East St. Louis Firearm Possession Lawyer

Firearm Possession Attorney in East St. Louis, IL

Facing a gun charge in Illinois can be frightening, especially when your freedom is on the line. If you have been arrested or are under investigation, an East St. Louis firearm possession lawyer can help protect your rights from day one. Gun laws in Illinois are stringent, and even a technical violation can carry harsh consequences.

Working with an East St. Louis criminal defense lawyer means having an ally who knows the ins and outs of firearm statutes, FOID requirements, and how prosecutors build these cases.

About Us

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we understand how overwhelming and life-changing a firearm possession charge can be. Situated near the St. Clair County Courthouse, we provide targeted, strategic defense to clients across East St. Louis and the Metro East region.

Led by Jessica Koester, with over two decades of criminal defense experience, we handle every case personally. We review the facts, analyze constitutional issues, and aggressively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. We take a hands-on, meticulous approach to your defense, fighting to protect your rights at every step. When your freedom is on the line, you deserve a lawyer who will fight for you.

Understanding Firearm Possession Cases

Firearm possession cases can vary widely depending on the circumstances. In Illinois, simply possessing a firearm without a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card can result in criminal charges. These cases can escalate when coupled with other allegations, such as drug possession, violent offenses, or gang-related activity. Certain individuals, such as felons or minors, may face additional charges and enhanced penalties.

About 24% of adults in Illinois live with a gun in the home, according to one source. Recent statewide enforcement numbers show just how aggressively Illinois pursues firearm cases. In 2023, police made over 1,500 firearms-related arrests and nearly 2,000 firearm seizures across the state.

Prosecutors take these cases seriously, often relying on technical evidence, search procedures, and chain-of-custody documentation. A skilled East St. Louis firearm possession attorney must be familiar with these investigative techniques to identify issues and protect your rights.

Defenses for Firearm Possession Cases

Developing an effective defense strategy starts with understanding how law enforcement acquired the firearm. Attorneys may question if the police had probable cause for the search and seizure, if the search was constitutional under the Fourth Amendment, and whether the weapon was actually in your possession. These details matter. Depending on your case, possible defenses might include:

• Challenge the legality of the search or seizure
• Argue lack of knowledge or intent
• Dispute the weapon’s classification or operability
• Raise evidence handling or chain of custody issues
• Negotiate reduced charges based on mitigating factors

A gun conviction can have long-term consequences for employment, housing, and even your civil rights, including the right to vote or possess a firearm in the future.

Hire a Firearm Possession Lawyer

Choosing to hire a firearm possession lawyer is an investment in your protection, advocacy, and future. Gun cases often turn on details. An experienced attorney knows how to challenge the prosecution’s version of events, find holes, and negotiate the greatest possible outcome. Without representation, you may unknowingly waive important rights or accept consequences that could have been avoided.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we work with clients in East St. Louis and the Metro East to provide aggressive, detail-oriented representation for those charged with firearm crimes. Contact us today for the legal assistance you need to fight for your future.