Swansea Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Attorney in Swansea, IL

When you have been charged with a crime that can carry heavy consequences under Illinois law, having knowledgeable legal representation is a must. If you’re in need of a Swansea criminal defense lawyer, then chances are you have been accused of a serious drug crime and are facing harsh drug crime laws with aggressive prosecutors. You may be worried about your freedom, your record, and your future, but a Swansea drug crime lawyer can help.

About The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

Based in Edwardsville, Illinois, The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC is a committed criminal defense firm that defends people against severe state and federal accusations. Based on her dedication to defending those who have been accused, attorney Jessica Koester combines decades of experience and a determined, trial-focused strategy to every case.

She is well-known for her strong advocacy and in-depth case analysis, and she approaches every issue with care and accuracy. She can stay in constant contact with the courts where many local cases are prosecuted because her office is close to the St. Clair County Courthouse, 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220.

Drug Crime Laws in Swansea, Illinois

In Swansea, drug-related offenses are primarily addressed by the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Under these laws, there are different schedules for certain controlled substances. Penalties vary depending on the drug type and weight, as well as the alleged purpose.

Substances like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription medications, and more are highly regulated in Illinois. You can be charged with a felony for possessing even small amounts of these drugs. There are different penalties for simple drug possession, manufacturing, intent to deliver, and drug trafficking.

The Impact of the Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment is another important aspect of drug crime cases. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unlawful searches of your property and unlawful arrests. This means that police must adhere to certain procedures when searching you or your property, and when making an arrest.

Many drug crimes are the result of traffic stops or home and vehicle searches. If the police did not have cause to stop your vehicle or to search you, then it could come into question whether the search was constitutional. Questions about search and seizures are typically an important part of any drug crime case analysis.

Penalties for Drug Crime Convictions

Penalties for drug convictions can vary depending on what substance you were in possession of and how much of that substance was found. Many drug crimes in Illinois are felonies. Being convicted of a felony can mean prison time, years of probation, and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

Aside from criminal penalties for a drug conviction, there are many non-criminal penalties that may affect your life. Non-criminal consequences include struggling to find employment, loss of professional licenses, limited housing options, and loss of personal and professional relationships. In some cases, a conviction can cause issues with immigration status and other benefits and rights, such as firearm rights.

In fiscal year 2023, 90% of convicted drug felons received a prison sentence. The median sentence for drug offenses was 72 months. In total, 19,666 individuals were convicted of a drug offense that year.

What To Do If Charged With a Drug Crime?

When you’re hit with drug crime charges, try to stay calm and collected. Try not to say anything to police officers or detectives without speaking to a Swansea drug crime attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Write down everything you remember about how the stop or search was conducted, and try to preserve any documents that were involved. The faster you act, the more information you’ll understand about the process and your charges. Chances are you’ll have the opportunity to have your case reviewed before charges are officially filed. You want to gather as much information as possible to see what you’re up against. Hire a drug crime lawyer right away.

When to Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

You should consider hiring a drug crime lawyer if you’ve been charged with a crime that can result in serious penalties. Drug cases often involve much more than just the substance itself.

These cases deal with how the evidence was obtained, how it will be interpreted by prosecutors, and how to counter their evidence in court. Every detail matters in these cases. Reviewing the charges and the facts of your case is important to know what you’re up against and how to proceed. For this reason, drug cases typically require evaluation at every stage of the process.

FAQs

What Is the New Opioid Law in Illinois?

Illinois recently passed various opioid laws, ranging from expanding overdose-reversal drugs like Narcan to tougher penalties when someone dies from opioid-related crimes like fentanyl. Other laws address treatment and recovery from opioids, such as allowing prescribers flexibility in administering medication used to treat opioid use disorder. A lawyer can help you with any new upcoming laws.

Is Possession of a Controlled Substance a Felony in Illinois?

Possession of a controlled substance is charged as a felony in Illinois in almost every situation. Even the smallest amount of drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, can be charged as felony possession. The potential for increased penalties hinges on the drug type, its quantity, and variables such as a defendant’s criminal history.

What Is Considered a Serious Drug Crime?

Serious felony drug charges often involve allegations of trafficking, manufacturing, or intent to distribute. Often, these charges involve larger amounts of drugs than simple possession or some type of circumstantial evidence of distribution. Federal charges, charges that crossed state lines, and charges involving fentanyl are also serious drug crimes.

How Is Possession Determined?

Possession usually depends on whether someone knows they have the drugs and whether they have control over them. This can mean physically having the drugs on your person or constructively possessing the drugs in a car or home you were controlling. Courts look at each situation to see if possession can be established.

Contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC Today

If you have been charged with a drug crime, it is important to seek legal assistance right away. The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC can help. Contact us today for a consultation.