The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s office prosecutes criminal offenders and adjudicates neglected minor cases. The office also provides legal counsel to victims of crimes and the government in the county. Before becoming Peoria County’s state’s attorney, Hoos served as a resident circuit judge. In that role, she tried more than 150 jury trials and prosecuted nearly 50 murder cases. She is married and has two daughters.

Kevin Lyons

Kevin Lyons has served as Peoria County State’s Attorney since 1988. He has served six consecutive four-year terms and has over two decades of trial experience. He has handled hundreds of jury and non-jury trials and is an experienced prosecutor and trial advocate. He has also managed a large law office with thirty attorneys and a staff of over 30 people. He also lectures frequently and has presented trial advocacy training to attorneys in more than 30 states.

As part of his transition, Lyons has appointed Jodi Hoos, who previously served as Peoria County Judge. Judge Hoos previously served on the 10th Circuit Court, where she worked as a prosecutor for two state attorneys. Her experience includes 140 jury trials, including 30 first-degree murder trials. She said she is excited to take on the challenge, and she looks forward to working in the community.

A graduate of Drake University Law School, John M. McLaughlin was appointed state’s attorney in 2011 and re-elected to office in 2016. Before being elected state’s attorney, McLaughlin served as a defense attorney. He also served as an assistant public defender. During his tenure as state’s attorney, McLaughlin handled every Peoria County murder prosecution. In addition to defending defendants, he also personally represented the family of the victims.

The lawsuit was filed under 42 U.S.C. SS 1983 and has named Kevin W. Lyons, Peoria County State’s Attorney, Gary Poynter, Tenth Judicial Circuit Court Clerk, and Peoria City Police Chief as defendants. The lawsuit is currently pending.

Betsy Wirth

Attorney Betsy Wirth is an experienced attorney based in Springfield, Illinois. She has been recognized by her peers as one of the best attorneys in Illinois. She has a thorough knowledge of the law and a hard-working attitude. She is committed to protecting her client’s rights and working in the spirit of the legal profession. She represents her clients in Family Law cases and is committed to helping them resolve their legal issues.

Wirth has over a decade of legal experience. She has been named a Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers. She has also received recognition from the Law Bulletin Publishing Company as an Illinois Emerging Lawyer. She has been honored by the Peoria County Bar Association for her pro bono efforts.

She is admitted to practice law in Minnesota and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. She has handled cases involving criminal sexual conduct, drug crimes, white collar crimes, identity theft, and murder and assault. She also represents clients who are victims of PPP loan fraud.

Matthew Warner

Matthew Warner, Peoria County State’s Attorney, is running for reelection in the Republican primary. He is a graduate of DePaul University School of Law and previously served as Assistant State’s Attorney. His opponent, Betsy Wirth, is a civil litigation attorney with 10 years of experience. She was named a Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers.