When a person is charged with a drug crime, there are many serious consequences and the person has to take immediate action to respond to these charges.
As bad as being charged with a drug offense might be, a conviction is far worse. Many people who are convicted of drug crimes will spend time in a jail or prison. In addition, the conviction also can have serious repercussions on a person’s life, such as a loss of job, difficulty finding housing, and a permanent criminal record. With all of these serious consequences in mind, if you have been charged with a drug crime, Attorney Gbenga Longe of The Longe Law Firm is ready to provide skilled drug crime legal defense based on your specific needs. Ms. Longe understands that each person who has been charged with a drug crime has different priorities and goals. As such, she will fight hard to protect your rights and freedom after consultation with the wants of the client.
ILLINOIS DRUG CRIMES
In Illinois, people who are found to be in possession of controlled substances or compounds that are used in the manufacture of controlled substances may be charged with a number of criminal offenses that are set forth in the Illinois Compiled Statutes. These include the following:
- Possession – The offenses that an individual may be charged with in connection with the possession of a controlled substance vary, depending upon the type and amount of the substance that they are alleged to have possessed;
- Sale – Offenses related to the sale of controlled substances vary and also depend upon the type and amount of the drugs that allegedly were sold; and
- Other Drug Crimes – There are a number of other drug offenses that are related to activities involved in the illicit drug trade, such as prescription forgery and the manufacture of controlled substances.
With any drug offense, additional information is critical to the severity of the charges that are brought. These other factors include the location where the activity in question occurred and whether the alleged offender has any prior offenses and they will have an impact on the determination of what charges will be brought.
CONSEQUENCES OF CONVICTION
If you have been charged with a drug crime, you already may be aware of some of the consequences that you could experience upon conviction. In addition to fines and jail time, a drug crime conviction can affect your life for many years to come. For example, employers may ask you questions about your criminal background on job applications. Also, if you want to pursue a career that requires you to obtain a security clearance or a professional license, you may encounter difficulties in obtaining these things. Even your ability to obtain student loans may be affected by your drug crime conviction.
The Longe Law Firm: Fighting for the Best Outcome for Every Drug Crime Defendant
When you are charged with a drug crime, your freedom and livelihood are at risk. Drug Crime Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe will fight for your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome in your case. Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe is dedicated to representing the interests of individuals who have been charged with drug crimes and to working with these individuals to obtain results that reflect their needs and their priorities. Please call our office today at to arrange a consultation. Attorney Longe represents clients in the Chicago area including Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights and Schaumburg.
Chicago Drug Crimes Attorney FAQs
Q. What are the most common drug charges in Chicago, Illinois? Consult a Chicago Drug Crimes Attorney.
A. In Chicago, the most frequently prosecuted drug crimes include possession of a controlled substance (720 ILCS 570/402), possession with intent to deliver or manufacture, delivery or sale of controlled substances (720 ILCS 570/401), and cannabis-related offenses even after legalization changes. Charges vary based on the type and amount of substance, prior convictions, and aggravating factors like proximity to schools or parks. The Chicago DUI Attorneys defend clients against these allegations in Cook County courts, examining search and seizure issues, chain of custody, and lab results to challenge the prosecution's case and protect your rights.
Q. What are the penalties for possession of a controlled substance in Chicago, IL?
A. Possession of a controlled substance in Illinois is typically a Class 4 felony for smaller amounts of substances like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, carrying 1-3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Larger quantities or certain drugs can elevate to higher felony classes with mandatory minimum sentences. Even misdemeanor cannabis possession (if over personal use limits) can result in fines and jail time. A Chicago Drug Crimes Lawyer from The Chicago DUI Attorneys can fight to reduce charges, seek diversion programs, or obtain dismissal based on Fourth Amendment violations or insufficient evidence.
Q. Can drug possession charges be dismissed in Chicago? Ask a Chicago Drug Crimes Attorney.
A. Yes, many drug possession charges in Chicago are dismissed or reduced when the defense identifies illegal search and seizure, lack of probable cause for the stop or search, flawed field tests, or breaks in the chain of custody for the alleged contraband. Motions to suppress evidence are often successful in these cases. The Chicago DUI Attorneys thoroughly review police reports, body camera footage, and lab reports to build a strong suppression motion or defense strategy aimed at dismissal or acquittal in Cook County.
Q. What is possession with intent to deliver under Illinois law? Contact a Chicago Drug Crimes Lawyer.
A. Possession with intent to deliver (720 ILCS 570/401) is charged when law enforcement believes the amount of drugs, packaging, scales, cash, or other indicators suggest intent to sell or distribute rather than personal use. Penalties range from Class 2 felonies (3-7 years) to Class X felonies (6-30 years or more) depending on drug type and quantity. The Chicago Drug Crimes Attorneys at The Chicago DUI Attorneys challenge the intent element by questioning circumstantial evidence and advocating for reduction to simple possession or lesser offenses.
Q. How does Illinois treat cannabis possession after legalization in Chicago?
A. While recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older in Illinois (with possession limits of 30 grams of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, etc.), exceeding limits, underage possession, or public consumption can still lead to civil penalties, fines, or misdemeanor charges. Driving under the influence of cannabis remains a serious offense. The Chicago DUI Attorneys assist clients facing cannabis-related charges, including DUI-cannabis cases, to minimize penalties and protect driving privileges in the Chicago area.
Q. What defenses are available for drug trafficking or delivery charges in Chicago?
A. Defenses to drug delivery or trafficking charges include entrapment (where law enforcement induced the crime), lack of knowledge or control over the substances, mistaken identity, or unreliable informant testimony. Illegal wiretaps, searches, or coerced confessions can also lead to suppression of evidence. A Chicago Drug Crimes Attorney from The Chicago DUI Attorneys investigates every aspect of the case, files appropriate motions, and works to negotiate reductions or secure not guilty verdicts in Cook County courts.
Q. Can I avoid jail time for a first-time drug offense in Chicago?
A. Yes, many first-time drug offenders in Chicago qualify for alternatives to incarceration such as drug court programs, probation, conditional discharge, or first offender probation under Illinois law, especially for lower-level felonies or misdemeanors. Successful completion often results in dismissal or expungement eligibility. The Chicago DUI Attorneys evaluate your eligibility for these programs, advocate for their application, and help you avoid a permanent conviction record.
Q. Will a drug conviction affect my professional license or employment in Chicago?
A. A drug conviction, particularly a felony, can lead to suspension or revocation of professional licenses (e.g., nursing, teaching, real estate, or commercial driving), background check denials, and significant employment barriers in Illinois. Even misdemeanors may impact certain jobs. The Chicago Drug Crimes Lawyers at The Chicago DUI Attorneys pursue strategies to avoid conviction, seek sealing or expungement post-resolution, and mitigate long-term professional and career consequences.
Q. What should I do if arrested for a drug crime in Chicago? Speak with a Chicago Drug Crimes Attorney immediately.
A. If arrested for a drug crime in Chicago, remain silent, do not consent to searches of your person, vehicle, or property, and request an attorney right away. Avoid discussing the case with police or others while in custody. High bonds and strict conditions are common. The experienced team at The Chicago DUI Attorneys can seek reasonable bond, challenge unlawful detention or searches, and begin preparing your defense promptly to safeguard your liberty and future.
Q. What are the long-term consequences of a drug conviction in Chicago? Consult a Chicago Drug Crimes Attorney.
A. A drug conviction in Chicago can result in a permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, immigration issues for non-citizens, barriers to housing and federal benefits, higher insurance rates, and escalating penalties for future offenses under habitual offender provisions. Felony convictions often lead to extended incarceration and lifelong stigma. The Chicago DUI Attorneys develop aggressive defense approaches to prevent conviction, explore diversion or treatment alternatives, and pursue post-conviction relief options to reduce these lasting impacts.
Contact The Chicago DUI Attorneys for a confidential consultation about expungement or sealing your record in Chicago, Illinois. Call our office at 708-787-3412.
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