I Can Help You Stand Up Against Drug Charges
A drug crime conviction can permanently tarnish your criminal record, affecting your eligibility for future opportunities in employment, education and more. To respond to charges that hold so much of your life at stake, you need a lawyer you can trust to defend you in court. When you work with me, John Kopp, you can expect to have access to the experience and skills to build an effective case in your favor.
I Know The Law, And I Can Protect Your Rights, Making Sure They Don’t Get Overlooked
In Illinois, most drug charges are felonies. It is a crime to knowingly possess illegal substances like heroin, cocaine and opioids, and controlled substances such as marijuana, whether you had the intention to distribute them or not. However, if there is evidence to prove that you were planning on selling or delivering the drugs to other people, the severity of your potential punishment increases. Possession of drugs with intent to deliver is a serious charge that can be leveled against you based solely on the quantity of substances you possessed. You could also face these charges (or more severe trafficking charges) based on the presence of drug-measuring scales, bags, ledgers and other evidence of distribution.
Although the amount and the type of substance does impact your possible penalties, most convictions result in having to pay fines of up to $25,000 as well as spending time in prison. Depending on your criminal history, you may be eligible for certain alternative programs such as special probation (sometimes referred to as 710 or 1410 probation), or drug court, which, in addition to getting you out of jail, can help you avoid a criminal taint on your record altogether. No matter the probable outcome, you can rely on criminal attorney John Kopp‘s experience as a former prosecutor to challenge any unwarranted or exaggerated allegations being pointed at you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Drug Charges
Clients facing drug charges in Illinois often have urgent questions about their legal options and potential consequences. Here are answers to some of the most important concerns I address during consultations.
What are the potential penalties for a drug conviction in Illinois?
Illinois drug conviction penalties vary significantly based on the substance type, quantity and your criminal history. Most drug charges in Illinois are classified as felonies carrying substantial consequences. Simple possession charges typically result in fines up to $25,000 and potential prison sentences ranging from probation to several years incarceration.
Possession with intent to deliver carries enhanced penalties, often including mandatory minimum sentences for certain substances and quantities. Beyond criminal penalties, drug convictions create lasting consequences including employment difficulties, educational barriers and housing limitations. However, first-time offenders may qualify for alternative programs like 710 probation or 1410 probation, which can help avoid permanent criminal records.
What are some common defenses against drug charges?
Effective drug charge defenses often focus on constitutional violations during police investigations. Common defense strategies include challenging illegal searches and seizures when officers lacked probable cause or proper warrants. I also examine whether police properly advised you of Miranda rights and conducted lawful traffic stops.
Other defenses include questioning chain of custody for evidence, challenging the accuracy of field tests or laboratory analysis and arguing lack of knowledge or constructive possession when drugs were found in shared spaces.
Can I get my drug charges expunged or sealed in Illinois?
Illinois law allows expungement or sealing of certain drug records under specific circumstances. Successful completion of 710 probation or 1410 probation often makes cases eligible for expungement, effectively removing them from your criminal record.
However, felony drug convictions are generally not eligible for expungement, though sealing may be possible after completing your sentence and waiting periods. Recent changes to Illinois law have expanded expungement opportunities for certain offenses.
How does the quantity of drugs affect the charges and penalties?
Drug quantity significantly impacts both charges and penalties in Illinois. Small amounts typically result in simple possession charges, while larger quantities can trigger possession with intent to deliver or trafficking charges based solely on weight.
Illinois uses specific quantity thresholds to determine charge levels. Different gram amounts of cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine trigger enhanced penalties and mandatory minimum sentences. The prosecution often uses quantity alone to prove intent to distribute, making accurate measurement and chain of custody crucial defense considerations.
Turn To A Geneva Drug Crimes Attorney
Regardless of the type of drug charge you are facing, it is essential to get legal guidance to understand your rights and the potential penalties you are facing. You can schedule a initial consultation with me, attorney John Kopp, by calling 630-749-2919 or by filling out this contact form.
If you are unable to make your way to the Geneva office, I can arrange to meet with you at a space in Chicago or in a surrounding suburb. I make myself available to help those facing drug charges so they can be assured they are getting committed legal support.