Criminal Defense Attorney in Springfield, IL

Criminal Defense in Springfield, IL

Arrested, Charged, or Under Investigation?

Andrew Affrunti defends clients in Springfield, Sangamon County, and Central Illinois against DUI, drug charges, theft, domestic battery, weapons charges, warrants, probation violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. If you were arrested, charged, questioned, or told you are under investigation, get legal guidance before making important decisions about your case.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation Call 217-528-2183

Quick Answer

If you are facing criminal charges in Springfield, IL, a criminal defense attorney can review the charge, arrest, police reports, searches, statements, evidence, release conditions, and upcoming court proceedings. Andrew Affrunti represents clients in Springfield and Sangamon County in misdemeanor, felony, DUI, drug, theft, domestic battery, weapons, warrant, probation, and criminal traffic cases.

What a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Do After an Arrest

The first 24 hours after an arrest or investigation matter. This is when the case begins to take shape, often before you fully understand what you are facing.

Early defense work depends on the facts of the case, but it may include:

Reviewing the exact criminal charge
Examining the circumstances of the arrest
Identifying upcoming court dates
Reviewing pretrial release conditions
Evaluating searches, seizures, and probable cause
Preserving potentially useful evidence
Reviewing statements made to police
Preparing for early Sangamon County court proceedings

The immediate goal is to understand the State’s allegations and identify legal or factual issues before major decisions are made.

Misdemeanor Defense in Springfield, IL

A misdemeanor charge in Illinois is less serious than a felony, but it can still affect your record, job, license, housing, and future opportunities. Common misdemeanor cases include DUI, theft, battery, disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license, and some drug-related charges.

If you are facing a misdemeanor in Springfield or Sangamon County, do not treat the case as “minor.” A conviction can follow you long after court ends. Andrew Affrunti reviews the facts, police reports, evidence, witness statements, and possible defenses before helping you decide the next step.

Felony Defense in Springfield, IL

A felony charge carries more serious consequences than a misdemeanor. Depending on the charge, a felony conviction can lead to prison time, probation, heavy fines, firearm restrictions, employment problems, and a permanent criminal record.

Felony cases often require early defense work. That includes reviewing whether police had legal grounds for the stop, arrest, search, questioning, or seizure of evidence. If you are charged with a felony in Springfield, Sangamon County, or Central Illinois, contact a criminal defense attorney before speaking with prosecutors or making decisions in court.

Criminal Cases Andrew Affrunti Handles

Andrew Affrunti represents clients in a wide range of criminal defense matters.

Criminal Charge	How Andrew Helps
DUI and drunk driving	Reviews traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breath tests, refusals, and license issues.
Drug possession and distribution	Reviews searches, possession evidence, substance type, amount, and police conduct.
Domestic battery	Reviews statements, witness issues, no-contact conditions, and possible defenses.
Theft and burglary	Reviews intent, evidence, value, identification, and possible reduction options.
Weapons charges	Reviews possession, FOID issues, search legality, ownership, and restricted-location facts.
Warrants and probation violations	Helps clients address court issues before the situation gets worse.

What to Do After an Arrest in Springfield, IL

After an arrest:

1. Keep your arrest, release, and court paperwork.
2. Confirm your next court date.
3. Follow all pretrial release conditions.
4. Avoid discussing the allegations with witnesses or alleged victims.
5. Preserve relevant messages, photos, video, and other evidence.
6. Avoid posting about the case online.
7. Have the charge and evidence reviewed before making major case decisions.

The early stage of a criminal case often creates the best opportunity to challenge evidence, address release conditions, and shape the direction of the case. For more guidance, read what a criminal defense lawyer wants you to know after a first arrest.

Why Early Case Review Can Matter

Early review may help identify:

An unlawful traffic stop
An unlawful search or seizure
Problems with police questioning
Weak identification evidence
Missing or inconsistent witness statements
Testing or evidence-handling issues
Problems proving knowledge or intent
Errors in the charging allegations

Local Criminal Defense in Springfield and Sangamon County

Many Springfield criminal cases are handled through the Sangamon County court system.
Depending on the case, proceedings may involve:

– A first appearance
– Pretrial release or detention issues
– Arraignment
– Discovery
– Pretrial motions
– Negotiations
– Evidentiary hearings
– Trial preparation

Andrew Affrunti represents clients facing criminal charges in Springfield and Sangamon County and helps them understand upcoming court dates, the allegations, the evidence, and available defense options.
The exact process depends on the charge and case history, so not every case follows the same sequence.

Misdemeanor and Felony Defense

Illinois criminal charges are generally classified as misdemeanors or felonies.

Misdemeanors can still result in jail, fines, probation, court supervision when legally available, license consequences, and a criminal record.

Felonies carry more serious potential consequences and may involve imprisonment, probation, fines, firearm restrictions, and other collateral effects.

The classification alone does not determine the defense strategy. Police conduct, witness evidence, intent, possession, identification, testing, searches, and other facts may become more important than whether the case is initially labeled a misdemeanor or felony.

DUI Defense in Springfield, IL

DUI cases can involve both a criminal prosecution and separate driver’s-license consequences. Important issues may include the legality of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing, refusal consequences, body-camera footage, and prior DUI history.

If you were arrested for drunk driving, a DUI defense attorney in Springfield, IL can review the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath test, refusal issues, and license consequences before your case moves further.

Drug Charge Defense

Drug cases often turn on how police found the substance, who possessed or controlled it, what substance was involved, the amount, and whether prosecutors allege possession or distribution.

Andrew Affrunti reviews whether police had a lawful basis for the stop, search, arrest, and seizure. If your case started with a vehicle search, read when police can search your car during a traffic stop in Illinois.

Weapons Charge Defense

Weapons cases may involve firearms, knives, Tasers, FOID issues, prohibited weapons, restricted locations, or disputed possession. Vehicle and property searches can also become central issues.

If police found a weapon in a vehicle, shared home, bag, or storage area, the defense should review whether the State has enough evidence to prove possession. If a weapon was found during a stop, read what happens if police find a weapon during a traffic stop in Illinois.

Why Choose Andrew Affrunti for Criminal Defense in Springfield?

Choosing a criminal defense attorney involves more than finding someone who appears in criminal court.

Andrew Affrunti offers:

18+ years of legal experience
Illinois criminal defense experience
Representation in Springfield and Sangamon County
Direct attorney involvement
Defense for misdemeanor and felony cases
Experience reviewing searches, arrests, statements, testing, and other evidence
Representation from early court proceedings through motions, negotiations, or trial when necessary

Every criminal case is different. Defense strategy should be based on the charge, evidence, procedural history, and the client’s priorities rather than a predetermined outcome.

Areas Andrew Affrunti Serves in Central Illinois

Andrew Affrunti represents clients throughout Central Illinois, including:

Sangamon County
Christian County
McLean County
Macon County
Tazewell County
DeWitt County
Logan County
Mason County

Shelby County
Menard County
Cass County
Morgan County
Macoupin County
Bond County
Fayette County

If your arrest or investigation occurred in one of these areas, legal help is available.

Facing Criminal Charges in Springfield, Illinois?

Andrew Affrunti represents clients facing DUI, drug charges, theft, domestic battery, weapons allegations, warrants, probation violations, misdemeanors, felonies, and criminal traffic cases in Springfield and Sangamon County. A consultation can help you understand the charge, upcoming court proceedings, evidence, and possible defense issues.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Call 217-528-2183

Related Criminal Defense Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I contact a criminal defense attorney in Springfield, IL?

You may want to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested, charged, questioned about a suspected crime, notified of an investigation, or given a court date. Early review can help identify deadlines, release conditions, evidence issues, and possible defenses.

What does a criminal defense attorney do after an arrest?

A criminal defense attorney may review the charge, arrest, police reports, witness statements, searches, statements, release conditions, and other evidence; explain the court process; identify possible defenses; communicate with prosecutors when appropriate; and prepare for hearings, motions, negotiations, or trial.

Should I speak to police if I want to explain my side?

You should be cautious about discussing the allegations with police without legal advice. Statements made during an investigation may later be used as evidence, even when you intended only to explain what happened.

Where are criminal cases handled in Springfield, Illinois?

Many Springfield criminal cases are handled through the Sangamon County court system. The exact courthouse, courtroom, and procedure depend on the charge and case.

Do I need an attorney for a misdemeanor in Illinois?

An attorney is not legally required in every misdemeanor case, but misdemeanor charges can still involve jail, fines, probation, court supervision when available, license consequences, and a criminal record. Legal advice can help you understand the charge and available options.

Can a criminal defense attorney get criminal charges dismissed?

A defense attorney may seek dismissal or suppression when the law and evidence support it, but dismissal is never guaranteed. The result depends on the charge, evidence, police conduct, available defenses, and decisions made by prosecutors and the court.

What types of criminal cases does Andrew Affrunti handle?

Andrew Affrunti handles DUI, drug charges, domestic battery, theft and burglary, weapons charges, warrants, probation violations, criminal traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies in Springfield, Sangamon County, and other Central Illinois courts.

Meet Springfield Criminal Defense Attorney Andrew Affrunti

Andrew Affrunti is an Illinois attorney with more than 18 years of legal experience representing clients in criminal and family-law matters. Clients work directly with their attorney and receive guidance based on the facts, evidence, court process, and risks involved in their case.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Criminal charges threaten your freedom and reputation. Evidence fades. Prosecutors build cases quickly. Early action matters.

Speak with a criminal defense attorney who understands Illinois courts and knows how to apply pressure where it matters.