For Your Defense Michael E Brandt, Attorney

04/21/2026

Starting June 1, 2026, expungement and sealing laws in Illinois will be substantially changed. For example, some of the waiting periods have been relaxed and the drug test requirement has been eliminated.

Contact me at 309/369-1813, text or leave a voicemail to set up a consultation. Also, you can find helpful online information about Illinois' expungement and sealing of criminal records at the Illinois Supreme Court's website under forms for unrepresented clients and at Illinois Legal Aid Online.

Law Day, commemorated annually on May 1, serves as a national day of observance and celebration that affirms the country’s commitment to the rule of law.

"As a national organization of lawyers committed to defending liberty and pursuing justice, the ABA encourages all Americans to recognize Law Day on May 1 and to reflect on how the rule of law ensures all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams. The law belongs to all of us and together, it’s ours to protect and advance,” said ABA President Michelle A. Behnke.

Check out the list of Law Day events: https://bit.ly/4sJmjul

01/24/2026

The nation’s founders created the judiciary as an independent, co-equal branch of government to make sure it is protected from outside political influences. The ABA is committed to upholding the Constitution, the judicial process and equal justice under the law. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4fX0Bhv

12/10/2025

The Public Interest Law Initiative with the 10th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee which includes Peoria and Tazewell Counties conducts a monthly Help Desk at each courthouse (Peoria and Pekin). Low income clients without attorneys may receive a no cost consultation to discuss their legal issue/problem. You do not need an appointment.

During a 2-hour shift, volunteers meet with Self-Represented litigants for 30-minute appointments to help them understand and navigate the legal process, fill out forms and answer questions.

The help desk in Peoria County is held at the courthouse once a month, location and times vary.

The help desk in Tazewell County is held at the courthouse once a month typically either from 10 AM-12 PM or 2 PM to 4 PM depending on the date. The help desk in Tazewell County has a virtual hybrid option where the attorney can appear via Zoom or in person according to their preference.

For more information on upcoming dates and times, contact the court administration office at the Peoria or Tazewell County Courthouse.

08/07/2025

The Center for Prevention of Abuse annual Duck Race Fundraiser will take on Saturday August 23rd from 11 am to 1 pm at the East Side Center in East Peoria.

There are 15 prizes including three cash prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 — plus other merchandise and gift cards. You do not need to be present; winners will be contacted through the information they gave when purchasing the ducks.

The ducks are available for adoption ranging from $5.00 for one duck and $1000 for 250 ducks.

Just click on the link below. Thanks for your donation.

Center for Prevention of Abuse: teams: CFPA Board of Directors - Michael - Brandt

08/04/2025

Cuts to legal aid are just not right.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1VTTc6yUYs/

Eliminating the Legal Services Corporation would leave many Americans to face issues like domestic violence, medical debt and fraud without legal aid.

08/03/2025

Legal aid for civil cases help folks who otherwise would have to face the courts without a lawyer and often with the opposing party having a lawyer. The rules of the court system are complicated at times that may result in the non represented party not getting their day in court.

Support legal aid funding.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F6weDSYZa/

Eliminating the Legal Services Corporation would leave many Americans to face issues like domestic violence, medical debt and fraud without legal aid.

04/22/2025

I posted some time ago about Illinois making speeding tickets punishable as crimes. A simple speeding ticket, say 10 to 15 mph over the limit is what's called a petty offense; that is, punishable by a fine only. However, if the ticket is say 26 mph above the limit or 35 mph over the limit, the driver faces a class B or class A criminal misdemeanor. A class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine up to $2500.00, and probation up to two years. If you are faced with a criminal offense it's wise that you seek legal counsel. A person who cannot afford an attorney in a criminal case is entitled to a public defender.

04/15/2025

This spring, we have been welcoming artists whose artwork is on display in Suite 207 to view our 2025 exhibit!

Natalie Jackson is a Peoria-based digital photographer who has a studio and gallery at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. Her work has been featured in magazines, billboards, and in a variety of other projects. Her piece, “Chopsticks,” is part of a jazz series that highlights improvisation and freedom of expression. It depicts a little girl expressing herself at a Montreal jazz festival.

Read more about Natalie Jackson Photography's work here: https://bit.ly/3E5LYKe

03/20/2025

If you need information on eligibility to expunge or seal criminal records in Illinois or on other ways to clear up criminal records that may assist you when seeking employment, call or text me at 309/369-1813 and leave a message for a good time to call you back. Leave your name and County where the criminal case records originated. No cost for the consultation.

01/16/2025

Illinois Legal Aid Online is a reference source for persons who do not have a lawyer for civil litigation. They recently provided a summary of two new Illinois laws relating to juvenile expungement. Here they are:

HB 5465: provides that victims of human trafficking who are adjudicated delinquent for a crime related to their trafficking situation can petition the court to vacate and expunge or seal their juvenile court and law enforcement records after completing their juvenile court sentence.

SB 3463 provides that if a minor is adjudicated for an offense that qualifies for automatic expungement, the juvenile court must schedule a date to issue the expungement order when the sentence ends or the minor is sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice. The minor will be notified of the court date but does not need to be present when the expungement is ordered.

12/30/2024

Need information on expunging and sealing criminal records in Illinois? Go to the Illinois Supreme Court's website. You will find forms and information booklets. Another online source is Illinois Legal Aid Online.