This post is being written to conclude and recap my series on the handling of drug possession charges in Peoria, Illinois. I felt it was necessary to write on this topic due to the fact that many individuals and families do not know how to proceed when they or a loved one have been arrested with narcotics. It is important that you take immediate steps to protect your rights if you have had a run-in with law enforcement. While many individuals may think that drug possession is a “victimless crime,” the truth of the matter is that such charges can carry serious consequences. These consequences include potential jail time and having a permanent criminal record. The goal of my last several articles has been to provide information which will help people to better understand their situation. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
I addressed several topics over my recent posts. The subjects which I addressed included:
- How search and seizure issues impact drug possession charges
- Whether drug possession will be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony
- What to expect in a drug possession trial
- How Illinois penalizes drug possession
- Sealing or expunging a drug possession conviction
I chose to address these topics for multiple reasons. First, many individuals make the mistake of thinking that there is nothing they can do after they’ve been arrested. The truth, however, is that law enforcement may have violated one’s Fourth Amendment rights when making an arrest. In a drug possession case, such a violation may strengthen one’s defense or even result in the charges being dismissed. Second, the amount and type of drugs involved will determine whether or not one is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Third, knowing what to expect from the trial process helps one to engage with their attorney so that their counsel may provide a vigorous defense. Fourth, it is important to understand that Illinois has several levels of felony classifications which can apply to drug possession cases. Finally, sealing or expunging one’s criminal record can assist with passing future background checks.
One point I stressed in each of these articles is that it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been arrested. The sooner you contact counsel, then the sooner your representative may begin to build a case on your behalf. The building of a case will include obtaining all discovery from the prosecutor’s office, filing any necessary Motions, and exploring other avenues for resolving the case. As a former prosecutor, who now devotes his practice to protecting the rights of the accused, I am familiar with the workings of our local court system. I have extensive experience in the handling of narcotics cases and I believe that everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense. If you are in need of legal assistance then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria drug possession lawyer.
I also serve the Illinois counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.