Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of criminal charges does Paul Storment defend in Southern Illinois?

    Defense covers misdemeanors and felonies including traffic violations, weapons offenses, drug charges, domestic battery, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, sex offenses, and murder. Each case receives case review, bond assistance when needed, negotiation with prosecutors, and trial preparation. Over 30 years of experience handling charges throughout Southern Illinois courts.

  • Can a mediator help resolve a dispute without going to court?

    Mediation offers conflict resolution before or without filing a trial case. A neutral mediator with legal experience facilitates negotiation between parties in family, personal injury, contract, guardianship, employment, workplace, and landlord-tenant matters. Sessions happen in-person or electronically depending on participant needs and case complexity.

  • Does Storment Law Office represent landlords or tenants in Belleville?

    The firm represents both landlords and tenants in residential and commercial disputes. Cases involve evictions, security deposit returns, rent-increase notices, lease obligation enforcement, and rent rule violations. Matters proceed through litigation or mediation depending on whether court filing is necessary or parties prefer settlement.

  • What happens during the initial case review for criminal defense?

    Case review examines the charges, evidence, police reports, and potential defenses available under Illinois law. The attorney identifies negotiation opportunities with prosecutors, and outlines trial preparation needs. This assessment establishes realistic goals and defense strategy based on 30-plus years of courtroom experience.

  • How does mediation differ from hiring an attorney for a landlord-tenant dispute?

    A mediator acts as a neutral facilitator, not an advocate for either landlord or tenant. The mediator guides negotiation without representing either side's interests. Hiring an attorney means that lawyer advocates exclusively for you in litigation or mediation, while a mediator remains impartial throughout the resolution process.

  • When should you contact a criminal defense attorney after being charged?

    Contact defense counsel immediately after arrest or charge notification. Early involvement allows evidence preservation, witness identification, and prosecutor negotiation before critical deadlines pass. Delay reduces defense options, especially in cases requiring forensic analysis, alibi investigation, or motion filing within statutory timeframes.

  • What landlord-tenant issues can be resolved through mediation instead of court?

    Security deposit disputes, rent-increase disagreements, lease obligation conflicts, property maintenance issues, and eviction alternatives often resolve through mediation. Parties avoid court filing costs and lengthy litigation timelines. Mediation works when both sides prefer negotiated settlement over formal legal proceedings, even in commercial lease disputes.

  • What's the difference between misdemeanor and felony defense in Illinois?

    Misdemeanors carry maximum sentences under one year and often resolve in county courts, while felonies involve potential prison sentences exceeding one year and proceed through circuit courts. Felony cases require more extensive investigation, expert witnesses, motion practice, and trial preparation. Both demand thorough defense strategy based on charge severity and evidence strength.

  • Can you use mediation for employment disputes before filing a lawsuit?

    Employment and workplace conflicts often resolve through mediation before litigation. A neutral mediator with legal experience facilitates discussion between employer and employee on termination disputes, discrimination claims, contract disagreements, or workplace conduct issues. Pre-litigation mediation saves both parties the expense and uncertainty of formal court proceedings.

  • What should landlords know about eviction procedures in Southern Illinois?

    Illinois eviction law requires proper notice, specific lease violation documentation, and adherence to statutory timelines before court filing. Representation ensures compliance with notice requirements, court procedure, and tenant rights protections. Cases may resolve through negotiated move-out agreements or proceed to formal eviction judgment depending on tenant response and circumstances.

  • How does working with a solo attorney differ from a large firm for criminal cases?

    Solo practice provides direct attorney access throughout the case without delegation to junior associates or staff. Communication happens directly with the lawyer handling court appearances, negotiations, and trial. Personalized attention means strategy adjustments respond quickly to case developments, and clients receive realistic goal-setting based on one attorney's three decades of experience.

  • What types of family disputes can mediators help resolve?

    Family mediation addresses custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, property division, support obligations, and guardianship decisions. Neutral facilitation with legal background helps parties reach agreements without courtroom confrontation. Mediation often preserves family relationships better than adversarial litigation, particularly when ongoing co-parenting or family interaction continues after dispute resolution.