Have you been arrested on drug possession charges in the Rolling Meadows, IL area? Facing these charges alone can be frightening and intimidating. You need a 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 possession lawyers, we’ve compiled a list of the best Rolling Meadows attorneys who can help you get a fair trial.
But first, we’ll help you to understand the difference between state and federal drug charges.
State vs Federal Drug Charges
If you’re facing drug possession charges, understanding the difference between state and federal charges is crucial.
There are several factors that will determine the jurisdiction of the incident. The factors include the type of drug, quantity of the drug, nature of the crime, and the location of the crime.
Type of Drug
At both the federal and state level, different types of drugs receive different classifications, called schedules. The schedules are based on each drug’s potential for abuse and the accepted medical use.
- Schedule 1 – The most controlled substances, with high potential for abuse and no medical use (heroin, LSD, marijuana)
- Schedule 2 – High potential for abuse, but with some accepted medical use under severe restrictions (cocaine, methamphetamines)
- Schedule 3 – Moderate to low abuse potential, with accepted medical use (ketamine, steroids)
- Schedule 4 – Lower potential for abuse compared to schedule 3, with accepted medical use (Xanax, Valium)
- Schedule 5 – Lowest potential for abuse, with accepted medical use (cough syrups, etc).
Possession of schedule 1 drugs is most likely to garner federal attention, while other schedules may be prosecuted at the state level.
While the Illinois state drug schedules primarily mirror their federal counterparts, there may be some differentiation between the two. Consult IL drug attorneys for the most accurate information.
Quantity of Drug
At the time of your arrest, the quantity of drugs in your possession will have an impact on whether or not you are charged at a state or federal level. Higher quantities, including significant quantities beyond personal usage, are more likely to garner federal charges.
Nature of the Crime
State drug possession charges are most likely to stem from simple possession of a scheduled drug for personal usage. Federal charges may be filed when caught with large quantities meant for distribution, or with connections to large scale trafficking.
Location of the Crime
If you are arrested crossing state lines, or on federal property, drug possession charges may be filed at the federal level, rather than state level.
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession
Whether you have been arrested with a small amount of an illegal substance or have been caught with something more, drug possession charges are serious and carry significant penalties.
For Illinois state charges involving small amounts of a lower scheduled substance, the penalties can be as small as a misdemeanor including fines, probation and jail time.
Federal charges are much more severe. An arrest involving a schedule 1 substance, or significant quantities intent 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 Possession
If you have been arrested on drug possession 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 possession lawyer.
Where Can I Find the Best Rolling Meadows, IL Drug Possession Lawyers Near Me?
To help you find the right drug defense lawyers IL, we’ve compiled a list of Rolling Meadows attorneys who specialize in drug possession defense. Each of the Rolling Meadows drug lawyers on this list have experience defending against drug possession charges in 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.
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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 handles Illinois state drug possession cases, as well as federal cases throughout the country. 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
Your Drug Violations needs are important. Gal Pissetzky is a respected criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience.
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Stephen M. Komie
Law Firm: Komie and Associates
Renowned criminal lawyers offer unrivaled expertise in and commitment to criminal and regulatory defenses.
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Jonathan Bedi
Law Firm: Bedi & Singer, LLP
Assisting people in Rolling Meadows with their Illinois drug & alcohol violations issues.