Drug Possession Defense Lawyer in DuPage County, Illinois

DuPage County’s courts handle drug possession cases with strict enforcement under Illinois drug laws. Charges under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/402) can result in life-altering penalties, including incarceration, hefty fines, and a lasting criminal record. Our Chicago drug possession defense lawyer can help protect your legal rights and minimizing these consequences.

Illinois Drug Possession Laws Explained

Illinois categorizes controlled substances by their risk and medical use. For example:

• Schedule I Drugs: Heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II Drugs: Cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine.
• Schedule III-V Drugs: Prescription medications with varying levels of abuse potential.

Penalties under 720 ILCS 570/402:

• Class 4 Felony: Up to 3 years imprisonment for possession of less than 15 grams of heroin or cocaine.
• Class 1 Felony: 4-15 years for possession of larger amounts.
• Misdemeanor: Cannabis under 30 grams may result in civil fines but can escalate for repeat offenses.

The Drug Possession Arrest and Trial Process in DuPage County

Drug possession cases often begin with a traffic stop, home search, or witness tip. After the arrest, the case involves multiple stages:

• Investigation and Arrest: Law enforcement collects evidence and detains the suspect.
• Pretrial Hearings: Legal motions, including challenges to the evidence, can be filed.
• Trial: If no plea deal is reached, the case will go to trial where the prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Penalties for Drug Possession in Illinois

Convictions carry both legal and personal consequences:

• Jail Time and Fines: From probation for minor offenses to extended prison sentences for felonies.
• Criminal Record: A permanent conviction can impact future opportunities.
• License Suspension: Certain convictions can affect driving privileges.

Defending Drug Possession Charges in DuPage County

A strong defense may include:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: Challenging how the drugs were discovered.
• Lack of Knowledge: The defendant was unaware the drugs were in their possession.
• Chain of Custody Errors: Mishandling evidence can weaken the prosecution’s case.

Call the Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for Drug Possession Defense in DuPage County, Illinois

The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg provides aggressive legal representation for those accused of drug possession in DuPage County and throughout Illinois. We offer free consultations 24/7 to discuss your case and legal options. Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for dedicated defense in DuPage County, Cook County, Will County, Lake County, and the greater Chicago area.