Criminal Defense Attorney in Belleville, Illinois

If you have been charged with a crime, you may feel that it is useless to fight against it. But with every offense, from a traffic violation or DWI to criminal sexual assault and murder, the accused is entitled to defend his or her rights.


For a strong defense against all criminal charges, trust your case to me, attorney Paul M. Storment III. Based in Belleville, If you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Southern Illinois, let me help you. This covers a range of charges, including:



  • Traffic tickets
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Drug violations, including possession, possession with the intent to deliver, delivery and manufacture/cultivation
  • Domestic battery and assault
  • Armed robberies
  • Home invasion
  • Sex offenses, including criminal sexual assault
  • Murder

We Will Support You

An Experienced Advocate Helping to Protect Your Legal Rights

Often, criminal cases will include attempts to get the charged individual out of jail. As your attorney, I will begin working on a bond reduction hearing immediately as well as make efforts to reduce or eliminate charges. Additionally, first steps will include a thorough evaluation of the circumstances in the case. This includes examining police reports, witness testimony, criminal records and other information pertinent to the case. From there, I will present all options to you, as well as potential outcomes, so you can make educated decisions regarding our next steps.


I prepare every case as if it is going to trial, examining the case from multiple angles to build a strong, strategic defense on your behalf. I have more than 30 years of experience trying criminal cases. I have extensive knowledge of court procedures and a good working relationship with state prosecutors. In many cases, I am able to negotiate a plea deal for my clients if it is in their best interests to do so. Otherwise I will work vigorously to present your case to the judge or jury to obtain the desired outcome.


To discuss your charges with an experienced Belleville criminal trial lawyer, call or send an email using the online form. After-hours consultations are available by appointment.

Defense Built on Case-Specific Evidence Analysis

Criminal Defense in Belleville for misdemeanor and felony charges including traffic offenses, drug crimes, assault, weapons violations, and serious felonies

Traffic citations for speeding or suspended licenses escalate quickly into misdemeanor or felony charges when aggravating factors appear on your record or when the stop uncovers contraband or outstanding warrants. Storment Law Office represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Southern Illinois, handling traffic matters, weapons offenses, drug charges, domestic battery and assault, armed robbery, home invasion, sex offenses, and murder cases with the same detailed case review and defense preparation. Paul Storment draws on more than 30 years of legal experience to evaluate evidence, identify procedural errors, and develop defense strategies tailored to the specific charges and circumstances you face.


Defense representation begins with comprehensive case review—examining police reports, witness statements, search and seizure procedures, and chain-of-custody records to identify constitutional violations or evidentiary weaknesses that support motions to suppress or dismiss. Bond hearings are addressed when applicable to secure pretrial release, followed by negotiation with prosecutors to explore charge reduction, diversion programs, or favorable plea agreements. When cases proceed to trial, preparation includes witness interviews, expert consultation when needed, and development of a defense narrative that challenges the state's burden of proof.


Contact the office to review the charges and evidence as soon as possible after arrest or indictment.

What Proper Defense Requires

Criminal defense demands scrutiny of every procedural step taken by law enforcement and prosecutors, from the initial traffic stop or warrant execution through evidence collection, laboratory testing, and witness identification procedures. Storment Law Office evaluates whether police had reasonable suspicion to stop you, probable cause to search, and proper legal authority to seize evidence or conduct interrogations. Suppression motions are filed when constitutional violations are identified, potentially excluding evidence that the state relies on to prove its case.


After defense preparation is complete, you understand which evidence can be challenged, what procedural errors occurred, and whether negotiation or trial offers the better path forward based on the strength of the state's case and your personal circumstances. You also receive realistic assessments of potential outcomes rather than promises about case results, allowing you to make informed decisions about plea offers or trial strategy. Documentation of all defense actions and court filings ensures you have a complete record if appeals become necessary.


Defense work does not guarantee dismissal or acquittal, but it ensures the state proves every element beyond a reasonable doubt and that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the process. Some cases resolve through negotiated pleas that minimize penalties, while others proceed to trial when the evidence supports contesting guilt or when mandatory sentencing makes plea offers unattractive.

Scales of justice on a desk with a blurred lawyer working in the background

Answers to Frequent Criminal Defense Questions

Clients facing criminal charges in Southern Illinois often ask about the defense process, bond procedures, and what to expect during case development.

  • What happens during the initial consultation with a defense attorney?

    The attorney reviews the charges, police reports if available, and your account of events to identify immediate concerns such as pending court dates, or evidence preservation needs that require prompt action.

  • How does bond work for both misdemeanor and felony charges in Belleville?

    In Illinois, there is no bond for misdemeanors or felonies. For misdemeanors and non-violent felons, a defendant is usually released without posting any money. However, in violent felonies and other specific circumstances, the prosecuting attorney may ask the court to have the defendant detained until trial. This will lead to a hearing to determine whether a defendant will be released or detained.

  • What types of evidence can be challenged in a criminal case?

    Illegally obtained evidence from warrantless searches, statements taken without Miranda warnings, unreliable eyewitness identifications, and improperly handled laboratory results are all subject to suppression motions that exclude them from trial if constitutional violations occurred.

  • How long does a criminal case typically take to resolve?

    Timelines vary widely depending on case complexity, court scheduling, and whether motions or trial preparation are required, with some misdemeanors resolving in weeks and serious felonies taking months or over a year to reach disposition.

  • What should I avoid doing after being charged?

    Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, do not post about the charges on social media, and do not contact alleged victims or witnesses, as these actions can be used against you and may result in additional charges or bond revocation.

Storment Law Office handles cases throughout Southern Illinois, representing clients at every stage from initial appearance through sentencing or appeal. Discuss your charges and the evidence against you promptly to begin building a defense strategy.

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