Belleville Federal Drug Crime Lawyer

Federal Drug Crime Attorney in Belleville, IL

If you or a loved one has been charged in Federal Court with a drug offense, you need an aggressive Belleville federal drug crime lawyer fighting for you. Federal drug crime charges represent some of the most serious criminal matters because they involve harsh penalties, together with mandatory minimums and extended consequences.

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, represents defendants in Belleville, Edwardsville, and nearby communities in Illinois who have been charged with serious federal drug offenses. Our firm is located right next to the federal courts, which serve the Metro East region of Illinois, and we have many years of combined trial-level experience.

Ms. Koester believes in an aggressive and personalized approach to defense and will work tirelessly on behalf of each client to review the police actions, attack the evidence, and explore all realistic options for defense, mitigation, or negotiation.

Federal Drug Crime Laws

In federal drug charges, the government prosecutes. Everything from the arrest to the treatment of evidence is important, and you need an attorney who can defend against those charges in an informed and aggressive manner.

With slightly less than 30% of all cases, drug offenses were the second most frequent federal crime according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission. The total number of drug cases reported to the Commission in fiscal year 2024 was 18,281, which is five percent fewer than the number of cases reported in fiscal year 2023.

Federal drug charges are prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act. The Act divides drugs into various schedules, which carry different penalties depending on the drug and the quantity. For example, under 21 U.S.C. § 841, it is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and violations of this section typically involve mandatory minimums for prison time.

Federal Drug Crime Penalties and Defenses

The type of drug, its quantity, past criminal history, and whether trafficking or possession is involved all have a substantial impact on sentencing. For instance, sentences for trafficking methamphetamine or fentanyl can be significantly longer than those for possession at a lower level. A skilled federal drug crime lawyer can thoroughly assess your case and work to keep your exposure to a minimum. Depending on the details, potential defensive tactics could be:

• Contesting the validity or extent of search warrants or search-and-seizure practices related to Fourth Amendment issues
• Claiming ignorance or lack of intent, particularly when it’s unclear who owned or controlled the drugs
• Disputing the seized substances’ chain of custody
• Doubting the validity of controlled-buy operations or informant testimony
• Negotiating a different sentence or a reduction in the charges

Drug crimes are seriously and commonly prosecuted across the country. Having a Belleville federal drug crime attorney can help you fight for your rights.

Hire a Federal Drug Crime Lawyer

When you hire a federal drug crime lawyer at The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, you are hiring courtroom experience that spans decades, a wealth of knowledge regarding federal law, and a dedication to protecting your rights.

Ms. Koester has a history of defending clients charged with serious federal crimes, including drug crimes, and is skilled in reviewing complex drug-trafficking or distribution allegations, aggressively pursuing pretrial motions and, when necessary, negotiating with the prosecutors.

Belleville Federal Drug Crime Lawyer

If you have been charged with a federal drug crime, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can fight for your rights. Contact us today for a consultation. We understand federal drug crime cases and can help.