Distribution of Drugs Page

All Illinois and federal drug laws are quite stringent and can result in a significant amount of jail time and thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Further, a drug conviction on your record leaves you with a scar that prospective employers, educational institutions, and landlords may discover after performing a background check on you. Because drug distribution and other drug charges are so serious, it is imperative that you speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney highly experienced in handling drug cases. David L. Freidberg has the skill and dedication that you need in a seasoned criminal defense attorney in order to seek the best resolution possible for you individual circumstances.

Drug Distribution in Illinois

Under Illinois law, 720 ILCS 570/102(r), the term “distribute” means “to deliver, other than by administering or dispensing, a controlled substance.” In other words, delivering a controlled substance to another party (whether by sale, exchange, or merely a one-sided transfer) constitutes drug distribution. Distribution of a controlled substance is similar to drug trafficking, so it is important that you allow a Chicago criminal defense attorney to review the criminal charges pending against you.

Drug trafficking tends to be much more serious than drug distribution in that drug trafficking typically involves a large quantity of a particular controlled substance. With drug distribution, the amount of the controlled substance in question that was delivered, either by an exchange, sale, or simply transferring the controlled substance to another person, is not a huge factor when being charged with intent to deliver a controlled substance, or actual delivery of a controlled substance. For example, if you are charged with delivery of a controlled substance, and the amount in question is one gram of cocaine, you will not likely be subject to a drug trafficking charge in Illinois.

Oftentimes, individuals are charged with drug distribution or delivery of a controlled substance when they are caught selling or transferring a controlled substance to a confidential informant or an undercover police officer. In such cases, it is imperative that you speak with a skilled Chicago criminal defense attorney to determine if your constitutional rights may have been violated during or after your arrest.

Drug distribution as a whole is intertwined with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and actual delivery of a controlled substance, because distribution itself means “to deliver.” Therefore, it is not uncommon for many accused individuals to be confused when the police are telling them they are facing drug distribution charges. Perhaps you have really been charged with intent to deliver a controlled substance, or perhaps you will be charged with drug trafficking. Regardless of what the actual drug charge is, it is important to fully understand that drug possession alone is much less serious than any drug charge that involves the sale and/or distribution of a controlled substance.

What Are the Consequences of Drug Distribution in Illinois?

Criminal charges relating to the distribution or delivery of drugs can result in extremely harsh consequences. The controlled substances at issue with drug distribution charges include, for the most part, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, mushrooms, and LSD. Marijuana is not deemed to be as dangerous of a drug, therefore, the laws regarding marijuana and the sale or distribution of marijuana are not as strict as they are for other “hard drugs.”

Overall, the consequences for being charged with, and ultimately convicted of, distributing or selling drugs (either intent or actual delivery of a controlled substance), can be severe, however, the smaller the amount of the controlled substance in question, the less likely you will be required to serve significant jail time and fines. The greater the amount, the closer you are to facing drug trafficking charges.

Cook Country Criminal Defense Attorneys Working For You

As with any criminal charge, the negative consequences of a potential conviction may be lessened if you have the right Chicago criminal defense attorney standing by your side and advocating for your rights and interests. While no attorney can guarantee a perfect result, and in fact must inform you of the worst case scenario under both Illinois state law and federal law for any criminal charges you are facing, a successful and devoted drug distribution defense attorney can strive to reach the best result possible for you.

For example, after evaluating your case in detail, David L. Freidberg can determine whether or not the charges against you are legitimate. If the charges can be dismissed, we will seek dismissal. If the evidence suggests that it is likely you would be found guilty, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys will negotiate with the prosecution to find a reasonable resolution, with the plan of keeping you out of jail, and avoiding the imposition of thousands of dollars in fines.

Contact Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney David L. Freidberg Today to Schedule Your Free Confidential Consultation

Drug distribution charges can have devastating consequences, leaving you in jail, paying thousands of dollars in fines, and can leave you with an uncertain future if you are released from jail. Because drug charges are so serious in Illinois, it is essential that you have an outstanding Chicago criminal defense attorney standing by you from the start. With the help of a highly skilled criminal defense attorney, you may be able to have your drug distribution charge dismissed or reduced so that you can avoid the harsh consequences that may be imposed if you are found guilty.

With more than 25 years of experience, Chicago-based criminal defense attorney David L. Freidberg devotes his entire law practice to protecting the constitutional rights of the accused, and has experience handling serious drug charges. David L. Freidberg and his legal team are available 24/7 to provide you with the guidance and answers you need in order to receive the best representation possible by a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Call our office today at (312) 560-7100 to schedule a free confidential consultation. You may also contact us via email and we will respond to your inquiry right away.