This is the first post in a series which will discuss defending against drug related charges in Peoria, Illinois. I have decided to write on this topic due to the fact that there are currently many public misperceptions about such cases. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will assist local area residents in understanding what it is they face from the process and to help them make a more informed decision when selecting counsel. If you have been arrested for crimes related to narcotics or a controlled substance then it is important that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. Issues which this series will analyze include:
- Search and seizure issues in drug related cases
- Whether law enforcement may use a drug sniffing dog
- Marijuana charges
- Charges stemming from prescription drugs
- Cases dealing with “harder drugs” such as methamphetamine, heroin, etc.
There are multiple reasons why I consider these to be important topics. First, many make the mistake of thinking they have no options after police find narcotics on their person. The truth, however, is that evidence can be excluded from Court if law enforcement committed a search or seizure which violated the Fourth Amendment. Second, recent clarifications to federal law have limited the instances in which officers may utilize a drug sniffing dog. Finally, it is important to understand that different types of issues may arise in your case depending on the type of narcotic you were found to be in possession of.
It is important to understand that drug-related cases are taken very seriously in Illinois. The fact that marijuana is being legalized in parts of the country can sometimes lead to a mistaken belief that drug-related crimes are not given the priority by prosecutors that they once received. The fact of the matter is that pot remains illegal in Illinois and offenses involving other controlled substances are aggressively pursued by state and local prosecutors. Being convicted can result in your being incarcerated, a permanent criminal record, disqualification from employment, the inability to gain professional licenses, as well as other problems. If you have been arrested then you need representation. Contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
In addition to Peoria, I service the cities of Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. Additional areas where we handle federal cases include Benton, Chicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Urbana.