This is the first post in a series discussing marijuana trafficking charges in Peoria, Illinois. Cannabis laws are changing rapidly across the United States. It is important to understand that the current trend toward legalizing pot for medical or recreational purposes applies to the use of the drug, but does not necessarily apply to distributing or manufacturing marijuana. Serious state or federal penalties may still apply depending on the circumstances surrounding the activity. My goal in this series is to provide information about trafficking charges and the potential available defenses. Given the severe consequences related to allegations of this nature, it is imperative to engage an experienced defense attorney to represent your interests. If you are in need of assistance, contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will address several key topics in this series, including:
- Penalties for trafficking marijuana
- Search and seizure issues in marijuana trafficking charges
- Enhanced penalties for trafficking when other offenses are involved
It is important for those facing allegations of cannabis trafficking to understand these issues for a variety of reasons. First, possessing even small amounts of pot with the intent to manufacture or distribute the drug will constitute trafficking under Illinois law. Knowing the potential penalties will be essential to understanding your options. Second, the police must follow certain protocols when searching a suspect or a suspect’s vehicle for marijuana. If an officer violates these rules, it may be possible to mount a defense to some or all of the charges on these grounds. Third, in many cases, marijuana related offenses are coupled with other types of criminal behavior, such as illegally possessing a firearm. This can create additional problems for the defendant in the form of enhanced penalties or multiple charges.
If you have been charged with a marijuana related offense, it is essential to retain knowledgeable defense counsel to represent your interests. I am a Peoria attorney who is also licensed in Federal Court. Contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation. We also 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.