Edwardsville Gun Crime Lawyer

Gun crime charges in Edwardsville are serious criminal accusations that can lead to life-changing consequences if you are found guilty. Whether you’re facing accusations of unlawful possession, aggravated discharge, or using a weapon during another offense, the consequences can be severe. An Edwardsville gun crime lawyer can question whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Strategic Firearms Defense Built on Decades of Experience

Gun crime charges in Edwardsville can result in mandatory sentencing, the loss of firearm rights, and other long-term consequences. At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we review every detail of the arrest and investigation, focusing on whether law enforcement followed proper procedures and whether the facts support the charge.

Jessica Koester has spent decades defending clients accused of weapons-related felonies. She builds focused, trial-ready strategies designed to challenge the state’s case. Her advocacy can help clients avoid harsh penalties that would otherwise follow them for the rest of their lives.

Understanding Gun Crime Charges in Edwardsville

Gun crime remains a pressing issue in Edwardsville and throughout Madison County. In 2023, the Madison County Coroner’s Office (157 N Main Street) reported 11 homicides, including nine that resulted from gunshot wounds.

Law enforcement efforts to curb gun violence intensified in 2024 when the Street Enforcement Team (SET), which includes officers from Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and other surrounding agencies, seized over 62 firearms and served more than 130 arrest warrants tied to violent crimes.

One high-profile incident occurred in February 2025 when an Edwardsville man fired over 35 rounds from an assault-style rifle into a woman’s vehicle near Staunton during a domestic dispute.

The suspect, who had a prior 2017 armed robbery conviction, fled to Worden, where a standoff ended in his arrest. He now faces charges of attempted murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon.

Legal Strategies for Fighting Firearm Allegations

One common legal defense for fighting gun crime charges focuses on challenging possession of the firearm. Prosecutors must prove that the accused possessed the weapon and that the possession violated state or federal law. If the defense can show that the accused didn’t know about the gun or never had control over it, the charges may not hold up in court.

If the firearm was found during a traffic stop along Troy Road or Route 157, defense attorneys may examine whether police followed proper procedures when stopping, detaining, and searching the suspect’s car. Only lawfully obtained evidence can be admitted into court.

The Importance of Hiring an Edwardsville Gun Crime Lawyer

An Edwardsville gun crime lawyer can challenge how the firearm was discovered and whether the search was conducted lawfully. In some cases, the police didn’t follow their own standards and procedures. Perhaps they violated your rights by stopping you without probable cause. Those kinds of missteps could provide grounds for having any evidence they collected deemed inadmissible in court.

If a gun were found during a stop along Troy Road, near SIUE, or inside a home off Buchanan Street without a valid warrant, that evidence may be thrown out as well. In some cases, what looks like unlawful possession is actually a paperwork issue, such as an expired Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification, or some kind of confusion about transport laws.

Prosecutors in Madison County often push for maximum charges, especially when a firearm is involved in another offense, even if it wasn’t fired. A local attorney can review surveillance, bodycam footage, or witness statements for inconsistencies that weaken the case.

Without representation, you risk being hit with a felony conviction that could jeopardize your freedom. The right lawyer doesn’t just fight the charge. They protect your future and your record.

FAQs

Schedule Your Edwardsville Gun Crime Consultation Today

Gun crime charges in Edwardsville can result in felony convictions, mandatory prison time, and the loss of your right to own or carry firearms. Prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions and maximum penalties. Early action is essential to protect your rights and control the direction of your case.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, we examine every detail of the arrest and investigation to uncover errors, illegal searches, or unreliable claims. We’ve defended clients against these types of charges for decades, so we understand what it takes to mount a successful defense. Contact our office to set up your initial consultation and start building your defense.