Troy Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Troy, IL

When you are accused of a crime, it can have frightening implications for your future. The risk of jail time or exorbitant fines can cause stress, embarrassment, and financial woes. It’s prudent to contact a Troy criminal defense lawyer before the situation gets out of control.

In the United States, you are considered innocent until proven guilty, but the system sometimes fails to uphold that ideal. At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we can assert your rights. Our attorney, Jessica Koester, is an established, skilled defense attorney who provides trusted counsel and aggressive advocacy.

Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor like theft or minor drug possession or a felony like homicide, you still have rights that are protected under both state and federal laws, along with the United States Constitution.

Types of Criminal Cases The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, Handles

A criminal charge can threaten your freedom, reputation, employment, and future opportunities. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, represents clients facing a broad range of state and federal allegations, including serious felonies and cases requiring detailed investigation. The firm handles matters such as:

• Sex crimes. We provide defense services against sexual assault, internet sex crimes, child pornography, and other sex-related allegations.
• Federal crimes. Our attorney can represent clients who are being investigated or prosecuted for offenses under federal law.
• Fraud charges. We can defend clients in PPP fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud cases.
• Drug crimes. Our firm can challenge allegations involving drug possession, distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing.
• Assault and battery. We provide representation in cases involving simple or aggravated assault and battery charges.
• Drug-induced homicide. Jessica Koester can defend her clients against allegations that providing a controlled substance contributed to another person’s death.
• Domestic violence. Our firm can mount a defense against accusations involving family or household members, including related orders of protection.
• Gun crimes. We provide skilled representation against allegations of firearm offenses, including illegal possession of a firearm.
• Murder charges. Our attorney can defend against homicide and attempted homicide allegations.
• Traffic offenses. If you are facing reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or other serious traffic violations, consult our office about your case.
• Juvenile charges. Our firm can represent minors accused of crimes, including juvenile felonies and sex offenses.
• Theft and property crimes. We defend clients against theft, robbery, burglary, home invasion, identity theft, credit card fraud, and forgery charges.
• Expungements. Our firm can assist with clearing eligible criminal records to reduce their effect on unemployment, housing, and other opportunities.

Every criminal case presents different facts, evidence, and potential consequences. Jessica Koester examines the circumstances surrounding each charge, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develops a defense strategy suited to her client’s situation.

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure. This means that, if you are in an area where you should have a reasonable expectation of privacy, law enforcement must have a proper justification to search. Generally, this justification is supported by a warrant.

When Fourth Amendment rights are violated, a Troy criminal defense attorney can work to have any evidence obtained in the search blocked or “thrown out” from your criminal trial.

Misconceptions About the Fourth Amendment

Some people have misconceptions about the Fourth Amendment. It is dangerous to assume it will apply in every case. There are certain circumstances where law enforcement may argue that the circumstances allowed them to circumvent the Fourth Amendment, such as the following:

• The evidence is in plain view.
• A vehicle search for contraband results in an incidental finding of evidence.
• The search is part of a lawful arrest.
• Evidence may be imminently destroyed.

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, they can immediately work to protect you from inadvertently admitting guilt. A Troy criminal defense attorney can analyze your case, examine evidence, and determine whether your Fourth Amendment rights were possibly violated.

The Right to Remain Silent

This is a concept many people forget to follow. The shock of being accused of a crime, the tactics some law enforcement individuals use to encourage compliance, and the idea that if you’re innocent, you have nothing to hide are all dangers to your case in Troy, IL.

Anything you say can be used against you. That means it can be taken out of context or used to sway a jury. When you have an experienced attorney representing you, these factors are less likely to apply. Skilled counsel can mean the difference between jail time and keeping your freedom, finances, and reputation.

What Happens After a Criminal Arrest?

Following an arrest by the Troy Police Department or another law enforcement agency, the accused may be taken into custody, processed, and informed of the allegations. Depending on the charge and circumstances, the person may be released with instructions to appear in court, or they might remain detained until a judge reviews the case. Early court proceedings may address pretrial release, the formal charges, and future hearing dates.

The prosecution will then begin providing evidence through the discovery process. This evidence may include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photos
• Bodycam footage
• Lab results
• Recordings

Prosecutors may also offer a plea agreement, but accepting an offer without understanding its full consequences can be risky. A conviction could affect employment, housing, driving privileges, firearm rights, and professional licenses.

Defendants should follow every release condition and attend all scheduled hearings. Missing court or violating a condition can create additional legal problems. You should also avoid: 

• Discussing the case with anyone besides your attorney
• Answering investigators’ questions without legal advice

The Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

The effects of a criminal conviction may continue long after a person completes a jail or prison sentence, probation, or other court-mandated punishment. A criminal record can appear during a background check conducted by employers, schools, licensing agencies, and lenders. This may make it harder to find work, secure housing, pursue an education, or maintain a professional license.

Certain convictions can also affect driving privileges, firearm rights, immigration status, and eligibility for some public benefits. Parents may encounter additional difficulties in child custody proceedings, particularly when a criminal defense case involves violence, drugs, or allegations concerning a minor.

The possible consequences depend on the specific offense and the individual’s criminal history. Understanding those risks before entering a plea is essential. An experienced attorney can explain the state’s criminal defense laws and how the outcome of your case could impact your life.

Hire a Troy Criminal Defense Attorney

1.25 million people are living in jails or prisons throughout the United States. In 2023, there were 549 incarcerated people per 100,000 residents in Illinois. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, there were roughly 72,000 falsely imprisoned people in state prisons during 2024.

With numbers like that, and the length of time it takes to exonerate a falsely imprisoned individual, it’s imperative to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your future. At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, our founding attorney Jessica Koester is a dedicated, compassionate, and aggressive criminal defense attorney who is passionate about fairness in the justice system.

Ms. Koester has in-depth knowledge of state and federal laws, so she can advise you on your charges, options, and the risks of each. She is quick to respond to her clients’ questions and keeps them apprised at every step of the process.

FAQs

What Can a Defense Attorney Not Do in Illinois?

A defense attorney in Illinois cannot commit a crime while carrying out their duties as a defense lawyer. They also cannot lie to the officers of the court, although they do have a duty to be loyal to their client. Finally, they may not execute any unlawful directive from their client.

What Is the Hardest Criminal Charge to Beat?

First-degree murder is the hardest criminal charge to beat because it includes premeditation, so there is often a large amount of evidence, including DNA and forensic evidence. However, even a case that seems hard to beat may have poorly collected evidence or rights violations, which can lead to lesser charges or a plea deal.

With strong negotiating skills and experience in both the state and federal courts in Illinois, Jessica Koester has never been afraid of tough cases.

Should You Tell Your Troy Criminal Defense Lawyer Everything?

Yes, you should tell your Troy criminal defense lawyer everything, including anything you may think is incriminating. Crafting an effective defense depends on knowing all the facts.

A defense is often a combination of:

• Finding flaws in the prosecution’s evidence
• Presenting evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s version of events
• Highlighting any improper procedures during evidence collection or arrest

Unless your criminal defense attorney has all the facts, they cannot find the errors in the criminal prosecution’s case.

When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Troy?

You should hire a Troy criminal defense lawyer as soon as you may be under investigation or a suspect in a crime. Hiring a lawyer before you speak to law enforcement or the prosecution can help you avoid any misinterpretations, having your words taken out of context, or other issues that can impact your defense.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible so we can gather the facts.

A Criminal Defense Attorney With a Reputation

When you hire Jessica Koester of The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, you hire a confident and skilled Troy criminal defense attorney who can use her knowledge of both Illinois and federal law as leverage to seek favorable outcomes. Ms. Koester has trial experience and a strong grasp of the intricacies of the courtroom.

Even if there is a strong chance of a plea bargain or dismissal, criminal penalties require an attorney who is not afraid to go to trial if necessary. If you think you have a criminal case, contact us today for a consultation.