Chicago Drug Possession Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Defending Illinois Clients against Drug Possession Charges
If you are caught possessing drugs like cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, LSD, ecstasy, “Molly, or ketamine, you are facing a class 4 felony with a range of prison time from 1-3 years. In addition, if you are caught possessing prescription drugs like adderol, xanax, vicodin, valium, morphine, or oxycotin, without a valid prescription, it is also considered class 4 felony. Even possessing one pill is a felony offense.
Possession of cannabis is a misdemeanor charge if it weighs under 30 grams. Although there is a pervasive trend in the United States towards legalizing cannabis (i.e Washington and Colorado), any amount is still illegal in Illinois. A drug conviction can create a negative stigma and pose problems with future employment. Therefore, any type of drug possession charge should not be taken lightly.
Possession of cannabis is classified as follows:
- Possession of 2.5 grams or less is a Class C misdemeanor. The range of penalties is up to 30 days jail and a fine up to $1,500.0. Sometimes charges of his amount are “ordinance” violations. However, these offenses will still look like criminal charges in background checks.
- Possession of 2.5 grams to 10 grams of cannabis is a Class B misdemeanor offense, which has a range of penalties of six months of jail and a fine up to $1,500.
- Possession of 10 grams to 30 grams of cannabis is a Class A misdemeanor. The range of penalties is up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,500.
In addition, if you are a student currently receiving financial aid from federal student loans, a conviction for possessing cannabis (or any other illegal drug) can cause you to lose your financial aid. It is crucial that you hire an attorney to help you avoid this strict consequence.
If you were charged with possession with intent to deliver/manufacture a controlled substance, the penalties increase and probation is even harder to obtain. It is important to immediately hire an experienced drug possession defense attorney like Steve Klein to help defend you against these charges.
Anytime a person is arrested for possessing drugs, there is a chance that their Constitutional 4th Amendment rights may have been violated. Steve Klein knows how to research and apply the litany of case law and constitutional rules surrounding these searches that can help you avoid harsh consequences of a drug possession charge.
However, for some people, an arrest for drug possession might actually be a blessing in disguise. These events can act as a “wake-up” call for a person who might need professional help. Mr. Klein can handle your legal problems and find you a treatment facility to get you the help that you or a loved might need.