East St. Louis Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Attorney in East St. Louis, IL

Drug charges in the East St. Louis area should not be taken lightly. A conviction could lead to time in jail or prison, large fines, and a criminal record that may follow you for the rest of your life. When it comes to employment, housing, education, and other opportunities in the future, a drug crime on your record can be devastating. For the greatest chance at crafting a defense, contact an East St. Louis drug crime lawyer as soon as possible.

About Us

Just a short drive from the primary courthouses that serve the East St. Louis region, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC focuses its practice entirely on serious criminal defense. Jessica Koester is a seasoned East St. Louis criminal defense lawyer with decades of experience and a thorough understanding of drug crime laws.

Jessica Koester has decades of experience and has represented clients in complex drug cases, including possession, intent to deliver, and drug trafficking, as well as federal drug charges.

Drug Crime Cases Explained

Illinois is no stranger to drug crimes. In 2020, Illinois had a total of 36,861 drug arrests, which included the following related charges:

• 8,528 related to cannabis
• 17,425 related to controlled substances
• 5,675 related to methamphetamines

Drug crimes in East St. Louis are taken very seriously by prosecutors, and the consequences for conviction can escalate very quickly, even for first-time offenders. Factors such as the type of drug involved, the amount possessed, and any alleged intent go a long way in determining the charge and can potentially elevate the case to felony status.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Even if you are only found with a small amount of narcotics, you could still be looking at a felony possession charge. Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include jail or prison time, probation, mandatory treatment, or large fines. In addition to the criminal consequences, even simple possession can impact future employment and professional licensing opportunities.

Possession With Intent to Deliver

When the police allege that you were in possession of drugs with the intention of delivering them to someone else, it is often referred to as intent to deliver or drug with intent. This is a more serious charge than simple possession, and prosecutors may use a wide range of circumstantial evidence to support the charge.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking generally involves the transportation of large amounts of controlled substances, especially across county or state lines, and is usually a state or federal-level criminal offense. Trafficking investigations are often very complex and can involve months of investigative activity, including the use of confidential informants and search warrants. Trafficking cases are often the most serious drug cases and often carry the harshest penalties.

Prescription Drug Offenses

Prescription drugs are not illegal in and of themselves, but they can still result in criminal charges if they are unlawfully obtained or distributed. This can include the use of fraudulent prescriptions, the distribution of prescription medication, or the possession of pills without a valid prescription.

When to Hire a Drug Crime Attorney

If you are facing drug charges or if you believe that you are under investigation for drug crimes, you should hire a drug crime lawyer immediately with The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC. An East St. Louis drug crime attorney at our firm can help you today. Contact us for a free consultation.