Criminal Defense — Illinois & Iowa State & Federal Courts

Fearless Defense
When You Need It
Most.

From first-degree murder to federal gang charges, William Breedlove defends people accused of the most serious crimes — without hesitation.


Call 309.517.0704 — Free Consultation

Your Defense Starts Here

The Charge Is Serious.
So Is Your Attorney.

A criminal charge — especially a serious one — can define the rest of your life. Prison time, a permanent record, loss of employment, loss of your family. The stakes could not be higher. That is why who you hire matters enormously.

William Breedlove has built his career on taking the hardest cases and fighting them with everything he has. He has stood beside clients charged with first-degree murder and defended against the full power of federal prosecution teams. He understands how the system works, how to challenge the government's case, and how to put your best defense forward.

When you call Breedlove Legal, you speak to William — not a paralegal, not an associate. He handles your case personally, from the first consultation through the final verdict.

Your Rights When Arrested

1
Stay Silent You have the right to remain silent. Do not answer questions without an attorney present — anything you say can and will be used against you.
2
Ask for a Lawyer Clearly state: "I want a lawyer." Once you say this, all questioning must stop.
3
Call Breedlove Legal The sooner William gets involved, the more options you have. Call 309.517.0704 immediately.
4
Don't Talk to Anyone Not cellmates, not family on jail calls, not anyone. Everything can be monitored and used.

Serious Felonies

Murder & Homicide Defense

There is no more serious charge in the American justice system than murder. William Breedlove has defended clients against these charges and knows what it takes to fight back.


Murder prosecutions involve enormous resources — detectives, crime labs, forensic experts, and experienced prosecutors who have handled dozens of these cases. You need a defense attorney who is equally prepared and completely unafraid to challenge every piece of evidence and every witness they put forward.

William examines the prosecution's case from every angle: the investigation, the evidence collection procedures, witness credibility, forensic accuracy, and constitutional violations that may have occurred during the arrest or investigation. Every case has weaknesses on the government's side. His job is to find them and exploit them.

Homicide Charges We Defend

First-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder
Voluntary Manslaughter
Involuntary Manslaughter
Reckless Homicide
Attempted Murder

Defense Strategies

Every case is different, but the building blocks of a strong homicide defense include:

Self-Defense & Justification Illinois law protects your right to defend yourself and others. William builds self-defense cases that hold up under cross-examination.
Challenging Forensic Evidence DNA, ballistics, blood spatter — forensic evidence can be wrong, mishandled, or misinterpreted. William works with experts to challenge it.
Attacking Eyewitness Testimony Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. Cross-examination and procedural challenges can undermine the prosecution's witnesses.
Constitutional Violations Evidence obtained through illegal searches, coerced confessions, or other violations of your rights can be suppressed.

Federal Courts

Federal Charges &
Gang Prosecutions

Federal prosecutions are in a different league. The resources behind them — FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Attorneys — are enormous. You need an attorney who knows federal court and isn't intimidated by it.


Federal cases move differently than state cases. Federal prosecutors typically have spent years building their case before indictments are even filed. Mandatory minimum sentences in federal court can mean decades in prison. The conviction rate in federal court is extremely high — which means who you hire from day one matters more than in almost any other situation.

William Breedlove has experience in federal criminal proceedings including gang-related prosecutions brought under federal conspiracy and racketeering statutes. He understands the unique procedures of federal court and how to challenge the government's case at every stage.

Federal Charges We Defend

Federal Gang Charges
RICO / Racketeering
Federal Conspiracy
Federal Drug Trafficking
Federal Weapons Charges
Wire Fraud & Mail Fraud
Money Laundering
Federal Murder Charges

Why Federal Defense Is Different

Grand Jury Proceedings Federal cases typically begin with grand jury investigations. Early representation can shape how evidence is gathered against you.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Federal judges sentence under strict guidelines. Understanding them — and how to argue below them — is critical to reducing prison time.
Suppression & Discovery Federal agencies gather mountains of evidence. William digs through it to find what can be challenged, excluded, or turned in your favor.
Cooperation Agreements When cooperation may be in your interest, William negotiates aggressively to get the best possible outcome for you.

All Criminal Defense Areas

Every Charge.
Full Defense.


Drug Possession
Drug Trafficking & Distribution
Weapons Charges
Aggravated Assault & Battery
Armed Robbery
Burglary & Theft
DUI / Drunk Driving
Sex Crimes
Domestic Violence
Resisting Arrest
Probation Violations
Juvenile Defense
White Collar Crime
Extortion & Threats
Hit and Run
Traffic Offenses

Charged With a Crime? Call Now.

Every hour without legal counsel is a disadvantage. William Breedlove is available to discuss your case.

309.517.0704 Request a Free Consultation