If you are facing drug trafficking charges in Chicago, IL, you need a highly experienced Chicago drug defense attorney to fight for your rights on your day in court. Don’t wait another moment to find the right drug trafficking attorney to help defend you in court. You need a Chicago drug defense lawyer who will do everything in their power to fight for your rights on your day in court.
To help you find the right drug trafficking attorney, we’ve compiled a list of the best Chicago drug defense attorneys available to fight for your rights.
But first, we’ll help you to understand what drug trafficking charges mean.
What is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking refers to the transportation of illegal or controlled substances across or within state lines. It also includes the manufacturing and sale of illegal drugs on a larger scale.
In the state of Illinois, the Illinois Controlled Substances Trafficking Act is the state’s primary law that regulates everything from manufacturing, to transportation and distribution of illegal substances.
The Federal Controlled Substances Act is similar, but operates on a national scale, and includes international drug trafficking as well.
Drug Trafficking vs Drug Distribution
In many cases the terms “drug trafficking” and “drug distribution” are used interchangeably, most notably in the Federal Controlled Substances Act. However, the Illinois Controlled Substances Trafficking Act makes a significant distinction between drug trafficking and drug distribution.
In the state of Illinois, drug distribution refers to the sale or exchange of controlled substances between two parties, while drug trafficking refers to the transportation of illegal or controlled substances across state lines.
This makes drug trafficking in the state of Illinois a more serious charge, with more severe penalties than drug distribution charges.
In many cases, an individual can even be charged with both drug distribution and drug trafficking simultaneously.
Factors that Can Affect Penalties for Drug Trafficking
The penalties for drug trafficking in the state of Illinois are substantial, however the exact punishment will depend on a variety of factors including:
Type of Drug
Illegal drugs and controlled substances are categorized into groups called schedules. Schedule 1 drugs are considered to have significant potential for abuse, with no accepted medical usage. Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Other drugs with some accepted medical use (ketamine, cocaine, steroids, etc) are placed on lower schedules.
The higher schedule of a drug, the more serious the charges.
It is important to note that in the state of Illinois, marijuana has been legalized for medical usage, whereas it remains a schedule 1 drug federally.
Drug Quantity
The amount of illegal substances you are arrested with can factor heavily in whether you are charged with drug distribution or drug trafficking. The greater the amount of substance in your possession, the more likely you will be charged with drug trafficking.
Prior Convictions
Previous convictions for drug possession, distribution, or trafficking will lead to more severe punishments.
Your Role in the Operation
Whether you were a low level participant in an operation, or were in a leadership position will dictate the severeness of the penalties faced.
Potential Penalties for Drug Trafficking
Based on the above factors, penalties can range from fines to substantial prison time if convicted of drug trafficking. A guilty verdict can lead to:
- Class X Felony – The most significant punishment for drug trafficking in Illinois, it is applied to large scale operations involving significant quantities of controlled substances. Prison time can range from 15 years up to 60 years, with fines up to $500,000.
- Class 1 Felony – Operations involving smaller quantities of drugs often receive a less severe class 1 felony punishment. Prison time can range from 4 to 15 years, with fines up to $250,000.
- Asset Seizure – Assets including property and vehicles that were acquired through drug trafficking may be subject to forfeiture.
- Supervised Release – After time is served, you may be subject to a supervised release.
For Illinois state drug trafficking charges involving small amounts or a lower scheduled substance, the penalties can be classified as Class 2 or Class 3 felonies.
Federal charges are much more severe. An arrest involving a schedule 1 substance, or significant quantities intended for distribution of other controlled substances, can carry felony penalties including significant jail time with up to life imprisonment. Significant fines can accompany prison time, as well as supervised release after time served.
Penalties are often increased for those with prior convictions, or charges involving minors.
What to Do if You Have Been Charged with Drug Trafficking
If you have been arrested on drug trafficking charges, the first thing you need to do is seek professional legal counsel.
The constitution of the United States ensures everyone’s right to a fair trial in a court of law. To increase your chances of a successful defense, you need the help of an experienced drug trafficking attorney.
To help you find the right Chicago drug defense attorney, we’ve compiled a list of Chicago drug crime defense lawyers who specialize in drug trafficking defense. Each of the Chicago criminal lawyers on this list have experience defending against drug trafficking charges in both Illinois and at the federal level. These attorney’s will do everything in their power to see that due process is served on your day in court.
Best Chicago, IL Drug Possession Lawyers
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Sami Azhari
Law Firm: Federal Criminal Lawyer
Contact: +13126262871
We understand criminal defense. Sami is an attorney and principal of Azhari LLC, with over 14 years of experience as a trial lawyer. He has tried over 100 jury and bench trials. Sami Azhari is recognized as one of the top Chicago drug crime defense lawyers. Sami has also defended clients in federal cases around the United States. Our firm is familiar with Illinois local rules for each jurisdiction, as well as the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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Darryl Goldberg
Law Firm: Darryl A. Goldberg
Aggressive Advocate – Darryl Goldberg Represents Individuals Charged with Felony Drug Offenses in Illinois.
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Gal Pissetzky
Law Firm: Pissetzky Law LLC
Gal Pissetzky is a respected criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience. Your Drug Violations needs are important.
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Stephen M. Komie
Law Firm: Komie and Associates
Renowned Chicago criminal lawyers, offering unrivaled expertise in and commitment to criminal and regulatory defenses.
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Michael D. Walsh
Law Firm: Demidchik Law Firm
Choose Michael D. Walsh for an experienced Chicago drug lawyer. Diligent drug & alcohol violations representation in the Chicago, IL area.