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Anthony Bettencourt Cameron

Criminal defense Attorney at Quincy, IL

4.9   17 reviews

also known as "Tony", "ABC"

Free consultation
Free consultation
  • State Years
    Arkansas - AR 50 years
    Illinois - IL 50 years
  • Licensed for 50 years
    State AR
    Acquired 1973
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 50 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1973
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Anthony

Learn Anthony’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    We have four decades of experience in both major felonies and lesser offenses. We provide defenses to new charges but also do expungement and appellate/post-conviction work.

  2. DUI and DWI
    20%
    Practice emphasizes license restoration after suspension and revocation.

  3. Licensing
    20%
    We assist professionals who face discipliine and other regulatory disruptions of their practices. We prefer to become involved at the earliest possible stage of any licensing investigation. This area also includes Academic Integrity Practice, a very active and growing area for us.

  4. State, local, and municipal law
    10%
    We take pride in representing small units of local government effectively and economically. Many of our consultative services are provided at no fee.

WHEN FOLKS ASK WHAT WE DO, WE REPLY "WE DO GOVERNMENT HASSLES!" WE'RE YOUR ALLY WHEN GOV'T'S NOT.

When folks ask us what we do, we proudly reply "We do Government Hassles!"  I have served my Country in the military, as a prosecutor at all levels and as an intelligence analyst. About a decade ago, I flipped the script.  Government is very powerful, sometimes perhaps too powerful.  My mission is to protect my clients from government excesses, whether in licensing, zoning, DUI, criminal defense, Firearm rights, and even tax disputes.  Our mission is not easy but it is very satisfying.  We would love to speak to you about your "Government Hassle."

 

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Top Contributor 2023,2022,2021,2020,2019,2018,2017,2016,2015,2014
Top Contributor
2023 2022 2021 + 7 ...

Contact Anthony

Anthony B. Cameron

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  17 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
6%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2015
Provided speedy advice on a non-compete clause
I posted a specific question online about my former employer's non compete clause and received an immediate response and referral for an attorney located closer to my area. I have a consultation in 2 days and feel very confident that it will not be upheld. I couldn't be happier with the service Tony provided and recommend him highly.
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Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
True Hero and Lifesaver!!!
I was going through a very hard time in my life and never have had to deal with the court system. I was completely blind and had no idea what to do. Tony stepped up and provided me with EXCELLENT advice and sponsorship! I couldn't have asked for a better result! Without him, I would have gotten myself into a mess that I would regret for the rest of my life. I cannot express how grateful I am to Tony and his staff. He is a true life saver and hero in a time in my life that I needed it the most. I HIGHLY recommend him to each and anyone that wants a hard working and dedicated lawyer by their side!!!!
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Posted by Chris | November 4, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Simultaneously snarky and friendly
Gave me a very thoughtful response to a hypothetical I asked on giving notice.
Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Patient, and Down to Earth
Mr. Cameron guided our family through a challenging set of circumstances with our teenage son professionally and more specifically care. He spoke with our family and patiently walked us through the legalities of our son’s situation with the utmost respect. Mr. Cameron explained, in layman’s terms, the law and our specific legal set of circumstances with precision and expertise. He even went as far to challenge our son “to not allow one bad decision to snowball on him; he is worth more than that one bad decision”. As a parent, this means so much. Our family was at peace, in a not so peaceful situation, knowing Mr. Cameron was advocating on our son’s behalf in a situation over which we had no control. If you ever find yourself in need of an attorney, Mr. Cameron is the one you want by your side.
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Response from Anthony Cameron September 28, 2023
My life was enriched by getting to know this fine family. They handled a very difficult, surprising situation with grace. That nice, young man is in very good hands.
Posted by O | March 15, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Mr. Cameron Is On Another Planet With Advise - In A Good Way
Mr. Cameron is one of the few I've encountered who truly provides an vibe that makes you feel as though he genuinely cares for answering questions rather than the typical "Go get a lawyer" response that some rude attorneys reply as a first-response. Mr. Cameron is compassionate, polite and sends you best wishes. Thank you, Mr. Cameron, for being one of the few and elite. If you had a Donate Button, I'd pay for a hot cup of whatever you like - chocolate, coffee, etc. :) Thanks, again.
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Posted by Julie | April 26, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Asked pertinent questions...
I emailed with Mr. Cameron several times and he was very thorough in the questions he asked. We have not heard back from him yet, but his questions were knowledgeable and, although my original post was vague, he was willing to listen and take a look. Grateful for his time.
Posted by Hillary | February 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Unemployment Appeal
I found Mr. Cameron through Avvo. I had lost an unemployment hearing and needed a lawyer to help me with an appeal. Mr. Cameron is very straight forward as he told me that I had maybe a 50% chance of winning before I agreed to hired him as I had said a couple of things during the initial hearing that did not work in my favor. I appreciate that he was very honest and blunt about my situation before any fee was even discussed. Mr. Cameron was very efficient and knowledgeable regarding the Illinois laws surrounding medical providers. The appeal he presented was straight forward with the facts of the case and the Illinois laws. There was a continuation of my appeal hearing due to issues on my former employers end and Mr. Cameron was more than helpful in adjusting his schedule to work this in. Not only did Mr. Cameron WIN my case, but he is a genuinely caring individual. I found his prices to be very fair. If I ever need an Illinois licensed attorney again I will definitely hire him again.
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Response from Anthony Cameron February 8, 2018
Oh, I recognize this Reviewer. If not for Avvo, we would never have met. This was good for her because her case caught two of my areas of concentration, IDES Appeals and Professional Licensing. She could not have found me (our geography was very disparate) without Avvo Q&A. It was good for me because I like meeting bright, interesting, highly motivate people and she is all that. It pleased me greatly to help her get money in her pocket to start a new phase of her life. Maybe I even enjoyed demonstrating that her former employer perhaps fibbed about a few things, too!
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Posted by Charman | July 14, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
5 stars
Excellent lawyer he gave me good advice and heads up i would recommend him
Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Previous attorney issues
Asked questions about how to proceed when my current attorney is not acknowledging or returning any communication. All resources have been exhausted to communicate or even locate our current attorney. Advice was given on how to proceed and was strongly urged to act swiftly as time limits do apply.
Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Can I get a case deleted if it was dismissed?
He was frank and honest, and I appreciate that. I got the answer I needed.
Posted by Glen | December 2, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Drivers License Reinstatement
While trying to get my MO drivers license back, little did I know, that I would have to fight IL to get them back. I received a DUI in IL, so they were able to hold my MO license. After meeting with Mr. Cameron, he explained to me what I would need to do, as well as documents that I would have to gather up, to help us during my hearing. Throughout the entire process, everything was explained in great detail, so that there wasn't any confusion and everything went as smooth as possible, considering my past with drinking and driving. With me being a MO resident, but getting a DUI in IL, this was a difficult process for me. Mr. Cameron and his staff were very polite and organized. They helped me so much through the process, not only with direction on what I needed to do and gather, but emotionally as well. I was a nervous wreck and Mr. Cameron even pulled me off to the side, to calm me down and calm my nerves. Even after my hearing, Mr Cameron would call and update me, as soon as he heard any new information. After waiting for a response from IL, I received clearance to obtain my MO drivers license. I have a new found freedom and owe so much to Mr Cameron. Words cannot express how great full I am, for the great representation I received, from Mr. Cameron and his staff. They made a stressful situation bearable. As my wife and I say "We are a NORMAL family now" with me having my license back and we don't have to bother our family members about rides anymore. Great for the as well.
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Response from Anthony Cameron December 6, 2016
Avoiding Illinois' lifetime ban is a new area of practice for all of us who do license restoration. The law changed The beginning of this year. I am now privileged to teach this to other lawyers. We in my office are completely thrilled this worked out so well for Glen, a wonderful guy with a great family. Glen was smart in that he came to me as soon as the he heard about the change of law so we could get started planning. To do those thirty minutes of hearing correctly, it takes about 20 hours of preparation. Glen was always up for the preparation.
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Posted by Joanne | February 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DECENT TREATMENT, MASTERED DETAILS
My case was detailed and complicated. I talked to five lawyers before I hired Mr. Cameron. He was the only one who understood the computer transactions. His office "air-gapped" a computer just to work on my case. It was not unusual for him to call me on weekends to ask about certain transactions or computer codes. About a week before trial, the Government gave up, in part because my lawyer understood their evidence better than they did. I was free. Mr. Cameron was friendly, smart, supportive, and thorough. He was expensive but very clear about what fees would be and how he wanted them paid. I would recommend him for any "computer crime" case.
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Response from Anthony Cameron June 4, 2016
This was a case where my client benefited from my "techie" obsession. I passionately believed in the client's position. I believe I lost more sleep over this case than any I have ever taken on. Not to be immodest but I think the Reviewer is correct. I understood the facts of this case better than anyone else on Earth. So glad it worked out.
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Posted by OLIVER | June 24, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
MOST HONEST AND PRIVE WITH PROSPECTIVE CLIENT AND LOOK FOR YOUR INTREST NOT HIS POCKETBOOK.
i INTEND TO DO ANYTHING TO BUILD A LIFETIME RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM! I WILL DO ANYTHING TO OVERCOME OUR DISTANCE PROBLEM. I HAVE LOST A LAWYER PARTNER IN PROGRESS AFTER 30 PLUS YEARS. HOPEFULLY ANTHONY WILL BE MY NEXT. MOST HONEST AND PRIVE WITH PROSPECTIVE CLIENT AND LOOK FOR YOUR INTREST NOT HIS POCKETBOOK.
Posted by Cliff | December 16, 2014
Good Work on a tough Drug Case
I got myself into a mess. I'm an addict and I slipped back into the life. Not only did Mr. Cameron do a good job on my case (got some of the evidence thrown out) but he spent time helping my spouse understand addiction in general and my circumstances. I avoided prison and I'm still married, thanks to having a lawyer who worked hard for me and was kind to my family. This lawyer's staff was excellent about letting me know what was to happen at each stage. I do have to say he is not cheap but he works hard for his money
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Response from Anthony Cameron June 4, 2016
Oh, my. I recognize this reviewer. I am proud to call them my friends on a continuing basis. Sometimes the best service a defense lawyer can do for a family is to help them understand the big picture of addiction. Unfortunately, I have lived it with my own, extended family and I fancy myself good at explaining it. This case was difficult but the client never was. I love these folks.
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Posted by Helen | March 10, 2014
Good Job on a long, hard case.
I was referred by a friend. At first, I was hesitant because this lawyer used a lot of big words. I finally hired him because he gave me a plan to present my case that made sense to me. He told me it would be long and expensive and it was. We won the case and the other side appealed. We won the appeal. Then we had to fight another case over my back pay. It was tiring and stressful but the lawyer always sent me copies of his work and the other side's papers. He is not easy to get on the phone but would sometimes call me on his own on a weekend or evening to ask a question or to explain something that was coming up.
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Response from Anthony Cameron December 2, 2016
I should teach a seminar entitled "Dealing With an Intelligent and Interactive Client." based solely on Helen's case. I return phone calls by appointment and that initially drove her crazy but she soon realized that any new developments were in her email box the same day we produced or learned of them. She truly deserved everything she got out of this case and has remained a friend.
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Posted by Rikki | February 26, 2013
EXPENSIVE BUT WORTH IT
This lawyer had represented me once about ten years ago. My case this time involved disciplinary action by two different State Agencies. His fee was quite high but his retainer requirements and his expectations were very clear. He encouraged me to seek ideas from my staff and to be open with them. They helped a great deal. He met with all my witnesses. One of my accusing witnesses recanted and this lawyer presented written evidence that another accusation was not accurate. He told me at the beginning what I could expect (not getting out of it completely painlessly) and what was unlikely (taking away my licenses) and it played out exactly as he predicted. He also offered to sit down with me and my spouse and go over everything just to calm the spouse down at no fee. It helped.
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Response from Anthony Cameron June 4, 2016
When licensing authorities come after a self-employed professional who is the sole bread-winner, it is easy to overlook the terror the spouse feels. Perhaps it is because I am self-employed and a sole bread-winner that I routinely suggest, as soon as we have a strategy that we "read-in" the spouse. It decreases the terror factor and it's amazing how many times the spouse has a good idea to add to our defense package.
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Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Decent Answer
Anthony provided a decent answer to my question but the most important portion of my question wasn't answered. I reached out via private message and never got a response. For those reasons, I can't justify giving Anthony a 5 star review. With that being said, his answer seemed genuine, direct, and knowledgeable; so, I am still giving him a good review.
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Response from Anthony Cameron April 5, 2018
I answer questions on a voluntary basis and I do my best to follow up on specific questions. My primary duty is to the clients who engage me and I am a trial lawyer. I can be in three counties on a routine day. Many times I get queries from Chicago area folks and, while I try to address their needs, I know we are not going to form an attorney-client relationship because I am simply 300 miles away. I appreciate the reasonable way this Asker posed this review but I would point out that he or she was never my client and my first duty is to my clients. I think you would also find dozens of followup questioners where I referred them to attorney friends in their area who could be of assistance. If you're my client, I've got your back. If you're an Asker, I'll make my best effort. I'm just one man.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 175-325 per hour
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Adjunct Professor
  • Quincy University
  • 2013 - Present
  • Outside Counsel
  • City Of Quincy
  • 2010 - 2013
  • City Attorney
  • City Of Quincy
  • 1985 - 2009
  • Special Assistant Attorney General
  • Attorney General Of Illinois
  • 1985 - 2009
  • State's Attorney
  • Adams County State's Attorney
  • 1980 - 1984
  • Public Defender
  • Adams County Public Defender
  • 1978 - 1980
  • Assistant Attorney General
  • Illinois Attorney General's Office
  • 1974 - 1976
  • Staff Sgt.--Special Project Team Leader
  • United States Air Force (Active Duty)
  • 1964 - 1970
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Iowa College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1972
  • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1970
  • Defense Language Institute
  • Certificate of Merit
  • 1965

Associations

  • Adams County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Arkansas Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A

Honors and Awards

  • 2023 Lawyer of Distinction
  • Layers of Distinction
  • 2023
  • Senior Counselor
  • Arkansas Bar Association
  • 2023
  • Professionalism Award
  • Adams County Judges
  • 2009
  • "AV" Status (Highly Unusual for a sole practitioner)
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1991
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • ISBA Regional CLE General Practice Seminar
  • Technology For Lawyers: Update on Lawyer-Specific Products
  • 2015
  • ISBA DUI and Traffic Section
  • "Blood Testing and Obstruction of Justice: Your Constitutional Right to Become a Laboratory Animal"
  • 2015
  • Illinois State Bar Association CLE
  • Trends in Workplace/Religious Freedom
  • 2012

Attorney endorsements

Received (63)
Given (50)
Endorse Anthony
Unknown Attorney | May 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I refer cases to him without hesitation. He combines common sense with legal brilliance."
Litigation Attorney | Mar 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Licensing Attorney | Jun 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Cameron has demonstrated great passion and commitment in his advocacy for his clients and is a valuable asset to our community. Without reservation I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Cameron is an active member in the AVVO community and readily shares his decades of experience in order to answer questions in an easy-to-understand yet insightful manner."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.He is effective and dedicated to his clients. He is well respected by the legal community as well as the bench"
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am privileged to endorse Counsel Anthony Cameron for his unwavering expertise he amassed diligently practicing criminal law for many years. His case analysis is not only good, it immediately captures all real life variables as Attorney Cameron examines and proposes the most viable legal options for the client. Counsel Cameron not only handles criminal cases well, he ensures the instant case does not create adverse collateral issues in the client's life. In my opinion Attorney Cameron is a great asset to the legal community and remains superb at his legal practice."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Tony is a nice man and works hard for his clients."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Anthony Bettencourt Cameron provides a valuable service on Avvo. He has an excellent rating and dedicates himself to being the best. (insert) law is not easy, and he is up to the task! He also gives excellent answers to user questions on this site. I am happy to endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cameron is well liked and respected in the legal community. He is a solid, hard hitting lawyer and will see your matter through to the end."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tony, is one of the most knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys I've come across. I would not hesitate to contact him. I endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Simply stated if your in trouble with the Law Attorney Anthony B. Cameron is the Attorney to call. One of America's Top Lawyers he should be your first and last call. I endorse him."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 26
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. While Mr. Cameron and I have not met "in person", I have grown to know him thru his Avvo comments. I have also seen his many fine answers to questions posed. He is experienced, articulate, detail oriented, understands the nuances of DUI defense and driver's license reinstatement hearings, has a great grasp of the material and is not afraid to say what he thinks and what his analysis of the law would be. Above all he is empathetic to his clients situations. It would be my honor to practice along side of him and that is not a compliment I easily bestow. I highly endorse Mr. Cameron."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"To say that Mr. Cameron is knowledgeable in his field is a severe understatement. He provides accurate, clear, and quick answers to even the hardest of legal questions. His reputation in the legal community is impeccable and he is a role model for young attorneys. If anyone I know ever has need of an attorney in his area, I would enthusiastically recommend Mr. Cameron."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Other
"Mr. Cameron's sound and practical legal advice is always on point here on Avvo. Particularly on the topics of DUI and license reinstatements, Mr. Cameron is an extremely skilled and cerebral attorney. Anyone with a "government hassle" (as Mr. Cameron calls them) in Adams County needs to make one, and only one, phone call and that is to Tony."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked with Tony for many years regarding some of the most cutting edge cases. He has always been an excellent attorney to discuss matters with, and it has been my sincere pleasure to correspond with him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know Mr. Cameron through the Illinois Bar Association. He is a very knowledgeable attorney who concentrates in criminal defense. He is one of the best defense attorneys in Illinois. I strongly endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse Tony Cameron as an energetic and intrepid advocate for his clients. Not only do I notice his "outside the box thinking" when conversing with him, Tony is always happy to volunteer his time helping to assist other lawyers understand the more complex areas of law for which he concentrates. He continually expands his education in law as I have seen him at many legal education seminars, actively participating in discussions. He is a lawyer's lawyer and I appreciate the knowledge he has imparted on me."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Cameron is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Cameron's participation on this site demonstrate not only a deep knowledge of his practice areas but the wisdom and experience attorneys like him gain from both the practice of law and life. I would enthusiastically refer a client to him were someone in need of an attorney in southern Illinois."
View more endorsements
DUI and DWI
Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
Criminal defense
Intellectual property
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Violent crime
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Speeding and traffic ticket
Criminal defense
Quincy Criminal defense Lawyer Anthony Bettencourt Cameron
Anthony Bettencourt Cameron
Criminal defense Attorney
Quincy, IL
Licensed for 50 years
Free Consultation