protect your rights and build the strongest possible case:
- Independent investigation beyond police work, including hiring investigators and forensic experts
- Examination of physical evidence and testing of forensic conclusions
- Location and interview of witnesses who may support your defense
- Scrutiny of police procedures for constitutional violations and unlawful searches
- Review of Miranda rights compliance and interrogation procedures
- Analysis of witness identifications and credibility challenges
- Development of alternative explanations for prosecution evidence
We challenge the prosecution’s evidence aggressively. Did police conduct an unlawful search? Were your Miranda rights violated? Is the forensic evidence reliable? Are witness identifications questionable? We scrutinize every aspect of the police investigation for constitutional violations. Was there probable cause for your arrest? Did police obtain a valid search warrant? Were your Miranda rights properly explained? Any violation of your constitutional rights can result in evidence being excluded from trial, which may weaken or destroy the prosecution’s case.
We also explore all available defense strategies. Self-defense claims, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of intent, and challenges to forensic testimony are just some of the approaches we may pursue depending on your circumstances. Based on our investigation and the evidence, we develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. We discuss all options with you and work together to determine the best path forward. We prepare your case for trial while simultaneously exploring negotiation options that might result in reduced charges or sentences.
Violent Crime Defense Services
Bruno Law Offices represents clients facing all types of violent crime charges, including murder, manslaughter, assault, battery, and domestic violence. Our services span every stage of the criminal process.
Defense at Every Stage of Criminal Proceedings
We protect your rights from the moment police contact you through trial and beyond:
- Police investigation and interrogation: We advise you on speaking with the police and protecting your Fifth Amendment rights
- Bail and bond hearings: We present arguments for your release and work to secure favorable conditions (725 ILCS 5/110-5)
- Preliminary hearings and arraignments: We protect your rights at every court appearance
- Trial defense: We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, cross-examine prosecution witnesses, and present evidence supporting your defense
- Post-conviction relief: We pursue appeals based on trial errors, ineffective assistance of counsel, or newly discovered evidence
Before charges are filed, police may seek to question you. We protect your rights during this critical phase. We advise you on whether to speak with the police and, if you choose to do so, we may be present during questioning, and we make sure the police follow proper procedures and do not coerce or manipulate you into making statements.
After an arrest, a bail hearing determines whether you will be released pending trial and under what conditions. For serious charges like murder, bail can be substantial or denied entirely. We present arguments for your release, highlighting your ties to the community, employment, family, and lack of flight risk. We work to secure the most favorable bail conditions possible.
If your case proceeds to trial, we mount a vigorous defense. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the prosecution’s witnesses through cross-examination, present evidence supporting your defense, and argue your case persuasively to the jury. Our trial experience means we know how to present complex evidence clearly and effectively.
If you are convicted, we do not abandon you. We pursue post-conviction relief based on ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or other grounds. We also handle appeals, identifying trial errors and presenting compelling arguments for reversal or resentencing to appellate courts. Our appellate experience means we know how to identify trial errors and present compelling arguments for reversal or resentencing.
Why Choose Bruno Law Offices for Your Murder Defense
Facing murder charges requires more than a generic criminal defense attorney. You need a firm with deep experience in violent crime cases, proven trial skills, and the resources to mount a comprehensive defense. Bruno Law Offices brings all of this to your case.
Our firm has exclusively focused on criminal defense since 1980. We are not part-time criminal lawyers juggling other practice areas. Our team includes Anthony Bruno, a Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel member, and Evan Bruno, a former Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court clerk with extensive appellate experience. This combination of trial and appellate experience means we can defend you at every stage, from investigation through trial and beyond. We serve clients in Bloomington, Normal, and throughout McLean County with immediate availability and personal attention from experienced Bloomington criminal defense attorneys who understand the local court system.
Our Track Record in Violent Crime Defense
Bruno Law Offices has successfully defended clients facing some of the most serious violent crime charges, including murder. Our experience covers a wide range of violent offenses, and our clients have achieved significant results:
- Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child – jury verdict of NOT GUILTY
- Predatory criminal sexual assault of a child – charges dismissed
- Aggravated battery charge dismissed when we demonstrated the client acted in self-defense
- Domestic battery charges dismissed after we showed the client attempted to revive their partner
This broad experience in violent crime defense, from sexual assault to weapons charges to assault and battery, shows our ability to handle complex investigations, aggressive prosecution, and high-stakes cases. When your freedom is at risk, you need attorneys who have successfully defended clients against the most serious charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm arrested for murder?
Remain calm and do not resist arrest. Do not answer questions from the police. Clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney, and then remain silent. Do not consent to searches of your person, vehicle, or home. Contact 309-861-9960 immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the better we can protect your rights.
How much does a murder defense cost?
Murder cases are complex and require significant attorney time and resources. Costs vary depending on the specific charges, complexity of evidence, and whether the case goes to trial. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and explain our fee structure.
Can murder charges be dismissed?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence, if your constitutional rights were violated during investigation or arrest, or if procedural errors occurred. We investigate every case thoroughly to identify grounds for dismissal. Even if dismissal is not possible, we work to reduce charges or negotiate favorable plea agreements.
What's the difference between murder and manslaughter?
Murder requires intent to kill. Manslaughter applies when you cause someone’s death without intent to kill—either through reckless conduct (involuntary manslaughter) or in the heat of passion (voluntary manslaughter). The distinction affects sentencing significantly. Manslaughter sentences are generally much lower than murder sentences. Learn more about involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide.
What are my rights during police questioning?
You have the right to remain silent (Fifth Amendment, U.S. Constitution). You have the right to an attorney. Police must stop questioning once you request an attorney. You do not have to consent to searches (Fourth Amendment, U.S. Constitution). You do not have to take a polygraph test. Exercising these rights is not an admission of guilt—it is a protection of your constitutional rights. We strongly advise invoking these rights immediately.
How long does a murder case take?
Murder cases typically take longer than other criminal cases. The investigation phase alone can take months. Court proceedings, discovery disputes, and trial preparation add additional time. Some cases resolve within a year; others take two years or more. We keep you informed throughout the process and work efficiently to move your case forward.
Contact our Murder Defense Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one faces murder charges in Bloomington, Normal, or McLean County, contact our Bloomington murder defense attorneys immediately. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Call 309-861-9960 today. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin your defense. Your freedom is too important to wait.