Collinsville Sex Crime Lawyer

Sex Crime Attorney in Collinsville, IL

If you have been charged with a sex crime in Collinsville, you may be shocked and unsure how to move forward, particularly with more serious felony charges and the possibility of long-term or life sentences. If charged, enlist the help of a Collinsville sex crime lawyer right away.

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, based in Edwardsville, can provide an aggressive and premier Collinsville criminal defense lawyer throughout state and federal courts.

Relevant Illinois Sex Crime Laws

A sex crime is a crime that is sexual in nature and involves unlawful or non-consensual sexual behavior. Sex crimes in Illinois include criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, child pornography, and internet-based exploitation.

Federal and state laws treat these offenses as some of the most serious, with mandatory prison sentences, sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences. An accusation alone can affect your reputation, employment, and personal relationships.

In Illinois, these crimes are generally outlined in the Illinois Criminal Code. Some of the most serious charges include:

• Sexual battery
• Sexual assault
• Child pornography
• Criminal sexual abuse

Judges cannot reduce sentences for many crimes that have mandatory sentencing requirements after a conviction. Some sex crimes result in automatic lifetime registration as a sex offender, including severe restrictions on where a person can live or work. When crimes occur online or involve minors or cross state lines, they may lead to federal charges.

Relevant Collinsville Sex Crime Statistics

In Collinsville, the 2023 rape rate was approximately 54.6 per 100,000 residents. As of mid‑2025, there were about 32 registered sex offenders living in Collinsville, representing a ratio of roughly one offender per 800 residents

What to Do if You’re Accused?

If you’ve been accused of a sex crime or even if you are only under investigation, it is important to act right away. The quicker you can begin to fight for your side, the better. First, do not talk to law enforcement without a Collinsville criminal defense lawyer present. The police may try to get your side of the story, but you are legally allowed to wait until your counsel is present to do so.

Do not contact the accuser, even if their accusations are false or it is a big misunderstanding. Contacting them could damage your case and could be seen as witness tampering.

Be sure to keep all communications you had with the alleged victim, especially any evidence supporting your claims, such as proof of an alibi, expressed consent, or even threats from the victim.

Finally, speak with a Collinsville sex crime attorney immediately. With immediate involvement from a professional criminal defense attorney, you can receive an assessment of potential rights violations during searches or arrests while developing the most effective defense strategy.

Common Defenses in Sex Crime Cases

While being convicted can lead to severe sex crime penalties, not every accusation leads to a conviction. This is partially because many accusations do not have solid evidence to support their claims. Depending on the specific details of your case, certain defenses may be appropriate, including:

• Consent. The act between two adults was consensual.
• False allegations. The accuser made false allegations due to embarrassment, regret, revenge, or fear of the outcome.
• Violation of rights. In some cases, the accused was subjected to an illegal search and seizure. Any evidence obtained from such can be excluded from the trial.
• Lack of evidence. The prosecution must provide a strong enough case that demonstrates guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A strong defense can point out flaws or weaknesses in their evidence.
• Mistaken identity. This can be used especially in eyewitness cases where it is not clear who the perpetrator is or if the defendant has a provable alibi.

About The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, in Edwardsville, Illinois, is a criminal defense firm that exclusively handles serious felony cases such as sex crimes, violent crimes, and federal indictments. Defense attorney Jessica Koester has decades of courtroom experience and is known for her preparation and advocacy.

Jessica’s firm operates in the Metro East region, offering representation through understanding to her clients. The office of Jessica Koester is conveniently located near the Madison County Courthouse, which allows her to manage cases in Collinsville and other areas. When you need to hire a sex crime lawyer, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC is here to help.

FAQs

Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer

If you have been charged with a sex crime, do not delay in fighting for your future. Time is important, and it’s important to hire a sex crimes lawyer right away. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can help. Contact us today to get started.