
Felony Defense Attorney in Granite City, IL
Felony offenses are the most serious crimes someone can be charged with in Granite City. These cases require the legal services of a Granite City felony defense lawyer who can fight the charges effectively. They should be able to navigate a path to a favorable resolution that protects their client from serious consequences. A felony defense attorney can independently investigate the allegations while directly negotiating with prosecutors throughout the case.
Unwavering Criminal Defense When It Matters Most
When defendants in Granite City face felony defense cases, they know to trust The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, to fight for their rights and do what’s needed to weaken the prosecution’s case. Our lead attorney has represented Granite City residents for decades, and she has a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes for her clients. She has extensive experience identifying incidents where law enforcement violated a suspect’s Fourth Amendment rights.
By maintaining memberships with professional organizations like the Illinois State Bar Association and other groups, she stays up to date with the latest defense strategy trends.
Understanding Felony Crime Stats in Granite City
Felonies can occur anywhere in Illinois, including in Granite City. In 2023, 13.7% of violent crimes reported in Illinois were classified as rapes. Locally, residents of Granite City face about a one in 37 chance each year of experiencing a violent or property-related crime.
These incidents occur in neighborhoods as varied as Nameoki, Wilson Park, and West Granite, which can see a wide range of felony-related activity. Some felony charges result from lengthy investigations and complex operations by law enforcement. In mid-June, a multi-agency deployment of the Cross-River Crime Task Force led to several arrests and the seizure of drugs and weapons.
Among the arrests was a convicted felon found with a defaced firearm and significant quantities of meth and cocaine, amounts consistent with drug trafficking.
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Common Crimes That Are Charged as Felonies
In Illinois, many serious offenses are classified as felonies due to their severity and potential penalties. Common felony charges include aggravated battery, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses such as unlawful possession of a firearm.
Burglary, robbery, and certain types of fraud also fall under felony classification. Repeat offenses, crimes involving minors, or offenses that result in significant harm can elevate charges to the felony level. Some charges are considered “wobblers” because they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the factors involved in the case.
Why You Should Hire a Felony Defense Lawyer
For anyone facing a felony charge or multiple felony charges, the decision to hire a felony defense lawyer can be a critical first step toward protecting their rights and freedoms. Granite City felony defense laws are complex. They require a strategic approach focused on scrutinizing the evidence and uncovering mitigating evidence that supports your innocence.
One strategy that can lead to a favorable outcome is proving that your Fourth Amendment rights were violated during their initial detention. If law enforcement did not have reasonable grounds to detain you or conduct a search, any evidence they collect could be found inadmissible in court. Cops cannot pull you over simply because of the neighborhood you are in or the time of day.
An attorney can handle negotiations with the prosecution while independently investigating the allegations. They may uncover new evidence that supports your innocence or proves that the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
FAQs
A: The cost of hiring a felony defense attorney in Illinois depends on the severity of the charges, the anticipated length of the case, and whether the matter proceeds to trial, among other factors. Defending yourself against felony accusations requires extensive preparation and help from an attorney who understands how to chip away at the prosecution’s case.
A: Some defendants can benefit from accepting a plea bargain offer from the prosecution. The courts cannot realistically offer everyone a trial, which is why prosecutors often offer plea bargain deals to defendants in exchange for an admission of guilt. This may be for a lower charge or under favorable terms that allow the defendant to avoid serious jail or prison time.
A: In practice, “attorney” and “lawyer” are often used interchangeably. Technically, a lawyer is someone trained in the law, while an attorney is a lawyer who is licensed to act on behalf of clients in court. In Illinois felony cases, power comes not from the title but from the lawyer’s courtroom skill, strategic thinking, and the ability to challenge prosecutors at every stage of the case.
A: Yes, felony charges can be reduced when the state prosecutors lack sufficient evidence to move forward with the current charges. The most favorable outcome for any criminal case is dropped charges, but reduced charges can greatly lower the risk that you will face serious penalties. Your lawyer can gather evidence to support this effort and negotiate directly with prosecutors to have your charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
A: After you are arrested for a felony in Illinois, you will likely be booked at a local jail. A judge then determines if you qualify for bail and release. If you can post bail, you’ll be released and told to appear before a judge. After you tell the court whether you plead guilty or not guilty, you can work with your attorney to begin gathering evidence to support your case and fight the charges.
Don’t Risk Your Future. Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, Today
Felony charges require a strategic and focused response from an attorney who understands how to secure favorable outcomes for clients. The legal team at The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, brings decades of experience representing clients in court.
We have earned a strong reputation for exhaustively investigating felony cases to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. We don’t settle for unfavorable plea bargain offers. Trust our team to see your case through. Contact our office today so we can schedule your initial consultation and begin preparing an effective defense to successfully fight your charges.