10 Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Edwardsville, IL

As the seat of Madison County, Edwardsville is home to the county courthouse where the large majority of local criminal cases are heard, from misdemeanor DUI charges to serious felony matters and, in some cases, federal prosecutions handled through the Southern District of Illinois. With Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nearby, the local courts also see a steady stream of cases involving college students facing their first criminal charge.

Below is a look at ten Edwardsville-based criminal defense firms, along with what’s publicly documented about each.

1. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

• Attorney: Jessica J. Koester (Founder)
• In Practice: 25+ years
• Headquarters: 100 North Main Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 1, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: (618) 692-4900
• Website: koester-law.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes, Federal Crimes, Drug Crimes, Murder Charges, DUI & Traffic Violations, Expungements
• Firm Size: Solo practice

About the Firm: Jessica Koester is a lifelong Edwardsville resident who has built her practice around personally handling every aspect of each client’s case rather than delegating work to junior staff. She has been recognized as a “Best of the Best” attorney, an Elite Lawyer in criminal defense, and Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers, and she’s an active member of the Madison County Bar Association. The firm handles a wide range of state and federal criminal matters, from DUI and drug charges to serious felony and sex crime cases, and its office is within walking distance of the Madison County Courthouse, with evening and weekend appointments available.

2. Stobbs Law Offices

• Attorney: John Stobbs (Founder)
• In Practice: 25+ years
• Headquarters: 307 Henry Street, Suite 211, Alton, IL 62002 (serving Edwardsville and Madison County)
• Phone: (618) 462-8484
• Website: stobbslaw.com
• Practice Areas: State & Federal Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Gun Charges, White Collar Crime, Fraud
• Firm Size: Boutique

About the Firm: John Stobbs comes from a family with deep ties to Madison County’s legal community and was elected president of the Madison County Bar Association in 2010. His practice handles both local Edwardsville and Madison County cases and more serious federal matters in the Southern District of Illinois and Eastern District of Missouri, and his fluency in Spanish has allowed him to represent a significant number of Spanish-speaking clients over his career. The firm takes on complex cases including grand jury investigations and federal prosecutions, positioning itself for clients who need an attorney comfortable handling high-stakes matters personally rather than passing them to associates.

3. Polinske & Associates, P.C.

• Attorney: Brian L. Polinske (Founder)
• In Practice: Since 1992
• Headquarters: 701 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: (618) 692-6520
• Website: criminaldef.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Drug Crimes, Civil Rights, White Collar Crime, Cannabis Trafficking, Personal Injury
• Firm Size: Boutique

About the Firm: Brian Polinske has practiced law in Illinois since 1992, beginning his career as a prosecutor with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he ran both the DUI division and the felony drug division before moving into defense work. He has conducted more than 133 jury trials over his career and built a particular focus on cannabis trafficking, money laundering, and civil asset forfeiture cases in Madison County. The firm also regularly represents students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville facing drug possession or DUI charges, working to help them keep their record clean while navigating the local court process.

4. Johnston Law Offices, P.C.

• Attorney: Jacob Johnston
• Headquarters: 420 South Buchanan Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: (618) 655-1234
• Website: pgjlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, Traffic Violations, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation
• Firm Size: Boutique

About the Firm: Jacob Johnston is an Edwardsville High School graduate who returned to the area after law school, having gained early courtroom experience as a legal research intern for the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. His practice focuses on criminal defense, DUI and traffic matters, alongside a personal injury and workers’ compensation practice, giving the firm range for clients whose situation touches more than one area of law. The firm handles felony DUI defense and other serious traffic-related charges throughout Madison County and offers free initial consultations, with a stated willingness to travel to meet clients when needed.

5. Sackett Law, P.C.

• Attorneys: Jeremy W. Sackett, Michael J. Swanson
• Headquarters: 115 North Buchanan Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: (618) 692-8225
• Website: sackettlawoffice.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Traffic Violations, Expungements, Orders of Protection
• Firm Size: Boutique

About the Firm: Sackett Law markets itself as Southern Illinois’ criminal defense firm, with attorney Jeremy Sackett bringing 20 years of DUI and criminal defense experience to the practice. The firm treats each client’s freedom, driving privileges, and reputation as its central priority, and it handles matters throughout Madison County, including Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto, Maryville, and Collinsville. Beyond straightforward criminal defense, the firm also assists clients with expungements and orders of protection, giving it a broader service range for clients dealing with the longer-term consequences of a past charge.

6. Lucco, Brown, Threlkeld & Dawson, LLP

• Attorneys: J. William Lucco, Michael J. Hertz, and associates
• In Practice: Roots dating to the early 1900s
• Headquarters: 224 St. Louis Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: (618) 656-2321
• Website: lbtdlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Assault, Civil Litigation
• Firm Size: Mid-size, full-service general practice firm

About the Firm: With roots in Edwardsville dating back to the early 1900s, Lucco, Brown, Threlkeld & Dawson is one of the longest-established general practice firms in Madison County, operating out of the historic Mudge building just a block from the Madison County Courthouse. The firm’s criminal defense practice, led by attorneys including J. William Lucco and Michael Hertz, handles DUI, drug offenses, sex crimes, and assault cases throughout Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, and several other Southern Illinois counties, as well as in the St. Louis, Missouri area. As a full-service firm, it also handles civil matters, which can be useful for clients whose criminal case intersects with a business or family law issue.

7. Law Offices of Robert Elovitz

• Attorney: Robert L. Elovitz (Founder)
• In Practice: Since 1993 (35+ years)
• Headquarters: 521 St. Louis Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: (618) 692-4800
• Website: elovitzlawoffice.com
• Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense, State Felony Cases, Traffic Violations, DUI, Divorce & Family Law
• Firm Size: Solo practice

About the Firm: Robert Elovitz served as a Madison County Assistant State’s Attorney in the Felony Division from 1990 to 1993 before founding his own practice, and he’s licensed to practice in both Illinois and Missouri as well as federal court. His more than three decades of trial experience span federal criminal defense, state felony cases, and traffic violations, and he also maintains a divorce and family law practice. The firm serves clients throughout Madison County, including Collinsville, Granite City, Alton, and Glen Carbon, as well as parts of St. Clair County, and offers free consultations around the clock.

8. Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips, P.C.

• Attorneys: Daniel R. Schattnik, Jane E. Unsell, Erin Phillips
• Headquarters: 3 South 6th Street, Wood River, IL 62095 (serving Edwardsville and Madison County)
• Phone: (618) 258-1800
• Website: usplawfirm.com
• Practice Areas: Serious Criminal Cases, DUI Defense, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Insurance Defense
• Firm Size: Boutique (2–10 employees)

About the Firm: Daniel Schattnik has practiced law in Illinois since 1978 and is admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, giving the firm’s criminal practice reach into federal matters when a case requires it. The firm reports more than 90 years of combined attorney experience and carries a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating, reflecting strong marks from other attorneys for ethical standards and legal ability. Unsell, Schattnik & Phillips handles serious criminal cases and DUI defense alongside a broader civil litigation and personal injury practice, serving Madison County clients from its Wood River office just a short drive from Edwardsville.

9. Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. — Edwardsville Office

• Attorneys: Clyde L. Kuehn, and associates from the firm’s Metro East offices
• Headquarters: 101 West Vandalia Street, Suite 100, Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: (618) 656-2244
• Website: mmrltd.com
• Practice Areas: White Collar Criminal Defense, Criminal Appeals, Civil Litigation, Business Law
• Firm Size: Regional firm with a compact Edwardsville office, headquartered in Belleville

About the Firm: Clyde Kuehn practices white collar criminal defense, civil litigation, and appellate work out of Mathis, Marifian & Richter’s Edwardsville location, bringing a career built around complex federal and state criminal matters to the local office. The firm’s attorneys represent clients across the Metro East, Southern Illinois, and the Southern District of Illinois federal court, giving the Edwardsville office access to broader firm resources when a case moves into federal court or requires appellate work. For clients facing a white collar, fraud, or other complex criminal matter rather than a routine DUI or misdemeanor charge, the firm’s appellate and federal court experience can be a meaningful differentiator from smaller solo practices.

10. The Joiner Law Office

• Attorney: Bryce Joiner (Managing Partner) and Barbara Joiner
• In Practice: Established in 1983 (over 40 years of operation)
• Headquarters: 116 West St., Edwardsville, IL 62025
• Phone: 618-692-0406
• Website: .joinerlawoffice.com
• Firm Size:: Small boutique law practice (managed by Bryce Joiner alongside Barbara Joiner and support/contact personnel)

About the Firm: Established in Madison County, Illinois in 1983, The Joiner Law Office focuses heavily on criminal defense, DUI mitigation, traffic violations, and driving privilege restorations. The firm centers its practice on defending clients’ rights through rigorous trial preparation, negotiation, and personalized legal representation.

Understanding Edwardsville, IL Criminal Court Procedures

Navigating the criminal justice system in Edwardsville requires familiarity with the local court framework of Madison County (Illinois’s Third Judicial Circuit). Criminal proceedings generally follow a structured path:

• The Courthouse Venue: Misdemeanors, traffic matters, and initial bond hearings are handled at the Madison County Courthouse (155 N. Main Street), while felony criminal cases and specialty courts are processed separately at the Criminal Justice Center (509 Ramey Street).
• First Appearance & Bond: Following an arrest, defendants face an initial hearing where charges are formally read, constitutional rights are explained, and conditions of pretrial release or bail are determined under Illinois guidelines.
• Arraignment & Pleas: Defendants enter a formal plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). A not-guilty plea moves the case into the pre-trial discovery and motion phase.
• Pre-Trial Conferences & Hearings: Defense attorneys negotiate with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, review evidence, and file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or dismiss improper charges.
• Resolution Options: Cases can conclude through a negotiated plea agreement, dismissal, or proceed to a bench or jury trial before a Third Judicial Circuit judge.

Edwardsville, IL Criminal Defense Resources

• Madison County Courthouse : 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025 – where the large majority of Madison County criminal cases are heard.
• Madison County Circuit Clerk: case lookup, court dates, and records for Madison County criminal cases.
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois: Handles federal criminal cases arising from the Edwardsville and Metro East area.
• Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC): verify an attorney’s license status and check for any disciplinary history.
• Madison County Public Defender’s Office: Provides court-appointed representation for defendants who qualify financially.
• Madison County Bar Association: A professional association of local attorneys, useful background on an attorney’s standing in the local legal community.

About This List

The attorneys listed here represent a selection of criminal defense practices operating in Edwardsville, Illinois. Details including office locations, phone numbers, and background information are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication, including each firm’s own website and legal directory listings. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement or ranking of legal quality. If you’re facing criminal charges, verify current licensing through the Illinois ARDC and schedule consultations with more than one firm before deciding who to hire. This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.

FAQs

1. How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Edwardsville, IL?

Costs vary depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony and whether the case is likely to go to trial. Most Edwardsville firms offer a free initial consultation, so it’s worth discussing fees directly before hiring.

2. Where are criminal cases heard in Madison County?

Most Madison County criminal cases are heard at the Madison County Courthouse in downtown Edwardsville, which is why many local defense firms keep their offices within walking distance of it.

3. What happens if I’m charged with a DUI in Madison County?

A DUI charge in Illinois can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension separate from the criminal case itself, so it’s important to act quickly, since there are often short deadlines to challenge a suspension. Several attorneys on this list focus specifically on DUI defense and license reinstatement matters.

4. Can a criminal record be expunged in Illinois?

Certain arrests and charges in Illinois can be expunged or sealed depending on how the case was resolved, though eligibility rules are specific to the type of charge and outcome. An attorney can review the details of a case and advise whether expungement or sealing is realistic.

5. Should SIUE students hire a local Edwardsville attorney for a criminal charge?

Yes – several Edwardsville firms have specific experience representing Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, since local charges like drug possession or DUI can also affect a student’s academic standing or campus disciplinary status. A local attorney familiar with both the Madison County court process and the university’s own disciplinary procedures can help address both fronts at once.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney referral. It is not a ranked or sponsored list, and inclusion does not imply an endorsement by, or affiliation with, any named firm beyond what is stated. Attorney credentials, case results, and contact details change over time; confirm current information directly with each firm before making a hiring decision. Past results described here do not guarantee similar outcomes in any other case.