Belleville Attempted Murder & Violent Felony Defense Lawyer

Attempted Murder & Violent Felony Defense Attorney in Belleville, IL

Attempted murder and other violent felonies are among the most serious criminal offenses in Illinois. You are facing severe attempted murder penalties, including the possibility of significant prison time or even life, stiff fines, and the impact of a felony conviction on your rights and future. If you have been charged with attempted murder or another violent felony in Belleville, you need a Belleville attempted murder & violent felony defense lawyer right away.

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC proudly serves clients throughout Belleville, Edwardsville, and the Metro-East area who are facing some of the most serious felony charges under Illinois law. With decades of combined trial-court experience in violent felony, firearms, and federal criminal cases, Attorney Jessica Koester knows what’s at stake and is ready to put her knowledge and skill to work for you and your family.

Belleville Attempted Murder & Violent Felony Defense Laws

Illinois’ statute on the offense of attempt is found in 720 ILCS 5/8-4. A person is guilty of attempt when they intend to commit a particular crime and perform actions that represent significant progress toward achieving it.

The crime of attempted murder requires deliberate intent to kill and excludes lawful violent felony defense strategies like self-defense when such intent exists. Because homicide and other violent crimes are considered forcible felonies, a defendant charged with attempted first-degree murder will be charged as a Class X felony and face sentencing enhancements for the use of a firearm or other aggravating factors.

Illinois law defines a number of violent felonies, including attempted first-degree murder, as among the most serious offenses, often with sentences ranging from decades in prison to life, depending on the circumstances, prior record, and use of a weapon.

According to 2023 reports, the nation experienced 1,218,467 violent crime offenses, which resulted in a violent crime rate of 364 incidents per 100,000 residents.

What To Do If Charged With Attempted Murder or a Violent Felony

When facing charges for severe crimes in Belleville, like attempted murder or violent felonies, you must act quickly yet carefully. You should not discuss the facts of your case with anyone but your attorney. You should also not make any statements or post about the situation on social media, as any of these could be used against you in court.

Take notes about what you remember about the incident in question while the facts are still fresh in your mind. If possible, gather any documents, messages, and contact information for potential witnesses. Most importantly, contact an experienced Belleville criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and start working on a strong defense strategy right away.

Hire An Attempted Murder & Violent Felony Defense Lawyer

The most important thing to do if you have been charged with a crime is to hire an experienced murder & violent felony defense lawyer. Your freedom, your good name, and your future are on the line when you are charged with a crime. An experienced criminal defense attorney knows the law, court procedures, and how prosecutors work, and can look for flaws in the government’s case against you.

An attorney can ensure your constitutional rights are protected and can speak with the police and prosecutors on your behalf and attempt to get charges reduced or dismissed where possible. Your chances of achieving the most beneficial possible outcome in your case improve significantly with skilled legal representation.

Belleville Attempted Murder & Violent Felony Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with attempted murder or a violent felony, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can help. Contact us today to get started.