Cambridge Drug Crimes Attorney

Skilled Lawyers for Defense Against Drug Charges in Cambridge, Illinois

Drug charges are very difficult to fight on your own in Illinois. If you are convicted, you will face serious penalties ranging from a lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentence to fines that can leave you in debt forever. Any drug charge should be contested with qualified legal representation at your side. The drug crimes attorneys at Komie and Associates are prepared to help clients in Cambridge, IL who are facing these serious allegations. We will safeguard your rights and fight for your freedom at every juncture, building a strong case on your behalf. Attorney Stephen M. Komie has over 40 years of experience in criminal law, with numerous successes defending clients who have been accused of drug charges.

Proven Strategies

With his decades of experience and his deep understanding of the law, Mr. Komie knows how to respond to the prosecution's arguments and implement proven defense strategies in the courtroom. If you have been accused of drug charges, our skilled attorneys may utilize different strategies to protect you, including:

• Questioning the Evidence: Evidence gathered during an investigation may get lost during the course of a criminal case. If the prosecutor cannot provide conclusive proof showing that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, a judge might be persuaded to dismiss the case altogether.
• Addressing the Methods of Investigation: A traffic stop is only legal if the officer has a valid reason, or probable cause, to pull a driver over. Drivers may be unlawfully profiled on the basis of ethnicity, sex, or other identifiers. Police may also perform searches without obtaining a warrant, which is a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Any evidence that was obtained illegally cannot be admitted in court.
• Arguing for Extenuating Circumstances: In some cases, there may be reasons that you should not be held fully responsible for your actions. For example, if you suffer from a drug addiction or a mental condition, a skilled defense attorney can argue for a lesser sentence and show that treatment is more appropriate than punishment.

Coming up with a successful defense requires forethought and planning. Our attorneys will carefully review your circumstances, developing a personalized strategy to counter the prosecution's case and help you avoid a conviction.

Understanding Drug Charges

There is a world of difference between a charge of drug possession and drug possession with intent to distribute. If law enforcement finds drugs on your person or on your property, they may also look for evidence that you plan to sell or distribute the drugs. The police will keep an eye out for certain items, like measuring scales, plastic bags, a business ledger, large amounts of cash, or any other evidence that you intended to distribute drugs. However, you should be aware of your Fourth Amendment rights which protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. In practical terms, this means the police need a valid warrant before they can search your home.

The penalties for drug distribution or drug trafficking in Illinois are strict. Distribution of more than 15 grams of substances like cocaine or heroin can lead to Class X felony charges, with a minimum sentence of six years. In cases involving larger amounts of drugs, the maximum sentence may top out at 60 years. If you have been accused of drug trafficking because you allegedly brought drugs into Illinois from another state, the minimum sentence will be doubled.

If you use a cell phone to facilitate drug trafficking, you can be charged with an additional Class 2 felony, which carries three to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. A single text message could be used to attempt to prove that you intended to distribute drugs. To defend against these charges, you need an attorney who has the experience and skill to challenge evidence and advocate for your rights.

Contact Our Cambridge, IL Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyers Today

The consequences of a drug crime conviction can drastically impact the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a drug-related offense in Cambridge, it is crucial to seek out qualified legal counsel. Attorney Stephen M. Komie has distinguished himself with high-profile victories in many drug crime cases. He can fight for you in state or federal courts, seeking to have your charges reduced or dropped completely. Komie and Associates regularly consults with expert witnesses to help meet your needs, such as medical doctors, forensic accountants, and more. To set up your free consultation, contact our office at 312-263-2800 today.