Don’t Face Drug Charges Alone – Our Skilled Defense Attorneys Can Help.
Law enforcement officials aggressively pursue drug crime arrests and prosecutions. If you have been charged with a drug crime in Cook, Kane counties or anywhere in northern Illinois, you need an attorney who knows how to fight and knows how to win. Our attorneys at Cohen & Donahue Attorneys At Law have extensive experience defending clients against drug possession, distribution, trafficking, manufacturing and cultivation charges. They are here to stand up for your rights.
Experienced Defense Against A Broad Array Of Drug Charges
Our criminal defense lawyers represent clients in a wide range of drug crime defense cases, including those in which our clients are accused of crimes involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and other illegal drugs. We also defend clients charged with committing and related charges such as prescription fraud and forgery.
If you are being pressured to simply plead guilty, think twice. The consequences of a drug crime conviction, even for a minor possession charge, can haunt you for life.
Our attorneys are well-versed in proven drug crime defense strategies. They will scrutinize every aspect of the state’s case against you, including Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues that often play a key role in drug crime cases. They are strong negotiators who never hesitate to take cases to trial when a client’s rights are on the line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Drug Charges
When it comes to the criminal justice system, what you do not know really can hurt you. You will find answers to some common questions below:
What type of drug charges could I face in Illinois?
The type of criminal charges you could face in Illinois for drug offenses will vary depending on the facts (or allegations) involved. Common charges in Illinois include:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Unlawful possession of a prescription medication
- Possession with the intent to deliver
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Drug manufacturing, delivery and trafficking
Each of these offenses can have severe penalties and life-altering consequences, and charges can be “enhanced” in severity due to things such as your proximity to a school or public housing, prior convictions and the presence of firearms. It is important to talk to an experienced drug possession attorney to understand exactly what charges you are facing and their potential consequences.
What penalties could I face for drug possession in Illinois?
Several factors influence the severity of a drug possession conviction in Illinois, such as the specific type and quantity of the drugs involved, whether or not minors were involved, whether firearms were found in the vicinity during your arrest and even your location at the time. Being caught with drugs within a certain range of a school, a church, a playground, on a school bus or any other “drug-free” zone can lead to enhanced penalties.
In general, you may be charged with mere possession or a controlled substance or possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture or deliver. Both charges are usually felony-level offenses, with few exceptions, but the second is considerably more serious.
Any felony-level drug possession conviction has the potential to result in substantial fines of $25,000 or more and anywhere from a year to 50 years in prison (depending upon the situation).
How are misdemeanor and felony drug charges different in Illinois?
A misdemeanor is a less serious criminal charge for minor offenses, which can lead to mandatory drug counseling, community service, probation, fines and short jail sentences. Felony convictions involve much harsher penalties, including thousands of dollars in fines, long prison sentences and life-changing penalties.
Illinois drug laws are very strict, and only a few possible drug charges are treated as misdemeanors. Even simple possession of a controlled substance for personal use is usually charged as a felony. If you are facing drug charges, it is important to seek immediate legal guidance from an experienced drug charge defense attorney.
Talk To An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Whether you need strong drug possession defense representation or have been accused of any kind of drug crime in Illinois, we are here to help. Contact our law offices in Elgin and Palatine online or by telephone at (224) 856-5399 to schedule your initial consultation. Se habla español.