
Facing charges of predatory criminal sexual assault can be one of the most terrifying legal emergencies you will ever encounter. Anyone undergoing investigation for predatory criminal sexual assault in St. Clair County needs legal representation from an East St. Louis predatory criminal sexual assault lawyer who comprehends the weight of such accusations and their potential to change lives overnight.
As these charges carry Illinois’ most severe sentencing ranges, working with an East St. Louis criminal defense lawyer becomes essential.
The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC operates solely as a criminal defense firm from its Edwardsville, Illinois, location near the Madison County Courthouse. Attorney Jessica Koester has decades of trial-court experience in both state and federal criminal cases, defending clients accused of some of the most serious felony charges in Illinois.
She has a reputation throughout the East St. Louis community for her aggressive courtroom advocacy and unwavering commitment to protecting her clients’ rights. It is critical to find a defense lawyer with exceptional skill and focus to protect your future when facing the serious consequences of a criminal conviction.
618-692-4900 Call 24/7 For Your Free Consultation
Predatory criminal sexual assault laws are some of the most aggressively enforced statutes in the state. Under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.40, the State must prove specific elements, including the age of the alleged victim and the accused, as well as the sexual conduct or penetration. Cases also frequently involve enhancements that can increase the potential sentence.
Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/11‑1.50 describes a related charge, criminal sexual abuse, through non-penetrative sexual actions, which may include touching or fondling inflicted by force or without consent or upon an incapacitated victim.
According to a 2025 report from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) and InfoNet, 9,864 individuals who experienced sexual violence or were close to someone who did experience sexual violence were served by sexual-violence service providers across Illinois in 2024. The percentage of clients served in 2024 who were minors (age 17 or younger) was 34%, according to the same report.
The penalties for convicted offenders can range from decades-long prison sentences to lifelong incarceration and sex-offender registration requirements, while also resulting in housing and employment discrimination and damaged family relationships. The risk is unprecedented, which is why you need an East St. Louis predatory criminal sexual assault attorney with the skill to review every step of the investigation and pursue constitutional rights violations.
Defending predatory criminal sexual assault charges successfully demands a thorough understanding of how to handle sensitive allegations. Jessica Koester’s extensive trial background helps her anticipate prosecution techniques, identify issues in forensic interviews, and expose errors in digital evidence collection. These charges depend heavily on credibility assessments and timeline inconsistencies, which demand thorough analysis.
People hire a predatory criminal sexual assault lawyer because their charges are serious and Illinois sex crime statutes are complex, along with the urgent requirement to protect their rights. A defense attorney committed to their client can conduct an independent investigation that includes reviewing witness statements and forensic interviews, as well as examining law enforcement procedures.
If you have been charged with predatory criminal sexual assault, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can help you fight for your future. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Fields Marked With An “*” Are Required