Edwardsville Drug Distribution Lawyer

Edwardsville Drug Distribution Attorney

“Drug trafficking” is not what you probably think it is. You don’t have to be running a large amount of cocaine or methamphetamines to be charged with drug trafficking. All you have to do is have a certain amount of drugs in your possession and have the intention to cross state lines for delivery of those drugs.

Even before any potential conviction, the enhanced penalties can be overwhelming. Your car can be impounded and seized. If you grew pot in your basement or cooked meth, law enforcement may seek to take your home.
To speak to a drug distribution defense lawyer about your drug charges in the Madison County area, send an email now or call 618-692-4900 .

Don’t Talk To The Police. Talk To The Experienced Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC.

If you believe you are under investigation for a drug crime, it is important to act fast to protect your rights. If you are facing a serious drug charge, the first few days after the arrest are crucial. First, don’t talk to the police; it can only hurt you, no matter how concerned they may seem. Second, hire an experienced drug trafficking defense attorney immediately. There is often a gap between arrest and the filing of charges. This is the best time for your attorney to start working on your behalf.

If you are facing allegations of dealing with controlled substances in any amount – cocaine, heroin, meth, or even marijuana – call The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC . Get established and effective criminal defense attorney Jessica Koester working for you as early as possible. In every case, she zealously fights to minimize the harm done in serious criminal law and high-level felony drug crime cases in Illinois state or federal criminal court.

Distinguishing Between Drug Delivery, Distribution And Trafficking

The weight, volume or amount of drugs may allow law enforcement and prosecutors to make distinctions in the charges involved. Similarly, individual facts – such as crossing state lines with a controlled substance – may factor into what charges the government may seek to pursue. With many moving parts in any drug crime case, you need to work with an experienced drug crime defense attorney who knows every level of analyzing the case.

The Illinois Controlled Substances Act sets forth many distinctions that give power to the prosecutors to file drug crime charges. Generally, distribution charges may arise from a wide range of circumstances. So-called “drug dealing” may arise simply from evidence involving the weight of drugs seized. Similarly, the sale or delivery of drugs does not necessarily require the exchange of money.

The law considers it a crime to “deliver” a controlled substance. Delivery involves the actual or attempted transfer of a controlled substance. This may include trading one drug for another, selling a controlled substance or even simply giving a controlled substance to another person – without money or other trade. Drug trafficking generally involves transporting drugs across state lines – but there may be other facts that the government is relying on to bring these charges.

Serious felony drug charges involve highly complex legal analysis. Your criminal defense lawyer needs to have a strong command of state and federal laws, understand constitutional principles, and identify mistakes that law enforcement may make in a drug crime investigation. Edwardsville drug crime defense lawyer Jessica Koester is that attorney.

Penalties For Drug Trafficking Convictions In Illinois

Drug trafficking convictions in Illinois carry severe consequences. The exact penalties depend on several different factors such as the quantity and type of controlled substance involved, as well as the defendant’s criminal history. Attorney Jessica Koester understands the complexities of these cases and works tirelessly to protect her clients’ rights.

In Illinois, drug trafficking is typically charged as a Class X felony, which is the most serious felony classification below first-degree murder. Convictions can result in:

• Prison sentences ranging from six to 30 years
• Fines up to $500,000 or the full street value of the drugs, whichever is higher
• Mandatory supervised release (parole) for three years after imprisonment

The severity of penalties increases with larger quantities of drugs. For instance, trafficking 15 grams or more of cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine can lead to 12 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $500,000. Trafficking 900 grams or more of these substances may result in 15 to 60 years in prison.

Additionally, convictions involving certain aggravating factors can lead to enhanced sentences. These factors include:

• Trafficking near schools, places of worship, truck stops or safety rest areas
• Using minors in the operation
• Selling to minors or pregnant women

It’s important to note that federal charges for drug trafficking often carry even harsher penalties. These enhanced punishments include potential life sentences for large-scale operations or repeat offenders.

These severe penalties show why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney if you’re facing drug trafficking charges. Attorney Jessica Koester knows how to handle these complex cases. She carefully reviews every part of your case, from how the police investigated to how they arrested you. Her goal is to find ways to challenge the evidence against you and work toward the best possible outcome for your situation.

If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Illinois, don’t wait. Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC , today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Acting Quickly Is In Your Best Interests: Call Today

Call Edwardsville, Illinois, drug distribution defense attorney Jessica Koester at 618-692-4900 – or request a consultation using the online form.