
Drug Crime Attorney in Collinsville, IL
The state of Illinois takes a zero-tolerance stance on drug crimes. Even first-time offenders can face serious penalties like jail or prison time. Anyone accused of committing a drug-related crime can rely on the services of a Collinsville drug crime lawyer to protect their rights and secure a favorable outcome to their case. A Collinsville drug crime attorney brings years or decades of experience handling drug crime cases and chipping away at the prosecution’s cases.
Why Choose The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC?
When Collinsville residents are accused of committing a drug crime, they know to trust The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, to represent them in court. Our founding attorney has a deep understanding of drug crime laws and knows how to pursue established or novel criminal defense strategies that weaken the government’s case against her clients.
After graduating from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Jessica Koester went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School in South Bend. Now, she focuses on defending clients in high-stakes cases. Her memberships with professional organizations like the Madison County Bar Association help her stay up to date with the latest criminal defense strategies.
Understanding Drug Crimes in Collinsville
Collinsville sees drug-related activity throughout the year. The city reports approximately 0.96 drug-related crimes per 1,000 residents each year, making it safer than about 87% of cities nationwide. Certain areas experience more frequent incidents than others.
Neighborhoods like the southwest section of Collinsville see higher activity, averaging about seven drug-related offenses annually. The southeast neighborhood remains one of the safest, with around one case per year. Areas such as State Park Place and North Bluff also vary in risk level. Recreational drug users and traffickers both face consequences if they have the misfortune of being pulled over with drugs in their possession.
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Common Drug Crimes
Common drug crimes in Illinois include possession of controlled substances, drug trafficking, manufacturing, and possession with intent to deliver drugs. The specific charges often depend on the type and amount of substance involved. If someone is caught with a large amount of drugs, they stand a stronger chance of facing trafficking charges than someone caught on the street with a smaller amount of a controlled substance.
Possession of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or unauthorized prescription drugs can lead to felony charges due to the dangerous and highly addictive nature of those drugs. Marijuana remains regulated, and there are still limits on how much marijuana someone can possess if they are 21 or older. Drug crime cases may also involve paraphernalia or allegations of distribution. Each charge carries serious penalties that can impact your freedom, finances, and future.
Why You Should Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer
Anyone facing criminal drug charges should hire a drug crime lawyer to protect their rights and find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. A drug crime attorney understands how to examine the evidence that was collected and scrutinize the methods used by law enforcement to collect their evidence. Missteps by law enforcement, including failures to have reasonable suspicion to pull someone over, can lead to evidence being ruled inadmissible in court.
Beyond exploring Fourth Amendment violations, an attorney may argue that you did not know about the controlled substance in your vehicle if it was left by someone else. Many types of drug charges can be reduced to lower offenses if there is insufficient evidence to support the initial charge. One example would be a reduction of trafficking charges to possession if the government cannot prove that you intended to sell or distribute the drugs.
FAQs
A: Yes, a first-time drug crime offender may face serious consequences at sentencing, including being sent to jail or prison. First-time offenders do not get an automatic pass just for not having a past criminal record. Often, they can stand a better chance at avoiding the harshest penalties under the law, especially if they work with an attorney who can present mitigating evidence while seeking leniency from the court.
A: In Illinois, penalties for drug possession vary by substance and amount. Some low-level possession cases may qualify for probation or diversion programs, while others result in mandatory jail time. Possession of certain controlled substances—even in small amounts—can lead to felony charges with a minimum prison sentence of one year. Prior convictions and intent to distribute can also increase penalties.
A: Fighting a felony drug charge involves challenging the evidence, questioning how it was obtained, and exploring defenses like unlawful search or lack of intent. An experienced criminal defense attorney may file motions to suppress evidence if police violated your Fourth Amendment rights. Building a strong case early and identifying procedural errors or constitutional violations can be critical to reducing or dismissing charges.
A: To prove the drugs were not yours, your attorney may argue a lack of knowledge or control over the drugs. For example, if drugs were found in a shared space like a car or apartment, prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed them. A strong defense can include witness statements, forensic analysis, or evidence showing the drugs belonged to someone else entirely.
Don’t Face Your Drug Charges Alone. Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, Today
Being convicted of a drug offense in Illinois can lead to devastating consequences that can place your freedom and future in jeopardy. When you work with The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, our lawyer can pursue effective legal strategies that can systematically weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
Whether you’re accused of possession, trafficking, or another serious drug offense, our legal team has the experience and resources to see your case through. We focus on high-level felony cases and bring decades of experience to the table. Contact our office today to schedule your confidential consultation.