John McWard running for Christian Co. State’s Attorney
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CHRISTIAN COUNTY — Local attorney, John H. McWard, has announced he will seek the Republican nomination for Christian County State’s Attorney left vacant by the resignation of Mike Havera.
As a third generation attorney, McWard focuses on criminal defense, civil disputes and family law. He began practicing law in Christian County with his father, Monroe MacWard, in 2019. Monroe has been practicing for 37 years, of which, 35 years have been spent in Christian County.
McWard has extensive jury trial experience, both as a former assistant state’s attorney in Sangamon County and as a defense attorney. At this time, he is the only attorney in Christian County who has taken a criminal jury trial to verdict since January 2020. He is currently appointed as the Conflicts Public Defender in Christian County where he primarily handles felonies and juvenile cases. McWard is also an appointed public defender in Menard and Sangamon counties.
McWard expresses that he has a vested interest in Christian County and keeping the community safe as his family has called the area home since the 1800’s. He went on to say that he has three main folks as the state’s attorney. His first goal is to partner with our hard-working national, state, and local law enforcements to aid in the fight against crimes involving drugs in the community.
“Through strong prosecution, we will send the message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Christian County,” McWard stated. He believes stiffer penalties for crimes along with stronger prosecution will lead to reduced crime rates which, in turn, can lead to more businesses investing in the community, increased job opportunities, improvements in education and an all-around safer environment for both current and future generations.
His second goal is to generate more money for the county through asset forfeiture. By seizing vehicles and currency involved in criminal activities, more money can be invested back into the county and into agencies to help prevent future crimes from occurring. In doing this, McWard believes it will deter others from committing such crimes and will help make this community safer.
Lastly, he wants to ensure that, to the best of his ability, justice is serves. “No victim will feel as if they area just another case number. He or she will be included in each step and will be supported as such.” Each victim will have a voice and will be working with myself of one of the Assistant State’s Attorneys. McWard deems justice to be paramount to himself, not only in his current position, but also in his future role as State’s Attorney, if elected.
John McWard is extremely dedicated to helping this community become a safe environment for everyone and feels confident the position as the state’s attorney will give him the opportunity to do so. “I want to make a positive difference and a long-lasting impression in this county and appreciate any and all support.”
