How can I get off on drug charges?

handcuffs and drugs

If you are left wondering, “how can I beat a drug charge with minimal repercussions,” you may want to speak with an Illinois drug lawyer. Although attitudes toward some drugs are changing throughout the country, facing drug charges in Illinois is serious. Depending on the outcome of your case, you could face severe repercussions.

How Do You Get Out of a Drug Charge?

Drug charges in Illinois can range from serious to life-ruining. Depending on the charges, your repercussions could include any of the following:

  • Felony record
  • Probation
  • Decades of imprisonment without probation
  • Fines of up to $500,000 or more
  • Child custody agreements invalidated
  • Financial aid ineligibility
  • Drug forfeiture actions.

Once you have been convicted of a drug felony by the court, it is difficult to change your outcome. The time to act is immediately after the authorities levy the charges against you. A skilled drug lawyer can analyze your case and determine the most promising defense for dismissing or reducing your charges.

For those who wait until their drug charges turn into a conviction, it is often too late for an attorney to have a similar impact.

Different lawyers focus on different areas of the law. Just as you would not approach a tax attorney to assist you with a car accident claim, it is critical that you choose an experienced drug charges lawyer who understands your local laws.

Drug charges are a felony in Illinois and therefore fall under criminal defense. A criminal defense lawyer focusing on drug charges is the ideal legal professional to represent your case.

How Do Drug Charges Work?

Penalties for Drug Charges

The penalties for drug charges are somewhat unique in Illinois. Unlike some other states, all Illinois drug charges, except cannabis charges, are felonies.

There are five classes of felonies, and separate penalties accompany each class. The classes and penalties are as follows:

  • Class 4 felony: Punishable by 1 to 3 years imprisonment or probation
  • Class 3 felony: Punishable by 2 to 5 years imprisonment or probation
  • Class 2 felony: Punishable by 3 to 7 years imprisonment or probation
  • Class 1 felony: Punishable by 4 to 15 years imprisonment, but rarely by probation
  • Class X felony: Punishable by 6 to 30 years imprisonment with no chance of probation

These felonies will stay on your public criminal record forever if you are convicted unless a criminal defense attorney can get your charges expunged.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Drug Charges

  • How do you get out of a drug charge?

    While you are allowed to represent yourself in court, drug charges in Illinois carry heavy penalties. You should consider investing in a skilled drug charges lawyer to clear your charges. Your lawyer will examine whether authorities violated your rights at any time. If they did, your attorney might succeed in helping you beat a drug charge.

  • Who can help me beat a drug charge in Illinois?

    To beat a drug charge in Illinois, you should speak with an experienced Illinois drug charges attorney, such as the legal team at Wolfe & Stec. They can help you fight a drug charge. Contact us at 630-305-0222 to schedule your free consultation.

  • Can I lose child custody over a drug charge?

    Yes, you could lose child custody in Illinois due to drug charges. The court will order a drug test if the other parent lodges a drug abuse complaint. This could lead to custody being revoked and mandated rehabilitation. Your criminal record can affect your custody agreement, depending on how the judge rules. Felony drug charges could impact your custody even if the other parent does not complain. It could result in supervised visits with your child.

  • Can I go to jail for a drug charge?

    Yes, most drug charges in Illinois have the potential for imprisonment. A class 4 felony drug crime, the lowest category, carries up to three years of jail time. A Class X felony can result in a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

Why Choose Wolfe & Stec for Your Drug Charges Lawyer

The attorneys at Wolfe & Stec are criminal defense lawyers who understand drug charges. We have years of experience battling drug charges in the Illinois courts. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and the drug laws. We understand how the Illinois legal system operates around drug charges.

Our Wolfe & Stec drug charges lawyer has years of experience fighting Illinois drug charges. Rest assured that we will fight to have your charges dropped or reduced.

We believe that each of our clients is innocent until proven guilty. You can trust that your Wolfe & Stec drug attorney will:

  • Listen carefully to your side of the story and explain how the legal process will unfold
  • Investigate your drug charge thoroughly to determine and build the most promising defense
  • Analyze how law enforcement conducted your case to uncover whether they violated your rights during the search and seizure and arrest
  • Examine other details surrounding your case for procedural errors
  • Negotiate with prosecutors to help you secure the most favorable solution possible
  • Fight for your rights in a court of law if negotiations fail.

We understand that these charges can affect the rest of your life. Our Illinois drug charges lawyer will inform you of all developments throughout the process. You will be informed of the relevance of each occurrence and remain in control over your legal options. Whether you decide to go to trial or accept a plea bargain, your attorney will ensure you are well informed of your options and their legal implications.

Contact Wolfe & Stec at 630-305-0222 to arrange your free consultation with a drug charges attorney.

How Wolfe & Stec Can Help

If the Illinois authorities have charged you or your loved one with drug crimes, you need professional help. Stop wondering, “how can I get off on drug charges” and speak with an Illinois criminal defense lawyer who can help you win your fight. Drug charges must be acted upon swiftly for the best results, so do not delay in speaking with our experienced lawyers.

We are a team of aggressive litigators well-versed in Illinois drug laws. Contact us today at 630-305-0222 to arrange your free consultation.

Attorney Marc Wolfe

Marc Wolfe has been representing clients in criminal matters in Chicago and the entire State of Illinois for over 30 years. Mr. Wolfe has tried over 300 cases to verdict and represents clients facing investigation or prosecution for a broad range of state and federal criminal offenses, including murder, embezzlement, sexual abuse, drugs, marijuana and white collar crimes. [ Attorney Bio ]