Urbana Drug Offenses Lawyer
Of all the criminal charges laid in Urbana and throughout Illinois, drug offenses are some of the most common. Approximately one-fifth of state prisoners were convicted of a drug offense, while over half of federal convictions are for drug crimes. The failed war on drugs national campaign that began in the 1970s has led to many people serving long prison sentences for possessing even the smallest amount of illegal substances. If you have been charged, it is critical that you speak to our Urbana drug offenses lawyer who can help you beat your charges.
Types of Drug Offenses
One reason drug offenses are so common in Urbana is because there are so many different types of charges a person could face. These include:
- Possessing an illegal substance, such as cocaine or heroin
- Possessing drug paraphernalia, including equipment for making or growing illegal substances
- Manufacturing illegal drugs
- Importing, exporting, and trafficking illegal drugs
- Selling or supplying illegal substances
A conviction for any of the above offenses can lead to long prison sentences.
State Drug Offenses vs. Federal Drug Offenses
Most drug offenses in Urbana are considered state crimes. These offenses are pursued by the state prosecution, and those convicted to jail time will serve it in state prison. Most drug offenses charged at the state level are misdemeanors, although there are situations in which felony charges may apply.
Federal charges for drug offenses may apply in many different situations. If a large quantity of drugs is involved, it could result in charges for a federal offense. Also, if the drugs cross state lines, federal trafficking charges will likely be laid. If a federal agency, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is involved, any charges laid will also be at the federal level.
Defenses to Drug Offense Charges in Urbana
Convictions for drug crimes in Urbana come with very harsh penalties, so it is important to have a solid defense prepared. Our Urbana drug offenses lawyer knows the many winning strategies that work, which may include:
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Challenging the prosecution’s evidence: When the prosecution does not have strong evidence to take a case to trial, your charges can be dismissed. Challenging the evidence often happens at the preliminary hearing, before the trial even takes place.
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Lack of knowledge: In possession cases, particularly those involving constructive possession, a defense lawyer can argue that the accused had no knowledge that they possessed the substance.
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Illegal search and seizure: Law enforcement must follow very specific procedures when conducting a search. For example, in most cases, they must obtain a search warrant. When the proper procedure is not followed, it can serve as a defense to a drug offense charge.
Our Drug Offenses Lawyer in Urbana Can Provide a Strong Defense
All charges for drug offenses should be taken very seriously. At Patel Law, PC, our Urbana drug offenses lawyer knows the strategies to use in these cases that will give you the best chance of beating your charges, and the serious penalties that will accompany a conviction. Call us now at 217.384.1111 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our attorney so we can review your case for free.