Bruno Law Offices adds veteran criminal defense attorney Matthew Koetters

Bruno Law Offices has hired Matthew Koetters for its Bloomington, Illinois office, bringing in a criminal defense lawyer with more than 20 years of courtroom experience in Central Illinois. The move expands the firm’s capacity to handle criminal cases across the region, including DUI, drug, felony and federal defense matters.

Why it matters: - Bruno Law Offices is adding a seasoned trial lawyer to strengthen its criminal defense work in Central Illinois. - Koetters’ background in high-volume criminal court could help the firm handle more cases across misdemeanor, felony and federal matters. - The hire gives defendants in McLean County and nearby areas another option for local criminal representation and free consultations.

What happened: - Bruno Law Offices welcomed Matthew Koetters to its Bloomington, Illinois office on June 29, 2026. - Koetters joins as a criminal defense attorney after more than 20 years of courtroom experience in Central Illinois. - Koetters previously served as First Assistant Public Defender at the McLean County Public Defender's Office. - Koetters will represent clients in criminal matters across Central Illinois.

The details: - Koetters has handled thousands of cases, from misdemeanors to the most serious felony matters. - His work has included motion practice, bench trials and jury trials. - His public defender experience involved identifying constitutional issues, reviewing evidence and building defenses for criminal defendants. - Koetters earned his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. - Koetters earned his Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Illinois University. - He has lived in the Bloomington-Normal area since 2006. - He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the McLean County Bar Association. - Koetters is active in his church, participates in community organizations and is involved in his children's activities. - Bruno Law Offices handles cases including DUI, drug charges, felony defense and federal criminal defense. - The firm is based in Urbana and also has an office in Bloomington. - Bruno Law Offices says the addition expands its ability to advise and represent defendants throughout the region.

Between the lines: - The hire suggests Bruno Law Offices is leaning on courtroom experience as a differentiator in a crowded criminal defense market. - Koetters’ long tenure in the local public defender system gives the firm deeper familiarity with Central Illinois courts and criminal procedure. - The move also reinforces the firm’s focus on local, trial-ready defense rather than broader practice areas.

What's next: - Koetters will begin handling criminal matters for clients across Central Illinois. - People facing criminal charges in McLean County and surrounding areas can contact the firm to schedule a free consultation. - Bruno Law Offices will continue operating its Urbana and Bloomington offices while focusing exclusively on criminal defense.

The bottom line: - Bruno Law Offices is adding a veteran courtroom lawyer to broaden its criminal defense bench in Central Illinois.