Call our Skokie Drug Crime Attorney if you have been arrested and/or charged with a narcotics charge in Skokie or the greater Chicago area You are probably already aware that our city’s police officers, politicians, prosecutors, and judges are zealous participants in the war on drugs. While changing demographics have increased the diversity of Skokie’s population, the city is cracking down on drug offenses based on a perception that increased Section 8 housing and diversity following the bulldozing of Chicago public housing has increased narcotics offenses in our city. Because this trend conflicts with the long-time reputation of Skokie as a safe city, individuals arrested for possession of even a small amount of marijuana should understand the seriousness of their situation.
If you are arrested in Skokie for a criminal offense involving a controlled substance, including the possession, manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking of narcotics, you can face either state or federal charges. A Skokie Drug Crimes Attrorney can navigate the complex legal system for you. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice prosecute federal criminal cases for Skokie drug crimes in federal district court while Illinois state crimes are prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for Cook County in Circuit Court in the 2nd Municipal District Courthouse located in Skokie.
Aggressive and Affordable Skokie Drug Crimes Attorney
Even a simple possession charge that involves cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, LSD, ecstasy, acid, anabolic steroids, K2, PCP, Crystal Meth, barbiturates, prescription drugs (e.g. OxyContin, Percocet, fentanyl, tramadol, Vicodin, and morphine), and other narcotics can result in incarceration, stiff fines, mandatory drug program participation, probation, loss of driving privileges, and a criminal record. Given the potentially life-altering consequences of a drug conviction, representation by an experienced Skokie drug crimes defense lawyer like Steven Goldman can mean the difference between a dismissal, acquittal, significantly reduced charge, or substantial mitigation of punishment and a long prison term. Our Skokie criminal defense lawyers at Goldman & Associates exclusively handles criminal defense cases, including the full spectrum of offenses involving controlled substances. Because Mr. Goldman has handled over 5,000 criminal matters during his career, he is qualified to defend those charged with the full spectrum of drug crimes, such as:
- Distribution of drugs
- Marijuana possession [720 ILCS 550/4]
- Sale of drugs
- Criminal drug conspiracy
- Heroin possession [720 ILCS 570]
- Possession of a controlled substance [720 ILCS 570/420]
- Prescription drug fraud
- Drug trafficking [720 ILCS 570/401.1]
- Transportation of drug
- Delivery of a controlled substance [720 ILCS 570/401]
- Cannabis Trafficking
- Drug conspiracy [720 ILCS 570/405]
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Ecstasy possession
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Importation of drugs
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Intent to deliver
- Cultivation or manufacturing of drugs
Drug Possession Charges in Skokie Circuit Court
Illinois law makes it unlawful to “knowingly possess a controlled or counterfeit substance or controlled substance analog.” The term “possession” does” not mean actual physical possession. Rather, constructive possession is sufficient, so you can be charged if you have knowledge of the drug and the ability to exercise control and dominion over the controlled substance. Because constructive possession often is alleged when drugs are found in your vehicle or home, our Skokie drug defense attorneys carefully review affidavits, warrants, police reports and other evidence relevant to a search to expose violations of our clients’ Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. The potential sentence for possession of a controlled substance under Illinois law depends on the specific type of drug and the quantity. However, the punishment can range from a few months to as much as sixty years in prison.
Trafficking & Distribution of Narcotics
Under Illinois law, drug exchange, sale, or delivery are all classified under the offense of “drug distribution.” A person may be charged under this provision for merely attempting to transfer drugs to another individual even if an actual exchange does not occur. The offense of drug trafficking involves the unlawful importation of a narcotic into Illinois. The penalties for either of these offenses is extremely harsh:
- Drug Distribution: Class X Felony subject to 6 to 60 years in prison
- Trafficking: Minimum penalty of double the penalty assigned for the specific substance and weight
Possession with Intent to Deliver
This offense involves knowing possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell the drug. Intent to deliver often is charged by Cook County prosecutors in Skokie when the weight is too significant to be for personal use. Possession with intent can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony with the sentence depending the type or drug and weight. The penalties can range from six months in jail to sixty years.
Whether you are the target of a narcotics investigation or you have been arrested and charged, you should assert your right to counsel and refuse to speak to police, drug enforcement agents, or detectives. Our Skokie Narcotic Crimes Defense Lawyers at Goldman and Associates offer a free consultation, so you should call us today at (773) 484-3131 or (847) 215-2600 to schedule your free consultation. We can even come to you, so contact us to balance the scales of justice when facing a drug offense in Skokie or the immediate vicinity.
