Defend Your Future with a Skilled Drug Lawyer Chicago

Why Would You Need a Chicago Drug Attorney?

A reputable drug attorney could be invaluable if you are charged with a crime involving illegal substances in Chicago. Drug crimes include possessing, using, manufacturing, or distributing illegal substances. If convicted of drug charges, you will face severe penalties. You could end up with a lengthy jail term and a hefty fine. Due to the “war on drugs,” prosecutors are very aggressive when prosecuting drug charges. An arrest for drug crimes could result in the loss of your freedom. Working with a knowledgeable attorney is in your best interest. At the Hirsch Law Group, skilled criminal defense lawyers are here to help. Learn how our attorneys can help you with drug possession charges.

Types of Drug Crimes

Drug cases are referred to as controlled substance offenses in Illinois. Controlled substance offenses fall under various categories, such as:
  • Simple possession
  • Possession with intent to distribute
  • Manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance
Here are common drug crimes police officers can arrest you for:
  • Drug possession
  • Drug trafficking
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug conspiracy
  • Using illegal drugs at designated drug-free zones
  • Manufacturing and distributing controlled substances
  • Selling prescription drugs to people who don’t have the proper prescription

These are examples of drug cases you could face. You could be facing more than one drug case. Moving drugs across two or more states leads to drug trafficking charges. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the penalties for drug trafficking charges are even steeper.

The more drug cases you face, the higher the penalties are likely to be. Consulting with a knowledgeable drug lawyer can help you understand the potential penalties you are facing. Let the Hirsh Law Group help you with your drug crime defense.

Penalties for Drug Crimes

Any conviction for a drug-related criminal offense carries a severe punishment. Once you are convicted, your way of living will suffer because:

  • You may be prevented from leaving the state.
  • You can miss job and education opportunities because of a drug conviction.
  • You could pay heavy fines.
  • You could lose your freedom.

The impact of a drug conviction goes beyond a prison sentence. Working with a criminal defense attorney prepared to fight for you is crucial. Remember that law enforcement personnel will try their best to prove you are guilty. They will also use all the evidence to show you deserve the harshest punishment.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will do their best to show the judge that you do not belong in jail. They will also use their experience to see if they can get a better deal for you, such as:

  • Probation
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Case dismissal

The judge shall adhere to federal sentencing guidelines when sentencing you. However, the judge also considers the severity of your crime. That is why your lawyer should create a defense that convinces the jurors or judge of your innocence. The defense should also show you did not commit a serious crime.

What Drug Defense Suits Your Drug Crime?

Working with a defense lawyer is essential in fighting for your freedom. The prosecution uses its resources to build a strong case for a judge or jurors. Your criminal defense lawyer should create a solid strategy to reduce the possibility of a guilty verdict. Here are defenses that work for various drug criminal cases:
  • Showing that the police officers obtained evidence without a search warrant
  • Claiming that you did not consent and you had no control over the drugs
  • Claiming the prosecution does not have concrete and enough evidence against you
  • Showing that the client accused of a drug crime is a victim of entrapment
  • Claiming that the officers did not read you your Miranda rights as they arrested you
The defense could also claim the police officers did not respect your right to an attorney. That could work if they questioned you at a police station without your attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will need time to analyze your case and devise a defense. That is why you should contact your attorney immediately after your arrest. It is wise to consult your lawyer before you plead guilty or accept any deal. If the police find insufficient evidence, the prosecuting team could try to offer you a plea deal. They do that to avoid losing the case during trial.

Consequences of Drug Convictions

The consequences of a drug conviction are severe and can have long-lasting effects on your life. These include:
  • Difficulty finding employment
  • Difficulty finding housing
  • Ineligibility for certain government benefits
  • Loss of professional licenses or certifications
  • The strain on personal relationships
  • Difficulty obtaining financial aid for education
  • Negative impact on mental health and emotional well-being
  • Loss of voting rights
  • Possible deportation for non-US citizens
  • Forfeiture of assets and property
These consequences highlight the importance of having a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side to fight drug charges. An experienced attorney will work diligently to protect your rights and defend your future.

How Can Hirsch Chicago Drug Crime Lawyers Help You?

It is devastating when you or a family member are found guilty of serious crimes like drug charges. Your lawyer could stand between you and a lengthy prison term and hefty fines. Skilled drug crime lawyers have represented many clients facing drug crime charges.

We thoroughly examine every case to get all the details. Our team will uncover any constitutional violation committed by any law enforcement agent and use it to strengthen your case. Our lawyers will work tirelessly to get your drug charges dropped or reduced.

Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys has successfully defended clients facing a range of drug charges, including the following:

  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Distribution or sale of illegal drugs
  • Manufacturing of narcotics
  • Conspiracy to commit drug crimes
  • Possession with intent to distribute
  • Drug trafficking across state lines

If you are facing a serious drug offense, having a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer is crucial. The Hirsh Law Group has a team of dedicated and knowledgeable attorneys ready to defend your future. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you fight the drug charges against you.

Do You Have Any More Questions About Chicago Drug Crimes? Contact Our Law Firm Today!

Our goal at the Hirsh Law Group is to help you understand the charges filed against you and the penalties your charges carry under Illinois law.

In addition, we will never give up on you. As part of our defense strategy, we will cover everything about your drug-related offense and stand by you from the start until the end.

There is no doubt that a prison sentence can feel like the end of the world. That is why the Hirsch Law Group can offer you aggressive representation to avoid conviction.

We are here for you. Our criminal defense lawyers are available for pretrials, trials, bond hearings, and other court appearances. We will keep you updated on the progress of your case and answer any questions you have along the way.

Don’t face drug charges alone. Contact the Hirsh Law Group today for a free initial meeting so our team can tell you which step to take next!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Prison Time Can You Serve for Drug Charges in Chicago?

Jail time for drug charges depends on the severity of your crime. You can spend a few months to over 50 years in jail for severe drug charges such as class x felony charges.

What Charges Will You Face for a First-Time Drug Possession Charge in Illinois?

First-time possession of 30-100 grams of drugs is a Class A misdemeanor charge. If you are arrested for a lot of drugs, prosecutors could charge you with a class x felony even if it is your first charge.

What Is the Most Basic Drug Charge?

The most basic drug charge is a possession of illegal drugs charge. You will get this charge if a police officer arrests you for having illegal drugs on you or in your control. Most times, this charge is treated as a misdemeanor. It can be upgraded to a felony charge, depending on the drugs you had.

What Is the Highest Drug Charge?

The highest drug charge is drug trafficking. This charge can be upgraded to a federal crime if you are caught selling drugs across state lines. Federal drug crimes carry much harsher penalties compared to state charges.