St. Charles Drug Possession Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney for Clients Facing Drug Possession Charges in Kane County

While drug laws in some states are trending toward leniency in certain cases, Illinois still has stiff penalties for the possession, manufacture, and delivery of controlled substances. Those convicted for possession of even small amounts of controlled substances can end up spending time behind bars and paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines. With so much at stake, it is essential that you put together the strongest possible defense.

If you are facing drug possession charges, Goostree Law Group is here to help. Attorney Jeff Muntz handles our criminal defense cases, and he fights hard for the rights and interests of each client he serves. Jeff is a former DuPage County prosecutor, and he has an in-depth understanding of how local county officials prosecute drug crimes cases. Jeff works closely with his clients, taking the time to thoroughly assess their circumstances and identify any and all weaknesses in the case against them. This allows him to put together the most effective defense to mitigate the circumstances as much as possible.

Illinois Drug Possession Laws

Drug possession is a serious offense with potentially harsh consequences if you are convicted. The penalties you will receive depend on several factors such as which type of drug you are in possession of, how much you are carrying, and other key facts in the case. Even though marijuana is now legal in Illinois for both medical and recreational use, adults who are ate least 21 years old may only possess a limited amount of this drug. Possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis plants, five grams of cannabis concentrates, or 500 milligrams of THC may result in criminal charges for marijuana possession.

If marijuana possession is considered a criminal offense, it will typically be charged as a misdemeanor, but it can become a felony if you are carrying larger amounts. Possession of between 30 and 100 grams of cannabis is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable with fines of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. Possession of at least 100 grams may result in felony charges, which can range from a Class 4 to a Class 1 felony with fines of up to $25,000 and up to 15 years in state prison.

Possession of any amount of harder controlled substances, such as heroin, cocaine, and LSD, is a felony, and a conviction may result in heavy fines and the possibility of a sentence in state prison. If you are caught with large amounts of these drugs, you may be facing drug trafficking charges as well, which will carry enhanced penalties.

Defending a Drug Possession Charge

For a prosecutor to secure a conviction for possession of a controlled substance, they must establish the following:

• The type of substance that was found
• That the defendant was in actual or constructive possession of the drugs
• That the defendant was aware that he/she possessed the drugs

Defense strategies will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, if you are found to be in actual possession (i.e., the drugs are on your person), an illegal search and seizure or entrapment defense might work best. On the other hand, if you were in constructive possession (i.e., had knowledge and control but drugs were not on your person), you could defend the charge by denying knowledge and/or claiming that the drugs belonged to someone else who had access to the location where they were found.

Speak with a Skilled Aurora Drug Possession Lawyer

If you are facing a drug crimes charge, you cannot afford to be without a strong defense. Attorney Jeff Muntz can meet with you to discuss your case and go over your legal options. Jeff has handled countless drug possession cases from both the prosecution and defense side of the law, and he is able to explore all potential legal avenues to help ensure that you can achieve a favorable outcome. To set up a consultation with Attorney Muntz, get in touch with us by calling 630-584-4800. From our St. Charles office, we assist clients in Kane County, Kendall County, DeKalb County, and other parts of northern Illinois.