Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me in Belleville Area

Recipient of AVVO’s “2019 CLIENT’S CHOICE AWARD”. Attorney Cheryl R. Whitley has over ten years of law enforcement experience. She has served as a police officer; special operations officer; police detective and narcotics investigator. This professional experience from “the other side” has given her a thorough understanding of how crimes are prosecuted and gives her THE EDGE in aggressively defending your case.The Scales of Justice is not always balanced and Cheryl has witnessed many forms of injustice in a system supposedly designed to protect the innocent. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Injustice Anywhere is a threat to Justice Everywhere.” Witnessing injustice first hand struck a burning desire within Cheryl to obtain her law degree so that she might be that voice to fight for the rights of the oppressed.Cheryl’s unwavering desire to fight for justice led her to the infamous Johnnie Cochran Law Firm where she did her internship. Upon graduation Cheryl was hired by the Cochran Firm-St. Louis as a Law Clerk. For almost three years Cheryl offered her expertise in proper police procedure and in civil rights cases. During that period Cheryl made many successful arguments in civil rights cases on behalf of the clients.Attorney Cheryl R. Whitley is “NOW ON YOUR SIDE” ready to vigorously defend your case.

Jarrod Beasley was recently named as a Rising Star by SuperLawyer. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. No more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in Illinois are named to Rising Stars. Jarrod was also named as an Emerging Lawyer in the area of Personal Injury Law by LeadingLawyers.com. The distinction of being an Emerging Lawyer has been earned by fewer than 2 percent of lawyers licensed to practice in Illinois. Jarrod Beasley received his B.A. degree from the University of Illinois. Mr. Beasley graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2001. Following law school, Jarrod concentrated his practice in civil litigation while working for the largest civil defense firm in downstate Illinois. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois State Court and all federal jurisdictions within Illinois. While litigating in almost every forum in the state, his practice is focused in St. Clair and Madison Counties. Mr. Beasley joined Kuehn, Beasley & Young in 2007 and presently devotes his time to a diverse practice including civil litigation, specifically personal injury and products liability, corporate law and appellate work. He is a member of the Illinois State, St. Clair County and East St. Louis Bar Associations. Mr. Beasley lives in Belleville with his wife and two children.

I began my career in 1994 at the St. Clair State's Attorney Office while in Law School, then worked at the St. Clair County Public Defender's office until 1999.  I branched out into Family Law while continuing to practice Criminal Law.  I have participated in many high profile cases including Death Penalty trials. I practice in all the counties below Chicago, Illinois.  My staff and I take pride in atttention to detail and our relationship with our clients.  My office is results-oriented and we know how to get you the outcome you desire. We would like to help you resolve any Family Law and Criminal Law issues you may have.  Call me to discuss your case and let me help you solve your problems.

I am a Past President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Panel Representative of the Federal C.J.A. Criminal Defense Panel in the Southern District of Illinois, a founding member of the SDIL's Federal Bar Association chapter, a past board member and current passive member of the St. Clair County Bar Association, and a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  On several occasions, I've served as a lecturer at criminal defense seminars in Chicago and in downstate Illinois, where I have taught trial skills and 4th Amendment search and seizure laws to fellow attorneys.  I've been identified by my peers in statewide surveys as a 'Leading Lawyer' in the area of criminal defense.  I handle state and federal cases.. In 2001, my career as a criminal defense lawyer began as a St. Clair County Public Defender, where I won numerous consecutive criminal trials during a six months tenure. Thereafter, I spent a little over a year working as a federal law clerk in the Southern District of Illinois, serving two former Chief Judges, namely G. Patrick Murphy and Michael J. Reagan.  In June of 2003, I entered private practice as an associate working under two prominent criminal defense attorneys, namely the Honorable John O'Gara and the current St. Clair County State's attorney, James Gomric, Jr.  In 2005, I started my own law firm, which still operates today under the name Kuehn, Beasley & Young.. I have obtained several favorable trial verdicts over my years of practice.  Within the past few years, in three separate first degree murder cases, I earned outright acquittals.  In two other first degree murder prosecutions that proceeded to trial, my clients were acquitted of first degree murder and second degree murder, but convicted of manslaughter.  One client received a probationary term and the other recieved a 5-year term to be served at 50% .  Additionally, I recently represented a client at a jury trial on charges of attempted first degree murder and three counts of aggravated battery with a firearm.  He was acquitted on all charges.  My reputation in the legal community as a successful criminal defense lawyer and as a successful trial lawyer is perhaps best evidenced by the fact that several lawyers and police officers have retained my services.. I live in Belleville with his wife, Ashlie, and my three children, Jack, Brooke, and Caroline.

I am a lifelong resident of the Metro East. I was born and raised in Belleville in a working class family. My father was a union man, and I, as well as my brothers also belonged to unions.. Like many of you, I entered the work force at 16 and have worked continuously since. I worked my way through school and graduated with a degree in business administration with "High Honors" from Western Illinois University in 1978. From there, I went to law school at St. Louis University and graduated "Cum Laude" in 1981. Upon graduation, I began working in Belleville and have maintained my practice in Belleville since that time.. I concentrate my practice in representing working people in Southern Illinois and Missouri who have been injured at work, in auto accidents, or due to the negligent acts of others.. I treat my clients and my staff with respect and work on each case to obtain the best outcome. If you retain me, you will be hiring me, not a paralegal or junior associate like some larger firms. I will discuss the case with you personally, answer your questions, and personally prosecute your claim.

Erin specializes in state-level criminal defense at the law firm of Kuehn, Beasley & Young, P.C. Erin started her career as a St. Clair County Assistant Public Defender, where she secured numerous "not guilty" verdicts in felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases. She then became an Assistant State’s Attorney, where she secured numerous "guilty" verdicts in cases assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit; she was also the Chief of the Criminal Bureau and taught at the Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission. While she was a prosecutor, Erin also taught American Politics at McKendree University. Erin graduated summa cum laude from McKendree University, with a B.A. in Biology and Political Science. She served as captain of the Speech & Debate Team, where she won four Pi Kappa Delta National Championships. She graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law, with a concentration in Criminal Litigation and a certificate in International and Comparative Law. She competed on the Jessup International Law Moot Court Team. Erin lives in Belleville with her fiance, Chris, and their three cats - Scout, Stevie, and Sophia.

Attorney Gary Wangler is well-versed in all phases of civil and criminal trial practice. He handles both jury and non-jury trials. His practice is concentrated in the areas of criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence, dissolution of marriage (divorce) and family cases, with an emplasis in child custody.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Belleville and surrounding areas.