Highland Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Attorney in Highland, IL

If you are looking for a Highland criminal defense lawyer, chances are you or a loved one is facing an allegation serious enough that you need to understand how Illinois law treats drug crimes and how they are prosecuted. You need a Highland drug crime lawyer when the potential outcomes involve prison, a permanent criminal record, and ramifications that impact your life far into the future.

About The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

Jessica Koester is a criminal defense lawyer based in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and her team only practice criminal defense and dedicate their practice to defending those accused of serious state and federal crimes.

Her decades of criminal defense experience, coupled with her vast knowledge of the trial court, allow Jessica to provide high-end, personal attention to her clients. Jessica’s office is located near the Madison County Courthouse and is conveniently located at 155 N Main St in Edwardsville.

When Drug Charges Become Felonies

In Highland Illinois, drug crimes are generally felonies. Possession of any amount of most controlled substances, like cocaine or heroin, can result in felony charges if you possess less than 15 grams. The more drugs involved, the harsher the felony penalties become.

Many other factors can escalate a drug crime case. Prior criminal history, allegations of distribution for personal gain, or committing the crime near a school or other protected institution can each add severity to a potential case. Because of the multitude of different factors that can change simple possession to trafficking, drug charges can escalate quickly.

The Significance of the Fourth Amendment

Often in drug crime cases, the main question is whether or not the police conducted themselves legally when obtaining evidence. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits unlawful searches and seizures of individuals. However, there are a number of exceptions to that rule.

Drug charges typically come from traffic stops on the highway, searches of people’s homes, or other interactions with law enforcement. During each of these interactions, police need a reason that is supported by the drug crime laws to conduct their investigation. If they do not have a legal reason, it could call into question the admissibility of that evidence.

How Drug Crimes Are Investigated

Drug crimes can involve long and complex investigations. Police use many resources at their disposal to uncover drug crimes. Authorities might employ various strategies, such as watching homes, using informants, conducting undercover purchases, and administering drug tests. In some cases, multiple agencies will be involved if your drug crime case includes allegations of drug trafficking or larger-scale drug activity.

Surprising amounts of evidence can be involved in these cases as well. From the drugs themselves to text messages, financial records, and witnesses. Drug crime investigations can be lengthy, which is another reason drug crime cases can be complex.

Federal drug arrests totaled 17,205 in fiscal year 2023. That year, 19.4% of arrests were related to this. This represented a 7.3% drop from the prior year.

What To Do If Charged With a Drug Crime

Someone who has been charged with a drug crime should first remain calm and refrain from speaking to the police. You should not make any statements to the police without first speaking to a Highland drug crime attorney. Even if you think you are helping yourself, your words can be used against you.

Learn about your charges, potential penalties, and the possible course of your case. Save any documents or communications that you have that relate to your arrest. The information may prove valuable at a later date. The sooner you act, the better you can understand your options and steer clear of choices that could negatively affect the outcome.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

Short-term consequences for drug convictions include prison time and fines. However, there are some long-term effects you should be aware of when facing drug charges. Drug convictions can make it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or even lose your professional license. A drug conviction can impact your life long after you finish your sentence.

The sooner you hire a drug crime lawyer, the more time they will have to go over the details of your case. An early consultation will allow you to better understand the allegations against you and what evidence the state has to prove your crime.

FAQs

How Many Grams Can You Have in Illinois?

The amount of grams you can have depends on the type of drug. Illinois marijuana laws allow adults 21 years of age or older to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower. However, other drugs like cocaine, heroin, and meth are controlled substances and can result in felony charges with less than 15 grams.

What Drugs Are Decriminalized in Illinois?

Marijuana has been legalized and partially decriminalized for adults over 21 in predetermined amounts. Other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, are controlled substances that are illegal to possess. Drug possession with these controlled substances can be charged as felonies with any amount in Illinois.

Is Drug Possession Worse Than DUI?

Drug possession is no better or worse than DUI. They both are considered serious crimes with steep penalties. However, the outcome and punishments depend on the circumstances of the case. In Illinois, drug possession with controlled substances is generally a felony, and DUIs for first-time offenders are typically misdemeanors. Both offenses can result in jail time, but often only result in fines and license penalties.

What Are the Three Types of Possession?

The three types of possession that are most common would be actual possession, constructive possession, and joint possession. Actual possession means someone has the item on their person. Constructive possession is having knowledge and control over an object that you’re not physically holding. Joint possession involves two or more people sharing control over one substance.

Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC Today

If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC today. We can assist you in the legal process and advocate for your rights. Don’t wait to hire a lawyer today and begin protecting your future.