Illinois: Drug Crime lawyers

Drug crime charges vary depending on jurisdiction and specific state laws, as well as how drugs are classified. Penalties for drug crimes can include fines, probation, or imprisonment. Common drug crimes include:

• Drug Possession
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Drug Trafficking or Distribution
• Drug Manufacturing
• Drug Sales
• Prescription Drug Fraud

Laws and definitions of both crimes can vary by jurisdiction. Consulting with an experienced drug crime attorney can help you understand the laws in your area. While both drug distribution and drug trafficking involve illegal drugs, the differences are in scope and scale.

Drug Distribution focuses on local level selling and transfer of illegal drugs, typically within a community, and involve smaller amounts. There is less planning and organization to distribute and carried out by individuals or small groups.

Drug Trafficking focuses on large-scale movements with complex networks, financing, and logistics. Often, drug trafficking comes with a minimum quantity threshold for specific drugs. Due to the potential for greater harm, penalties are much harsher. 

Illegal drugs are classified on several factors. These include the potential for abuse, accepted medical uses, and safety considerations. Classification is outlined in a drug schedule, established by national or regional drug control authorities.

Schedule I – Higher potential for abuse, with no accepted medical use in some jurisdictions

Schedule II - Higher potential for abuse, may have accepted medical use with severe restrictions

Schedule III - Lower potential for abuse, have accepted medical uses and may lead to moderate dependence

Schedule IV - Lower potential for abuse, have accepted medical uses and may lead to limited dependence

Schedule V – Lowest potential for abuse, have accepted medical uses and may lead to limited dependence

Expungement is the legal process of removing or sealing of criminal records, making them unavailable to the public. The ability to expunge a drug conviction from your record depends on state laws where the conviction occurred. These laws can vary widely, across jurisdictions. Common factors that can influence expungement of a drug conviction include:

• Type of Offense
• Waiting Period
• Criminal History
• Completion of Sentence or Probation
• Rehabilitation and Good Behavior

Anyone who is aiming to file a lawsuit or who must defend themselves against a lawsuit (civil) or criminal allegations should find an Illinois lawyer who has experience in the type of case they’re facing. Whether you reside in Illinois or any other state, the rule of law (and the complexity thereof) makes it preferable in most situations to have an attorney to represent your interests in civil or criminal court rather than representing yourself.

Defendants in the Illinois court system — or those facing federal charges for felonies, particularly — will most likely see better results with proper legal counsel. Criminal convictions can result in lengthy jail or prison sentences, as well as the creation of a permanent criminal record for first-time offenders. A skilled lawyer can help you craft the best defense possible, improving your chances of acquittal — and if the prosecution is willing to negotiate rather than go to trial, an attorney can help you get the best deal possible.

If you are seeking restitution, you should consider consulting a lawyer for both civil and criminal court. Whether the defendant is the state or an individual, attorneys working as prosecutors can use a body of provided evidence such as physical evidence, eyewitness accounts, digital communications or surveillance, to create a compelling argument in your favor

In almost all instances, representing yourself in a court of law is not recommended, particularly if the consequences of a conviction (or a failure to successfully prosecute) are significant. Attorneys are often called upon to act as experts, and their expertise can often be invaluable.

How to Find a Lawyer in Illinois

To find an Illinois lawyer, you will want to consider both budget and reputation. It is important to find a lawyer that is within your financial reach but also has strong legal experience and a track record of established success.

Extensive research is also important when selecting a lawyer to represent your best interests. You can check the Illinois State Bar Association to research potential candidates.

Before hiring a lawyer, it’s important to cross-reference results in web searches, to ensure consistent and reliable information. Including checking through prominent cases, social media profiles, local or state media coverage and going directly to the attorney or firm’s website.

In Illinois, a general estimate of the per-hour cost for a lawyer can range from about $130 to $400 per hour, depending on location, expertise and the complexity of the case in question.

In some cases, attorneys may opt to offer clients a flat-rate fee instead of a per-hour fee. This typically arises in criminal defense law as well as certain divorce court proceedings. A fee for a misdemeanor defense is usually far less than the flat fee for a felony defense. Representation on issues related to juvenile offenses and traffic offenses may cost you less than the representation on situations involving corporate law or bankruptcies.

Finally, certain lawyers, such as personal injury lawyers, typically offer clients representation based on contingency. If you win a settlement from such a case, such as slipping and falling at a business establishment and incurring a serious injury, your personal injury lawyer will retain a percentage of your total settlement, rather than charging you any per-hour or flat-rate fees.

If you cannot afford representation in a legal matter, legal aid may be an option to consider.

What Types of Cases Can an Illinois Lawyer Help With?

While an Illinois lawyer can take on cases of any sort, the most common criminal cases in Illinois involve simple assault or aggravated assault, sexual assault, violations of the Controlled Substances Act, burglary (business and residential), driving while under the influence (DUI) and severe violent crime such as homicide and armed robbery.

Illinois lawyers are also typically called upon to represent parties in marital disputes leading to divorce or separation, the custody battles common to such cases, and other civil proceedings.