Swansea Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Swansea, IL

When you’re from a village like Swansea and suddenly under criminal investigation, you may be confused and unsure of what your next steps should be. You may feel alone and as if no one is listening. The wise course is to consult a Swansea criminal defense lawyer.

Accusations of criminal conduct can be frightening, embarrassing, and frustrating. At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, our founding attorney has worked on high-stakes criminal defense cases from DUIs to sexual assault allegations, theft to home invasion charges.

As a criminal defense firm, we can help you understand your charges and the options available to you. Should your case go to trial, having a skilled representative at your side can make the difference in your case. Ms. Koester is licensed to practice in the Southern District of Illinois Court, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. She is well-prepared to defend a case from beginning to end.

State vs Federal Criminal Charges in Illinois

When you are charged in Swansea Illinois, you may be charged by the state or federal government. The biggest difference is that federal crimes typically carry much higher penalties. Each state has its own laws, while federal laws govern the country.

If your actions violate only the state law, you will be charged by the state. If you’ve violated federal laws, you’ll be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the St. Clair County Courthouse at 10 Public Square in Belleville.

Common State-Level Crimes

• Domestic battery
• Consent Crimes
• Theft
• Armed robbery

730 ILCS 5 of the Illinois Unified Code of Corrections allows prior convictions to be used as a cause for aggravation of a crime. Aggravated crimes (such as aggravated assault or aggravated battery) are typically state-level crimes.

Common Federal Crimes

Some common federal crimes in Illinois are:

• Firearms
• Drugs
• White-collar crime (fraud, tax evasion, forgery)
• Fraud that crosses state lines

Hire a Swansea Criminal Defense Lawyer

In 2023, out of 261 federal cases in the Southern District of the Seventh Circuit Court, only 8% went to trial, while over 91% took a plea deal. Many defendants who accept a plea deal agree to admit guilt in exchange for a lesser sentence. While negotiating plea deals is one of Attorney Jessica Koester’s strengths, she is also a trial attorney and is not afraid to seek justice from a jury.

When you hire a Swansea criminal defense lawyer from The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, you are working to secure your future. As a criminal defense firm, we have the resources and contacts to mount a credible defense, protect your rights, and preserve your reputation. A criminal defense attorney can work with you to:

1. Take a detailed account of your story
2. Locate and interview any witnesses
3. Gather documentation such as police reports
4. Put together a robust case
5. Meet with law enforcement and the prosecution for you
6. Negotiate from a position of strength
7. If necessary, go to trial

Your criminal defense attorney can prepare you for all steps in your trial. At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, you’re never just a case. Every case is different, and each contains unique details important to the client.

FAQs

Who Investigates Federal Crimes in Swansea?

Federal crimes in Swansea may be investigated by a host of federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

While being investigated by a federal agency can feel overwhelming, remember that you do have rights. As a criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Jessica Koester will work vigorously to protect your rights.

What if the Crime I’m Charged With Breaks Both Federal and State Laws?

The Dual Sovereignty Doctrine allows a state to prosecute a crime that breaks both state and federal law at the same time that the federal government does. Critics argue that this negates the Double Jeopardy Clause, which prohibits a state from trying a person for the same crime twice, and undermines the authority of juries.

How Many People Are Falsely Convicted of Crimes in the US?

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, there were roughly 72,000 falsely imprisoned people in state prisons in 2024. The number of falsely incarcerated, combined with the lengthy process for release, makes it imperative that you choose a well-qualified criminal defense lawyer with high integrity.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, not only are we ready to listen to your story, but our criminal defense lawyer has a proven track record of successful high-stakes criminal defense cases.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

The cost of a criminal lawyer in Illinois may vary depending on the case’s unique details. The cost of your case may change depending on these factors:

• Type of crime you are accused of
• The quality of evidence the prosecution has
• If special witnesses need to testify on your behalf
• How many witnesses need to be interviewed
• The number of times a negotiated deal has to be returned
• Whether you must go to trial

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

Criminal defense attorney Jessica Koester has substantial experience in high-stakes, high-level felony criminal cases. Her work ethic and drive allow her to give your case the attention it deserves. She is happy to answer all her clients’ questions and is always ready to explain their charges, offer counsel, and offer options.

Ms. Koester has handled criminal defense cases for over 20 years and has earned accolades from Elite Lawyer and Super Lawyers. Her extensive courtroom experience leaves her well-prepared for any case, and her drive to protect the rights of every defendant has earned her a reputation for tenacity and analytical rigor. If you or a loved one has been accused in a criminal case, reach out for an evaluation to see if we can obtain justice for you.