Criminal Defense
Domestic dispute charges
All charges dropped
Aggressive pretrial advocacy and constant client communication led to a full dismissal before trial.
Collinsville arrests are filed in Madison County and heard at the courthouse in Edwardsville. The firm regularly crosses county lines to defend clients facing charges arising from Collinsville Police, Madison County Sheriff, and Illinois State Police investigations along I-55, I-70, and I-255.
Madison County’s State’s Attorney runs a structured drug-prosecution unit, and Collinsville sits at the I-55/I-70 interchange that produces a steady volume of interdiction stops. Defense of those cases turns on the legality of the stop, the duration of the detention, and the scope of consent or canine deployment.
Collinsville matters are heard alongside the rest of the Madison County docket in Edwardsville. The firm appears regularly in those courtrooms and knows the local discovery rhythms, motion practice, and judicial preferences.
Full Criminal Defense practice overviewComprehensive felony and misdemeanor defense, trial advocacy, and pre-charge investigation throughout Southern Illinois.
A criminal charge — even a misdemeanor — is a fight for your record, your livelihood, and in many cases your freedom. Cheryl R. Whitley has spent her career standing between the State of Illinois and the people it accuses, building defenses that begin the moment a client calls and continue through every motion, hearing, and verdict.
Every case starts with an independent investigation. We do not accept the police narrative at face value. Body-cam footage, dispatch logs, witness statements, forensic reports, and chain-of-custody records are obtained, reviewed, and pressure-tested for inconsistencies. Where the State cuts corners — illegal searches, suggestive identifications, coerced statements, lab errors — we file the motions necessary to suppress that evidence and, in many cases, end the case before trial.
Criminal Defense cases from Collinsville are typically heard at the Madison County Courthouse. The firm appears in this courthouse regularly and is familiar with its judges, prosecutors, and procedures.
Decades of appearances in Madison County courthouses. Familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and local procedures that shape your case.
Your case is handled by Cheryl Whitley personally — not handed off to associates or paralegals. Direct communication from intake to resolution.
Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial. That preparation drives better plea negotiations and stronger outcomes at every stage.
Emergencies don't wait for business hours. The firm is reachable when you need guidance most — including evenings and weekends.
Aggressive pretrial advocacy and constant client communication led to a full dismissal before trial.
Client faced multiple stacked charges. Trial strategy resulted in a complete not guilty verdict with zero felony convictions.
Thorough preparation and courtroom execution earned a not guilty verdict at trial.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Confidential consultation for criminal defense matters across Madison County. Share a few details and Cheryl will respond personally — typically within one business day.