Are you facing drug trafficking charges in Skokie, IL? Your freedom depends on finding an experienced drug trafficking attorney to help you mount your defense.
To help you find the right drug trafficking attorney, we’ve compiled a list of the best Skokie, IL 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 is a serious charge, with severe repercussions, making it critical that you find a capable Skoki Drug Defense attorney who can represent you on your day in court.
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:
Drug Schedules
Illegal drugs and controlled substances are categorized into groups called schedules. The higher schedule of a drug, the more serious the charges. Let’s break down the types of scheduled drugs.
Schedule 1 Drugs
Schedule 1 drugs are considered to have significant potential for abuse, with no accepted medical usage. Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, and other “hard drugs”..
Schedule 2 Drugs
The next tier of scheduled drugs have some accepted medical use (morphine, fentanyl, cocaine, etc), though they also have a high risk of abuse.
Schedule 3 Drugs
These drugs have a moderate level of risk, including a lower risk of addiction, along with some accepted medical use. Drugs in this class include ketamine and anabolic steroids.
Schedule 4 Drugs
This class of drugs includes many common prescription drugs, such as Valium, Xanax, and Ambien, and have a low risk of addiction compared to drugs on a higher schedule.
Schedule 5 Drugs
Contain the lowest risk of abuse, and have an accepted medical usage. Cough suppressants with codeine fall into this category.
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 Skokie drug defense attorney, we’ve compiled a list of Skokie drug crime defense lawyers who specialize in drug trafficking defense. Each of the Skokie 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.
Find the Best Drug Trafficking Attorneys Skokie, IL
Below, we have compiled a list of the best Skoki drug lawyers. The drug trafficking attorneys from the list below have earned a reputation for vigorously defending their clients against drug trafficking charges and other white collar crimes.
If you or someone you know are facing wire fraud charges, let us help you find the top wire fraud lawyers available in Skokie, IL.
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Sami Azhari
Law Firm: Federal Criminal Lawyer
Contact: +13126262871
We understand Illinois drug defense cases. Sami is the principal attorney at Azhari LLC, with over 14 years of experience as a trial lawyer. He has tried over 100 jury and bench trials. At Azhari LLC, we handle Skokie drug defense cases, as well as federal drug cases across 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 L. Goldberg
Law Firm: Law Offices of Darryl L. Goldberg
Aggressive Illinois drug defense advocate – Darryl Goldberg Represents individuals charged with felony drug offenses in Illinois. Contact us today!
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Gal Pissetzky
Law Firm: Pissetzky Law LLC
An experienced drug trafficking attorney. Your drug violations needs are important. Contact us today for help.
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Stephen M. Komie
Law Firm: Komie & Associates
Renowned Skokie criminal lawyer offering unrivaled expertise in and commitment to criminal and regulatory defenses.
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Renea Amen
Law Firm: Bur-Men Law Group
Renea Amen has multiple years of experience as a Skokie Drug Lawyer, helping clients with their drug & alcohol violations needs.