Alton Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Attorney in Alton, IL

If you’re facing drug charges in the Riverbend area, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Alton drug crime lawyer immediately. Illinois has tough punishments for drug offenses, which may result in jail time, along with substantial fines and lifelong criminal records.

A skilled Alton criminal defense lawyer can clarify your rights and options and defend your rights while developing a strong defense strategy starting on day one.

Understanding Drug Crime Laws in Illinois

Drug crime laws in Alton, Illinois are harsh. The level of offense is determined by what the substance is and how much of it you have. Penalties can range from a fine and probation for simple marijuana possession to a sentence of many years in prison for meth, heroin, or cocaine distribution. A minor quantity of controlled substances, including ecstasy or prescription pills, can lead to felony charges. The most common drug crime cases are:

• Possession of a controlled substance. Possessing even small amounts of certain drugs can result in felony charges, bringing jail/prison time and hefty fines.
• Possession with intent to deliver. This charge comes when law enforcement has reason to believe that you planned to deliver drugs. These inferences are made from evidence such as having large amounts of a drug that would be too much for the average person to consume alone, weights, scales, and communication with plans to sell, even if a sale has not taken place.
• Drug trafficking. This involves transporting large amounts of drugs past state lines. This can lead to federal charges.
• Prescription drug crimes. This involves drugs that are not automatically illegal, unlike other controlled substances, but they are obtained in unlawful ways, such as sharing without a prescription or using a fraudulent prescription to obtain the drugs.

When to Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

If you have been charged or are under investigation, it is important to hire a drug crime lawyer immediately. Drug cases often include evidence that can be contested based on search procedures and potential rights violations. In 2020, Illinois had a total of 36,861 drug arrests. These were broken down as such:

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

The longer you wait, the fewer legal options you may have, and the more the prosecutor will have the upper hand. An Alton drug crime attorney with trial experience will know how to spot weaknesses in the case and how to negotiate with the local prosecutors.

Why Choose The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC?

Just minutes from the Madison County Courthouse, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, handles only serious state and federal criminal defense. Jessica Koester has decades of trial experience and a well-deserved reputation for fighting relentlessly for her clients.

Jessica Koester has handled high-stakes felony trials in both Illinois state and federal courts, including cases involving complex drug charges and federal cases. She focuses heavily on identifying flaws in the prosecution’s case, which can lead to reduced charges or dismissals.

Contact Us Today

Facing drug charges can be overwhelming, but you can get the help you need when you hire a drug crime lawyer. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can help you fight for your future. Contact us today to get started.