Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers In Wheaton, Illinois

DuPage Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Clients Throughout Illinois

Whether you are charged with simple possession or caught up in an elaborate scheme to manufacture or sell a controlled substance, a drug crime charge is a very serious matter. Even first-time offenders can expect jail time, large fines, intensive court supervision and the loss of privileges. Depending on the facts of the case, these cases can be brought in state or federal court.

At the Law Offices of Salvatore C. Miglore & Associates, we quickly evaluate your case, identify the legal and factual defenses you have, and then aggressively represent you in all phases of the proceeding. Our experienced attorneys have the skill it takes to win at trial. Moreover, there are many times when we are able to get the charges reduced or dismissed before the case even gets that far.

Most drug crimes can be either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the type and amount. Some typical illegal drugs are:

• Cannabis: Possession of 10 grams or less is a misdemeanor. In addition to natural marijuana, prosecutors are charging more and more people with possession of or intent to sell synthetic marijuana, such as Spice, Moon Rocks, Black Mamba, K2 and other substances.
• Prescription Fraud: If you are caught with painkillers like codeine or percocet, and you do not have a valid prescription, you can be charged with a Class 4 Felony. The same thing applies if you alter the label on prescription medication. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids is a misdemeanor, as are some related offenses.
• Drug Paraphernalia: Possession of roach clips, crack pipes and other devices is a Class A Misdemeanor. It's also sometime possible to get drug possession charges reduced to Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamines, LSD and Morphine: Possession of any amount greater than 15 grams is a felony.
• Aggravating Circumstances: If the offense is committed with a firearm, a firearm is discharged during the incident, or the offense is committed within 1,500 feet of a school, church, park or some other public places, there are substantial additional penalties.

The punishment ranges are similar in federal court. U.S. law also sets forth mandatory minimums in drug cases, which range from 15 days for simple possession to 20 years, and even lifetime incarceration, in certain drug trafficking matters.

Peace officers often seize drugs without a warrant, or the paperwork they have is incorrect or otherwise improper. Additionally, the adverse witnesses in these matters may be paid informants or co-defendants who have agreed to testify in exchange for leniency. In all criminal law cases, the state must prove every element of the offense beyond any reasonable doubt. If even one juror is unconvinced, the defendant is legally not guilty.

A drug conviction can mean serious consequences, possibly for years or even decades to come. To avoid some or all of these effects, contact us at (630) 933-8400 for a free consultation. At the Law Offices of Salvatore C. Miglore & Associates, we proudly represent defendants in Kane, Will, Lake, McHenry, Kendall, Cook, DeKalb and DuPage Counties.