Belleville Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug crime charges in Illinois can carry significant penalties for those who end up being convicted. This can include a mandatory jail sentence, steep fines, and a permanent mark on your record. The sheer fear of this possibility can make it difficult to know what steps to take and what decisions to make. Hire a knowledgeable Belleville drug crime lawyer who can help. A lawyer can help you better understand your rights and assess the evidence to build a strong case.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, every drug case is treated with the level of urgency and care it deserves. As a seasoned St. Clair County drug crimes attorney, Jessica Koester takes a thorough and strategic approach to examining the legality of a drug search and how strong the prosecution’s evidence is. If the prosecution’s case has any vulnerabilities, our team can highlight these in court to help protect your rights and ensure justice is upheld.

Drug Charges Often Reflect a Sign of Larger Struggles

In today’s legal landscape, many drug charges stem from deeper issues related to addiction and substance use disorders. In 2020, there were approximately 1.68 million Illinois residents aged 12 and older who were living with a substance use disorder. This included more than 800,000 who had an illicit drug use order. These numbers reflect a powerful message that drug-related arrests are often people struggling with a health issue who could use some support.

Having a knowledgeable and compassionate Belleville drug crime lawyer on your team who understands this context can make a huge difference in your life. It motivates them to highlight your challenges and advocate for diversion programs, treatment options, and other alternative sentencing. Based on how they position your defense, they could create the narrative that you would benefit more from rehabilitation and a second chance rather than incarceration.

The Consequences Are Serious, But So Are the Opportunities for Defense

It’s important to remember that even minor drug offenses can pose long-term consequences that you would need to manage in Illinois. Jail time, fines, a criminal record, and loss of employment are just a few things to be aware of. Those charges can be even higher for felony drug charges, especially those related to distribution, trafficking, or methamphetamine. Between 2010 and 2017, meth-related arrests in Illinois rose sharply by 289%.

A Smarter Approach to Drug Defense in a Changing System

While Illinois continues to grapple with the dangers of drug use across the state, as evidenced by a drug-induced death rate of 9.6 per 100,000 residents, the legal system is beginning to shift toward a more nuanced approach to handling these cases. Courts and lawmakers recognize that not every drug charge needs to involve a prison sentence. This is especially true for first-time offenders and nonviolent offenders who may find rehabilitation to be a more productive route.

Fourth Amendment Rights

One of the most common defenses during a drug crime case is the motion to suppress any evidence that was unjustly obtained. The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects all individuals from illegal search and seizures, meaning officers must follow proper procedure to obtain any evidence to be used against you.

If you were unjustifiably stopped in traffic, arrested without probable cause, or your home was searched without a proper warrant, you could challenge any evidence collected in this manner so that it can no longer be used against you in court.

Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC Today

If you have recently been charged with a drug crime and are looking for a solid legal defense to help you reach the outcome you’re looking for, contact our firm today. With a deep history in this space and experience with countless clients once in your shoes, we are more than prepared to help you put a strong foot forward.