Felony Defense
Class X Felony (160yr exposure)
4 Years Probation / No Prison
Facing a Class X felony with up to 160 years in prison, the client received no prison time and only 4 years of probation.
Edwardsville is the seat of Madison County and the location of every felony filing in the county. The Madison County State's Attorney's Office prosecutes a high volume of felony cases, and the defense bar there is familiar to firm clients who live or work along the I-55 and I-270 corridors.
Madison County felony divisions handle the full range of Class 4 through Class X cases, plus first-degree murder. Local procedure includes early case-management deadlines, dedicated motion practice, and a felony trial calendar that moves more quickly than many neighboring jurisdictions. Preparation has to keep pace.
Many Edwardsville cases involve overlapping federal jurisdiction. The Southern District of Illinois sits in East St. Louis but accepts cases originating throughout the district, and federal prosecution shifts the strategic calculus substantially. The firm handles both venues.
Full Felony Defense practice overviewAggressive representation against serious felony charges in Illinois state and federal courts.
A felony conviction in Illinois carries consequences that extend far past any sentence: the loss of firearm rights, voting restrictions during incarceration, professional license revocation, immigration consequences, and a permanent record that follows you into every job application, lease, and background check. The defense of a felony charge demands the same gravity.
The firm handles the full range of Illinois felonies — Class 4 (lowest) through Class X (most serious non-homicide), as well as first-degree murder and federal indictments under Title 18 and Title 21. Common matters include aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, armed habitual criminal, residential burglary, armed robbery, aggravated criminal sexual assault, manufacture/delivery of controlled substances, and drug-induced homicide.
Felony Defense cases from Edwardsville 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.
Facing a Class X felony with up to 160 years in prison, the client received no prison time and only 4 years of probation.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Confidential consultation for felony defense matters across Madison County. Share a few details and Cheryl will respond personally — typically within one business day.