Belleville Firearm Possession Lawyer

Firearm Possession Attorney in Belleville, IL

Illegal possession of a firearm is a serious offense. If you are under investigation or have been charged with illegal possession of a firearm, contact an experienced Belleville firearm possession lawyer immediately. Possession of a firearm in Illinois can result in serious prison time, large fines, and long-term consequences for your job, civil rights, and your life.

When it comes to serious firearm possession cases in Belleville, Edwardsville, and the rest of Metro East, clients rely on The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC. Our firm provides professional courtroom representation and manages pretrial motions and trial preparation from its location near the St. Clair County Courthouse in Belleville.

Jessica Koester has over 30 years of high-level criminal defense experience. She passionately defends the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals charged with serious firearms offenses.

Understanding Firearm Possession Cases

Firearm possession cases cover a broad range of conduct, and both state and federal laws may apply. In Illinois, for instance, firearms are generally controlled by the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Act.

Illegal possession of a firearm can be aggravated by a FOID violation, leading to increased charges and penalties. Individuals who fall under prohibited categories, such as felons or minors, may face separate charges for firearm possession or altering or defacing weapons.

In 2023, the Illinois State Police made 1,902 firearms seizures and 1,549 arrests for firearms-related offenses across the state. The state also put 2,185 suspended or revoked FOID card holders into compliance.

Common Defenses in Firearms Cases

In Illinois, a conviction for possessing a firearm may result in long-term consequences. Penalties can significantly increase when combined with other charges, such as accusations of drug use or violent felonies. These consequences can be avoided or minimized by an early and vigorous defense, which could mean the difference between a conviction and a successful charge reduction or dismissal. Depending on the situation, defense tactics can include the following:

• Contesting a search or seizure’s constitutionality under the Fourth Amendment
• Claiming ignorance or lack of intent, proving that you were unaware that you had the gun
• Challenging evidence handling or the chain of custody
• Disputing the firearm in question’s identification or classification
• Depending on past performance and the particulars of the case, negotiating alternatives like probation or lowered charges

Hire a Firearm Possession Lawyer

When you hire a firearm possession lawyer, you get an advocate who knows the details of both state and federal laws on firearms possession. Charges involving firearms are often prosecuted very aggressively, and a minor technical error can have significant repercussions. A lawyer will review matters such as search lawfulness and evidence chain-of-custody, and can secure plea bargains resulting in charge reduction or case dismissal if suitable.

Belleville Firearm Possession Lawyer

Jessica Koester is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has tried cases in state and federal court for over 20 years. Jessica focuses her practice on defending serious felony cases. She will investigate the facts of your case, thoroughly review the evidence against you, and the procedures used by the police to determine if any of your constitutional rights were violated.

Jessica can also negotiate with prosecutors to obtain the greatest possible result for you. Jessica has defended clients charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of an altered firearm, and other serious firearm-related offenses. Contact us today for a consultation.