A DuPage County Drug Charges Attorney Will Help You Fight For Your Rights

Drug charges are among the most severe criminal charges you can face. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug offense, a conviction could negatively affect the rest of your life. Fortunately, you do not have to face your charges alone. A DuPage County drug charges attorney can help you put your charges behind you and obtain a fair result.

Important Factors in Your Case

There is a broad range of drug-related charges that you may face in DuPage County. The seriousness of the charges you face will largely depend upon two factors:

1. The quantity of drugs in your possession when you were arrested; and
2. The type of drugs in your possession when you were arrested.

Generally speaking, you will face harsher penalties for more significant quantities of drugs. The quantity of drugs can also affect the type of charges you face, such as a distribution charge rather than a simple possession charge. In addition, “harder” drugs such as cocaine or heroin carry heavier consequences than less severe drugs. An experienced DuPage County drug charges attorney can explain your charges and the potential penalties you are facing.

Possession of Drugs

One of the most common drug charges is what is often referred to as a “simple possession” charge. Under 720 ILCS 570/402, it is against the law to knowingly possess any controlled substance or any imitation controlled substance. You can also be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia under 720 ILCS 600/1.

You can be charged with possession, whether your possession is actual or constructive. Actual possession includes when the drugs are found on your person, such as when they are in your hand or your pocket. Constructive possession is when the drugs are within your control, such as when they are found in your car or in your home. Whether actual or constructive, the prosecution must prove your possession charge. Working with a DuPage County drug charges attorney is the best way to ensure a fair result.

Possession with Intent to Deliver

Possession with intent to deliver is charged when you are arrested with a quantity of drugs that the prosecution is too much for personal use. They may rely on other circumstances surrounding your arrest, but it will primarily depend upon the amount of drugs in your possession. However, keep in mind that the prosecution must prove that you intended to sell or otherwise distribute the drugs under 720 ILCS 570/401. Possession with intent to deliver is a more serious charge than simple possession, and the consequences of a conviction can be quite serious. A DuPage County drug charges attorney can evaluate whether you should fight your charge or accept a plea agreement involving simple possession.

Manufacture, Distribution, and Trafficking

The other drug charges you could face include the following:

• Manufacture of a controlled substance (720 ILCS 570/401) – this offense involves the production of drugs as a result of having a drug lab in your home, having a collection of chemicals commonly used to produce drugs, or cultivating plants that are used in the production of drugs.
• Distribution of a controlled substance (720 ILCS 570/401) – this offense is charged when you allegedly sell or otherwise distribute drugs to someone else.
• Drug trafficking (720 ILCS 570/401.1)  – this is the most serious drug charge you can face. It is charged when you are alleged to have been involved in the importation of drugs across state lines and into the state of Illinois.

These charges can be severe, and prosecutors are aggressive. Get the help you need by contacting a DuPage County drug charges attorney as soon as possible.

DuPage County Drug Charges Attorney Michael Stefanos for Help in Facing Your Charges

If you are facing drug charges, you need someone on your side who will aggressively fight for your rights. DuPage County drug charges attorney Michael Stefanos knows how to get results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

We represent clients all over DuPage County, including Addison, Aurora, Bartlett, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lemont, Lisle, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Roselle, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Villa Park, Warrenville, Wayne Chicago, West Chicago, Westmont, Wheaton, Willowbrook, Winfield, Wood Dale, and Woodridge.