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When you’ve been charged with a felony, it’s essential to act quickly and form a solid defense. Drug possession charges can be severe, and you may end up serving a sentence that lasts the rest of your life.
According to a report, more than 78 thousand arrests were made until 2018 following drug possession charges in Chicago, Illinois. It involved;
- 42% arrests for holding Cannabis
- 28.5% arrests in controlled substance cases
- And 25.9% of arrests were made in drug paraphernalia
If you’re not sure how to beat a criminal drug conviction in Illinois, you should immediately hire a criminal defense attorney Chicago. As they know that each case is special; so they’ll go over the specifics of your situation and get you the support you need to get back on your feet. Here are the ways you can fight drug possession charges.
Fight the Charge, or Pay Fine and Conviction
If you are accused of possession of the drugs with intent to distribute or sell, the fines are even worse than if you are guilty of mere possession. You may be charged with either a Class 3 or Class X crime. It all depends upon the number of illicit drugs found.
The below are the sentences for illicit drug possession in case you intentionally sell them in varying amounts:
- If you possess a prohibited drug or illegal drug (other than marijuana), more than 15 grams with the intent to sell or distribute it is a Class X crime. The accused may be punished by a term of imprisonment of six to 60 years along with a fine.
- Possession of less than 15 grams of an illegal drug (except marijuana) with the intent to sell or deliver will be classified as a Class 1 crime (you can be imprisoned for four to fifteen in this case).
Fight Seizure of Asset
In Chicago, Illinois, a property allegedly purchased with “drug money,” proceeds of crime, or used in the commission of a felony is frequently seized by government agencies, and it is frequently seized illegally.
Whether or not they have real evidence that the property was involved in or connected to the commission of a felony, police, and prosecutors often threaten to forfeit vehicles, money, and other valued property.
Violation of Rights
Some people are concerned about whether or not police officers follow proper protocols. Some people are worried about the arrestee’s human rights, but the criminal defense attorney in Chicago can help you if you have any concerns.
Police officers shall adhere to such protocols when conducting a search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. They need probable cause to suspect you’re committing a felony or have substances in your possession if they don’t have a warrant.
Ownership Queries
A simple refusal that the substances were yours might suffice in some drug offense cases in Chicago, Illinois. You could have been convicted of drug use without your knowledge in some cases; for example, your friend might be selling it without your knowledge.
You’ll have to show that you weren’t the one who did it in this case. You would be likely to prevent severe fines if you have no information about the drugs. However, it’s easier said than done, as there are many technicalities that you might have to face with confidence.
In The End
Now that you know the charges that can be lodged against you and the penalties imposed, you must speak with an experienced attorney. A skilled lawyer can examine the facts of your arrest to determine the best course of action.
A skilled solicitor, for example, will get the lawsuit dismissed if he can prove that the cop was threatening you and that you had no reason to be stopped in the first place.
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