Belleville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing criminal charges can be one of the most overwhelming experiences someone can deal with under the law. Whether you are facing a serious state crime or felony, your rights, reputation, and future are on the line. When this happens, a skilled Belleville criminal defense lawyer can step in to fill in your knowledge gap by providing the legal guidance and strong defense strategy needed to navigate the justice system and protect what matters most to you.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, each client receives personalized representation rooted in decades of professional experience in this space. As a dedicated St. Clair County defense attorney, Jessica Koester is committed to supervising the entire process to protect your rights and ensure no one tries to take advantage of your vulnerabilities. We aim to ensure you have peace of mind from start to finish that your case is in capable hands.

What Crimes Do We Defend?

If you are facing criminal charges with the possibility of facing long-term to life sentences, we can offer robust criminal defense. We have successfully represented clients in the following criminal areas:

• Federal charges. This includes drug crimes, sex crimes, firearm possession, PPP fraud, bank fraud, and health care fraud.
• Sex crimes. This includes internet sex crimes, sexual assault, and abuse.
• Home invasion and burglary. This includes unlawful entry and theft.
• Drug crimes. This includes drug distribution and trafficking, manufacturing, drug-induced homicide, and charges related to heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs.
• Juvenile law. We represent juveniles facing felony charges and assist with removing them from sex offender lists.
• This includes identity theft, robbery, burglary.
• Representing attorneys at ARDC. We represent attorneys facing disciplinary matters before the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

What Are Some Common Defense Positions?

When facing criminal charges, your defense strategy is the biggest factor that can make all the difference in your case. Some of the most commonly used defenses include:

• Lack of intent: Proving there was no criminal intent behind your actions.
• Mistaken identity: You were wrongly identified as the person who committed the crime.
• Alibi: Someone else can attest to where you were during the crime.
• Duress: You were forced to commit the crime under threat of serious harm.
• Entrapment: Law enforcement pressured you into committing a crime you didn’t plan to commit.

Do You Have the Right to Self-Defense?

If you are facing charges related to a physical altercation or using force, it’s important to understand how Illinois law views these cases. Under state law, you are allowed to use deadly force if you are trying to prevent an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm. Even then, it must be clear that your intervention was proportionate to the level of threat you faced. An experienced defense lawyer can help show how your behavior meets this legal definition.

Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC Today

If you have recently been charged with a crime in Belleville and are looking for the right defense attorney for the job, contact our firm today. You deserve to feel confident that your case is in good hands. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC provides that reassurance and much more starting on day one.