Jerseyville Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Drug Trafficking Attorney in Jerseyville, IL

Drug trafficking is one of the most serious types of drug crimes. Being charged with trafficking can result in serious penalties. These cases are usually extensive and involve harsh sentencing and long-term prison sentences. Due to the serious nature of these types of cases, having a Jerseyville drug trafficking lawyer help you right away can make a major difference in your future outcome.

Drug Trafficking Laws in Illinois

Drug trafficking in Illinois is defined as knowingly delivering or attempting to deliver a controlled substance into the state. Drug trafficking offenses can apply to illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and prescription drugs sold outside the prescription process. You need a seasoned Jerseyville criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are aware that you are under investigation or arrested.

Drug trafficking is separate from possession of drugs and is instead determined by the quantity of the drug, the means of transportation, and evidence of intent to distribute. Penalties are severe and increase with the type and quantity of the drug involved. Drug trafficking often comes with other charges, such as conspiracy to traffic drugs and weapons charges, among others.

Common Drug Trafficking Cases

According to the United States Sentencing Commission, in 2022, 32.6% of federal offenders in Illinois were reported for drug crimes. These crimes include both trafficking and simple possession. The drug breakdown was as follows:

• 3% were for methamphetamines
• 9% were for heroine
• 6% were for powder cocaine
• 14% were for fentanyl
• 9% were for crack cocaine
• 9% for marijuana
• 4% were for other drugs

Drug trafficking cases often stem from the following situations:

• Large quantities of a drug were found during a traffic stop
• Wiretap investigations
• Allegations of organized crime
• Allegations of gang activity

The foundation of most prosecutorial cases emerges from evidence collected through police searches, along with information from informants and recorded conversations. However, this doesn’t make their cases invincible, particularly if the investigation infringed on your constitutional rights.

The Impact of a Drug Trafficking Conviction

When you hire a drug trafficking lawyer, they build a defense for you that is tailored to your specific circumstances. A Jerseyville drug trafficking attorney can claim that you were subjected to an illegal search and seizure, you had a lack of knowledge or intent, or you suffered entrapment, and they can provide evidence to support these claims. Having a strong defense is important because a conviction can have a major effect on your life.

While a conviction can lead to criminal penalties, such as prison time and fines, a conviction can also lead to additional impacts, such as loss of employment and professional licenses, immigration consequences, probation, and fines. The collateral consequences can be just as damaging as the criminal penalties themselves.

About Us

Edwardsville attorney Jessica Koester has defended clients charged with major felonies for multiple years in Jerseyville and Madison counties. Jessica knows Illinois drug trafficking laws thoroughly and will actively undermine poor evidence and police misconduct. At both the Greene County Courthouse and federal court, you can encounter a passionate advocate who fights diligently for your interests.

Hire a Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today

If you have been charged or are being investigated for drug trafficking, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, can help. Contact us today to get started.