Drug Possession Attorney in Chicago
Arrested? Call the Law Offices of Mitch Furman
If you were arrested for drug possession, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer to protect your interests and legal rights. As a criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of experience in this field, I can offer you more than just knowledgeable legal counsel. As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I fight for my clients and am committed to hard-hitting representation inside and outside of the courtroom in order to seek the best possible result in any case.
Although drug possession may be considered by some to be a "lesser" drug crime, it may still have serious repercussions for a defendant. Depending on the type of drug and the amount, as well as other circumstances of the case, a defendant may face misdemeanor or felony charges and serious penalties such as imprisonment, fines, mandatory drug rehabilitation or counseling, driver's license suspension and more. You may also find that your employment or educational opportunities are affected.
Illinois Drug Laws
According to Illinois State law, drug crimes are not taken lightly and the laws can be quite complex in this area. The sentence for drug possession varies depending on the type of drug in possession and the weight in grams that is found in your possession.
The drug laws in Illinois are broken down in the following increments for marijuana:
- less than 15 gram - No penalty for anyone over 21
- Less than 30 grams - No penalty for residents over 21
- More than 30 grams but less than 500 grams - Class 4 felony
- More than 500 grams but less than 2,000 grams - Class 3 felony
- More than 2,000 grams but less than 5,000 grams - Class 2 felony
- More than 5,000 grams – Class 1 felony
While marijuana has been "Legalized" in Illinois, it is still strictly regulated. You must be at least 21 to possess or buy it. To sell it you must go through strict state licensing as well as complying with all local and county laws. Many localities do not allow its sale at all. There are also limits to how much you can possess, 30 grams for Illinois resident and 15 for non-residents. Most laws concerning illegal sales and possession of a large amount are similar to those before legalization.
As an experienced drug crime attorney, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of Illinois drug laws. Let me use my skills and knowledge to build a solid defense for your case. Whether you have been charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine or any other controlled substance, my firm stands ready to take on your case. My firm is passionate about meeting your legal needs and I am always willing to go the extra mile to make that happen. No case is too small or too big for me to handle, seek out trusted legal counsel today. My firm can protect your rights against the prosecution.
Challenging Drug Possession Charges in Chicago, IL
Though law enforcement may have discovered illegal narcotics on you or in your house or car, this does not necessarily mean that you should or will be convicted of drug possession. There are various defense strategies that an experienced attorney may be able to employ in order to effectively challenge your charges. For example, you may be facing marijuana possession charges.
But what if the marijuana discovered in your pocket was found by a law enforcement officer who was actually in violation of your constitutional rights? Your attorney may be able to file a motion to suppress any evidence that was discovered in an illegal search of you or your property, essentially destroying the government's case against you by removing evidence of the drug itself.
Contact my firm today for assistance fighting your drug possession charges.