Morris Drug Crimes Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys for Drug Trafficking and Other Drug Charges in Morris, IL

Drug charges in Illinois come with serious consequences. Depending on the substance you are accused of possessing and the quantity of that substance, you could be facing years in prison. Fighting these charges alone is a losing battle, but a lawyer with experience in cases involving drug crimes can build a credible defense on your behalf. Attorney Stephen M. Komie has handled numerous cases involving drug charges in his 40 years practicing criminal law, and he has secured victories for many clients. If you face drug charges in Morris, IL, a criminal defense attorney at Komie and Associates will fight to secure a favorable outcome for you.

Drug Possession, Drug Distribution, and Drug Trafficking

The lines separating drug possession and other more serious drug crimes are not always clear. In Illinois, having a small amount of illicit substances (LSD, meth, cocaine, heroin, etc.) may result in a drug possession charge, but if law enforcement uncovers intent to sell or distribute, you could face much more serious charges. If you are accused of transporting drugs into or out of the state, you could be charged with drug trafficking. In addition to being charged at the state level, you could face federal drug trafficking charges, which often carry more serious penalties.

To illustrate just how seriously Illinois treats drug crimes, consider the following example. You can be charged with a Class 1 felony for possessing between one and 15 grams of cocaine with the intent to sell or distribute these drugs. If convicted, you could be sentenced to between four and 15 years in prison, and you could be fined up to a quarter of a million dollars. Penalties become even more serious in cases involving larger amounts of these or other drugs.

To determine whether there was an intent to distribute, law enforcement will look for larger quantities of drugs or the presence of certain paraphernalia, such as scales or packaging materials. Large amounts of money uncovered during a search may also be seen as an indication that you are engaging in drug trafficking.

Defending Against Drug Charges

The criminal defense lawyers at Komie and Associates are very familiar with the tactics law enforcement uses to uncover and prosecute drug crimes. The constant "war on drugs" in America has prompted some government authorities to overstep the bounds of the law to secure convictions. Our attorneys utilize proven strategies to fight drug charges, such as:

• Unlawful Searches: For evidence against you to be admissible in a court of law, it must have been secured through legal means. For instance, if police forcibly entered your home without a warrant and found excess amounts of cash or drug paraphernalia, the evidence found during that search may be inadmissible in a criminal case.
• Illegal Investigation: Police officers and other arresting authorities need to have probable cause to pull you over or investigate you for a crime. If you were profiled by an officer, then any statements or evidence obtained during a traffic stop could be rendered null and void.
• Existing Conditions: Depending on your history, you could be eligible for a lesser sentence due to a substance dependency or mental health issues.
• Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and hard proof will usually be required to secure a conviction. If the evidence is insufficient to prove that you committed the crime in question, then the charges against you could be dropped.

Every case involving drug charges is different. When you work with Komie and Associates, we will examine the specifics of your case to develop a rigorous defense against a conviction.

Meet With a Morris, Illinois Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Today

Illinois law is not kind to those who are accused of drug charges. If you have been arrested and charged with drug possession, drug distribution, drug trafficking, or other related offenses, it is imperative that you seek out qualified legal representation. Attorney Stephen M. Komie fights aggressively for his clients, and as a proud representative of the people of Illinois, he will not relent until he has secured the best possible outcome for your case. Moreover, we have access to expert witnesses who can assist with your needs, including psychologists, medical doctors, and more. To schedule a free consultation, contact Komie and Associates at 312-263-2800 today.