Highland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Highland, IL

If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime, it can be a stressful time for you or your family. Even if you have not yet been indicted or arrested, if you think you may be investigated for a crime, it’s advisable to hire a Highland criminal defense lawyer.

A lifelong resident of Madison County, Attorney Jessica Koester of The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, has a strong reputation in the East St. Louis area as a dedicated and aggressive criminal defense attorney. When you are facing penalties that could include jail time or heavy fines, hiring an attorney with experience and skill may mean the difference between jail and freedom.

Ms. Koester has trial experience in both the federal court for the Southern District of Illinois in East St. Louis and the Madison County Courthouse located at 157 N. Main Street in Edwardsville. From drug charges to homicide, she has experience providing personalized attention and vigorous defense for clients facing serious penalties.

Common Criminal Charges

There is a misconception that misdemeanors indicate a crime is “not that bad.” Misdemeanors in Illinois can result in jail time, probation, community service, or other penalties, including large fines.

Other consequences are secondary to the criminal penalties. However, they may include loss of employment or social services, inability to secure a job or residence, loss of driver’s license, and embarrassment. Some of the most common misdemeanors are:

• Assault
• Battery
• Violating a domestic violence order
• DUI
• Theft under $500

While misdemeanors are still serious and warrant retaining a strong defense lawyer, felonies carry longer prison sentences and fines up to $25,000. Most felonies have a three-year statute of limitations.

Felonies

Class X felonies have the most severe penalties in Illinois and are often extremely violent. In 2024, Illinois had 289 violent crimes per 200,000 people. 50.6% of all violent crimes were aggravated assaults. 

• Murder
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Armed robbery
• Drug manufacturing

If Class X felonies are not violent, they are generally white-collar crimes involving large sums of money. Examples of Class X white-collar felonies in Illinois are:

• Tax evasion
• Money laundering
• Embezzlement
• Fraud

Whether you are accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, hiring a criminal defense lawyer to present a robust defense is essential.

Hire a Highland Criminal Defense Lawyer

The threat of jail time or large fines can cause emotional distress and a high level of anxiety. When you hire a Highland criminal defense lawyer from The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, you can rest easier knowing that you will have a strong defense and a dedicated lawyer who will answer your questions and respond to your calls.

Our goals are to make sure you understand your charges and the possible outcomes of your case, that you feel secure enough to make informed decisions, and that you know you’ll have a criminal defense lawyer who isn’t afraid of a tough case. Our founding attorney, Jessica Koester, has a background in investigative analysis. She can analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and investigate evidence collection methods and arrest procedures.

One of the most common errors in police procedure is violating the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Knowing the law and identifying these flaws helps build a more robust defense for your case in Highland, IL. When every detail counts, hiring someone skilled, experienced, and detail-oriented can be the difference between a bright future and one governed by the system.

FAQs

What Types of Cases Fall Under Criminal Law?

Cases fall under criminal law when they violate public laws. The government prosecutes criminal cases as a deterrent and to protect public safety. When crimes violate public laws, the penalties may involve jail time, probation, community service, or fines.

Some types of criminal cases are theft, murder, driving under the influence (DUI), robbery, assault, battery, and drug possession.

If I Inadvertently Confessed to a Crime, Must I Plead Guilty?

Even if you inadvertently confessed to a crime, you do not have to plead guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution. Consulting a Highland criminal defense lawyer, however, is essential. A criminal lawyer can review your case, and while a confession can make a case for innocence more difficult, it depends on the circumstances of the confession.

If you were coerced or your statement was taken out of context, there may be alternatives to pleading guilty.

What Is the Easiest Criminal Defense Case to Get Dismissed in Illinois?

The easiest criminal defense case to get dismissed in Illinois is one where the evidence is very weak, or there is clear evidence that you are not criminally at fault. A strategic-minded criminal defense lawyer can gather evidence, review the prosecution’s case, and push for dismissal based on the lack of evidence.

Attorney Jessica Koester has both negotiation and trial experience and has excellent investigative analysis skills. Ms. Koester’s confident manner and reputation for tenacity work in her clients’ favor.

Must I Allow the Highland Police to Search My Home or Person Without a Warrant?

You do not have to allow the Highland police to search your home or person without a warrant unless they have reasonable suspicion to believe you have a weapon or illegal item(s). If they try to search without a warrant signed by a judge, you should tell them you do not consent to this search.

This allows your criminal defense lawyer to create a record of a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches.

An Attorney With Integrity

Attorney Jessica Koester of The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, works hard to defend her clients. She believes in the right to representation and that our laws should protect us from unwarranted prosecution.

Ms. Koester is admitted to practice in the Southern District of Illinois Court, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. She is a trial attorney who helps clients with all kinds of criminal charges, including drug possession, murder charges, sex crimes, assault and battery, and DUIs. If you have a criminal case and need help, contact us for an evaluation today.