Our Legal Ethos: Passionate Criminal Defense in Every Case

Committed Expertise as Criminal Defense Attorney Calvin B. Fuller

Detailed view of the Southern Illinois courthouse, where defense attorney Calvin B. Fuller operates.
Legal books and Attorney Calvin B. Fuller's diploma showcasing his accredited expertise in law, in the background of the office.
circa 2016

Calvin's story

Upon graduating from MacMurray College with a Triple major in History, Philosophy and Political Science, was accepted to study law at The Howard University School of Law in Washington DC. Attained Juris Doctorate degree in May of 1993.

Was hired by the Honorable William R. Haine and appointed as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Madison County, Illinois (Edwardsville, IL). Said appointment continued under the tenures of William A. Mudge and Thomas D. Gibbons.

 

Calvin b. fuller

After 21 years

of Government service, founded and have operated The Calvin B. Fuller Law Office since April of 2016 concentrating primarily on Criminal Defense work. As both a Prosecutor and Defense Counsel counsel, have reviewed, analyzed and negotiated multiple thousands of criminal cases.

focus as prosecutor & private defense counsel

I have also tried multiple cases before Juries and Judges all manners of Criminal cases, ranging from simple traffic matters to First Degree Murder charges. My particular focus as both a Prosecutor and Private Defense Counsel has been in the areas of Drug, Violent Crime and Firearm cases, with an emphasis on Arrest, Search and Seizure and evidentiary matters.

My abilities to reason, articulate, analyze, and approach cases in alternative theories are strong and pursued with great motivation regardless of the classification of the offense. Above all, my professional experience has dictated that Justice is deserved for all individuals. I pride myself on being the individual that works to secure that very Justice we all should enjoy.

Calvin B. Fuller

You ask, we answer

Ask Us Anything

The determination of whether to retain a criminal defense attorney is solely within the discretion of the individual that has been charged with a criminal offense pursuant to the Illinois Compiled Statutes.  Various charges may range from First Degree Murder to a matter as simple as a Traffic related offense.

 
The Classification of the offense, and the applicable criminal history of the individual, if any, are important factors to consider.  Certain offenses, upon plea or conviction after Trial, may be punishable by a sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections or merely by fines and costs.  Probation and Court Supervision are also available dispositions, again depending on the Classification of the offense and the past criminal history, if any.
 
Upon conviction, certain offenses may also have collateral consequences, including but not limited to, the forfeiture of seized property, the permanency of a criminal record and convicted felon status, which may affect employment, licensing, housing and the ability to lawfully possess firearms.  Any criminal offense is a serious matter with significant consequences that should be reviewed, evaluated and handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney.
A Misdemeanor in Illinois may be classified as follows:  Class A; Class B; Class C; and, Petty offenses.
 
Misdemeanors may be punishable by up to one year in the County Jail, Probation and/or Fines and Costs.
 
A Felony in Illinois may be classified as follows:  First Degree Murder (Class M); Class X; Class 1; Class 2; Class 3; and Class 4.
 
First-Degree Murder: Felonies may be punishable by 26-60 Years up to Natural Life in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
 
Class X:  6-30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (up to 60 years for an Extended Term).
 
Class 1: 4-15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (up to 30 years for an Extended Term).
 
Class 2: 3-7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (up to 14 years for an Extended Term).
 
Class 3:  2-5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (up to 10 years for an Extended Term)
 
Class 4: 1-3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (up to 6 years for an Extended Term).
 
Probation is an available disposition for some of the offenses, as is the possibility of a reduction to a Misdemeanor or a Dismissal of the charge.

The cost of retaining a criminal defense attorney will vary based on the Classification of the offense and the individual’s prior criminal history, if any.
 
Further, the retainer fee will vary based on the attorney’s level of experience and prior background in the field of criminal defense and whether the matter is likely to proceed to Trial by Jury of before a Judge only.
 
In essence, the retainer fee is whatever is agreed upon by the parties.  
 
An individual does have a right to represent themselves in a criminal prosecution initiated by the State.  This is generally not advisable the higher the Classification of the case.
 
The complexities involved with the professional review of a criminal case, the Rules of Evidence and proper Courtroom procedures generally dictate the involvement of a trained and dedicated professional criminal defense attorney.  Criminal defense is a specialized area of the law best navigated by an experienced and disciplined lawyer with the requisite hours of practical Courtroom competence and accomplishments.