Fairview Heights Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Fairview Heights, IL

Federal criminal charges can be complex and frightening. You may be overwhelmed at the idea of the United States government prosecuting you. Federal charges are always serious and often carry much more severe penalties. Hiring a Fairview Heights federal criminal defense lawyer may help you avoid jail time or financial penalties.

Attorney Jessica Koester of The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, has vast experience with federal criminal cases. Her confidence and legal knowledge give her clients an edge in federal cases. Understanding the statutes and codes that govern federal cases is essential for obtaining a case dismissal or negotiating reduced penalties.

Federal Prosecution

Most times when the federal government charges you with a crime, they’ve already done a lot of investigation without you knowing. Sometimes their investigations run months or even years. Federal investigations involve cases that:

• Cross state lines (wire fraud or electronic transfers)
• Involve large amounts of money (bank fraud or tax evasion) or
• Break a federal statute (the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure)
• Are extremely violent (the FBI’s crime statistics report estimated that a violent crime occurred every 25.9 seconds in 2024)

By the time you know you are being investigated, they’ve likely already gathered loads of data. The federal government has the resources of several large agencies at its disposal, so it’s not unusual to see the FBI, the ATF, Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or the DEA involved in federal evidence collection.

Although the prosecution is federal, Illinois state law, especially in Fairview Heights, IL, can still affect your case if you are accused of breaking both federal and state laws. Knowing the difference and how to defend against both is important to your case.

Before, During, and After the Investigation

Before you find out you’re being investigated, federal agencies gather evidence in the background. You only find out you are being investigated when:

• You receive a target letter advising you that you are suspected of a crime
• A grand jury issues a subpoena

It’s critical to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you know you are the subject of a federal investigation. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney will know what procedures a grand jury or other official must follow.

What Is a Grand Jury?

Grand juries, unlike the smaller juries you find in a state trial, do not decide if someone is guilty. Instead, they investigate and decide whether the government has enough evidence to survive a trial. If they do, they issue an indictment, which informs the subject of the investigation that they are suspected of a crime.

Grand juries meet in secret. However, they are made up of regular citizens fulfilling their jury duty requirements and meet several times per month. In 2024, 126,000 Americans served on federal grand juries.

Limits of a Grand Jury

While a grand jury can request your presence and issue a subpoena, it cannot solely be used to gather evidence against an already-indicted defendant.

After the Indictment

Once a defendant receives their indictment, they must enter a plea. Unless evidence is overwhelming, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. A new jury is chosen for the trial.

Understanding small intricacies like this gives our team an edge. We review the government’s evidence-collection methods and identify areas where procedures were not followed. All of these small details can derail the prosecution’s case.

You have the right to a trial by jury, and the court cannot deny that right without your written consent. The jury usually consists of 12 people.

Hire a Fairview Heights Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether you’re faced with a grand jury invitation or an FBI investigator, hire a Fairview Heights federal criminal defense lawyer before speaking to anyone. Your words can unintentionally condemn you, and as of 2025, 134,766 people were serving federal prison sentences. 88.5% of them were sentenced in the last 10 years. When you hire an experienced Fairview Heights federal criminal rights lawyer, you may avoid becoming part of that statistic.

A federal criminal defense lawyer with courtroom experience is invaluable. She knows how to leverage legal data and push for lesser charges or dismissal.

FAQs

Can My Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Attend a Grand Jury Hearing With Me?

No, a federal criminal defense lawyer is not allowed to attend a grand jury hearing. That is why it is so important to hire one before you have your grand jury hearing. While your attorney cannot be present during the hearing, you can review the law and any pertinent information beforehand so you understand your rights.

Attorney Jessica Koester has over 20 years of experience in criminal law, including in federal criminal cases.

What Are Some Federal Criminal Cases That Commonly Cross State Lines?

Some federal criminal cases that commonly cross state lines are wire fraud cases, bank fraud, mail fraud, cybercrime, and human trafficking. Drug trafficking is also a common crime that crosses state lines.

Cases like these require an aggressive defense to counter the more severe federal penalties. Mail fraud and wire fraud cases only need to show intent to defraud. Even if you don’t succeed, you can still be found guilty.

Can a Misdemeanor Be a Federal Crime in Illinois?

Misdemeanors can be federal crimes if they violate a federal statute, occur on federal land, or cross state lines. Misdemeanors are classified into four categories:

1. Infraction: less than 5 days or no jail time.
2. Class C: No less than 5 but not more than 30 days in jail.
3. Class B: Not less than 30 days but up to 6 months in jail.
4. Class A: Not less than 6 months but no more than 1 year.

Can Federal Charges Be Dropped?

Yes, federal charges can be dropped, but it is unusual after an indictment. That is why it is so important to hire your federal criminal defense lawyer promptly. When your attorney can show a lack of proof or that the federal investigators did not follow proper procedures, there is a chance the case may be dropped.

An Aggressive but Compassionate Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jessica Koester is a fierce, compassionate lawyer who will work tirelessly toward your goal. Her first step is to take a detailed history to gather the facts, then to analyze and gather evidence. If you think you might have a federal criminal case, contact us for a consultation.