Belleville Residential Burglary Defense Lawyer

Residential Burglary Defense Attorney in Belleville, IL

If you or a loved one has been charged with residential burglary, it is essential to have a skilled and trusted Belleville residential burglary defense lawyer in your corner immediately. A residential burglary is a Class 1 felony in the state of Illinois and can result in serious penalties, long-lasting consequences, and a permanent criminal record. Having legal representation from the moment of arrest or during investigation increases your chances of avoiding a severe sentence.

Hire a Residential Burglary Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we represent clients charged with residential burglary in Belleville, Edwardsville, and throughout the Metro-East area. Located conveniently near the St. Clair County court system, we take pride in offering responsive and personal legal representation.

Jessica Koester has decades of experience handling serious felony cases of all kinds, from weapons and drug offenses to violent crime. This extensive background gives her the unique insight and tenacity to fight back against residential burglary charges. Whether through pretrial motions, in trial, or in plea negotiations, the firm will work aggressively to protect your rights and future.

Residential Burglary Defense Cases in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, the offense of residential burglary is defined at 720 ILCS 5/19-3. A person commits residential burglary when they:

• A person knowingly enters or stays inside another person’s dwelling without permission.
• Enter or remain to commit a felony or theft.

In addition to the above, the statute also includes an additional provision for those who enter by false representation, such as by posing as a utility worker or government agent, to facilitate theft or a felony.

The law requires only the intent to commit theft during unauthorized entry because the statute focuses on entry with criminal intent rather than requiring actual theft. As a Class 1 felony, residential burglary is a serious offense with significant consequences upon conviction.

Illinois Residential Burglary Defense Laws

Anyone who gains unauthorized entry into another individual’s living space while planning to commit theft or a felony violates 720 ILCS 5/19-3 by performing residential burglary in Belleville. If convicted of this Class 1 felony, the offender will face years of imprisonment, along with large fines, and will receive a lasting felony mark.

A person can face this charge without completing the theft because the law focuses solely on the intent to steal. Once prosecutors have alleged the requisite elements are met, it is then the burden of the defense to raise a reasonable doubt over entry, authority, or intent.

Illinois had 218,004 property crimes in 2024, with a property crime rate per 100,000 residents of 1,715.2. Of these, 36,919 were burglary-related.

Belleville Residential Burglary Defense Lawyer

When you are facing serious criminal charges that could impact your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities, it is essential to hire a residential burglary defense lawyer who understands your rights.

A skilled Belleville residential burglary defense attorney will know how to review police reports, poke holes in any weak evidence, and identify any potential violations of your constitutional rights. These types of cases will often be based on witness statements, forensic or trace evidence, and the procedures used by law enforcement. When the right legal strategy is applied, many of these elements can be disputed and challenged in court.

An experienced Belleville defense lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors, pursue lesser charges, or even fight for dismissal of charges when warranted. Having effective legal representation will ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC today.