Lombard Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney

Aggressively Defending Clients Charged with Drug Trafficking in Illinois

Penalties for drug trafficking in Illinois are harsher than any other drug crime. In fact, if you are convicted of this offense, you are looking at double the sentence for drug possession or drug manufacturing with intent to sell. If you are under investigation or have been charged with drug trafficking, it is important to speak with a criminal law attorney who has the experience and skill to defend your rights aggressively.

Since 1979, the award-winning attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices have provided a strong representation for individuals charged with drug trafficking and all other types of drug crimes in Chicagoland and throughout Illinois. Our lawyers are former prosecutors and former public defenders with extensive experience successfully litigating criminal cases at all levels of the state and federal court system. Our unique prosecutorial experience gives us an in-depth understanding of how the authorities will build their case against you and the most effective ways to challenge their case, so you can secure the best possible outcome.

Drug Trafficking Penalties in Illinois

A person can be convicted of drug trafficking if it can be proven that they brought a controlled substance (such as cocaine, heroin or LSD) into Illinois with the intent to manufacture or deliver the drugs either within the state or elsewhere. Trafficking small amounts of marijuana (up to 10 grams) without a valid license to distribute cannabis in the state is generally charged as a Class B or Class A misdemeanor, with fines ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 and six months to a year in county jail. Trafficking more than 10 grams of marijuana becomes a felony, and longer prison terms and higher fines may apply if a person is convicted.

Trafficking other controlled substances in Illinois may result in twice the sentence that would apply for manufacturing or delivering drugs. For example, Class 1 felony charges may apply for trafficking of heroin, and a sentence of six to 30 years in prison for manufacturing or delivery of 15 to 100 grams of this drug may be doubled to 12 to 60 years if a person is accused of bringing drugs into Illinois. In addition, using a cell phone when engaging in drug trafficking is a Class 2 felony, and in addition to a prison sentence of three to seven years, a person may be fined up to $100,000.

Defending a Drug Trafficking Charge

There are a number of effective defense strategies against drug trafficking, depending on the circumstances. We start by examining the constitutionality of the procedures used by law enforcement, particularly as the practices related to search and seizure. We also investigate informants and other persons involved in the incident and identify any holes in their credibility. Potential defenses may include:

• Ignorance;
• Entrapment;
• Duress;
• Insanity; or
• Infancy (if charges are filed against a child under age 13).

Contact Our Lombard Drug Trafficking Attorneys

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we understand what is at stake when you are faced with a drug trafficking charge. A conviction can not only cost you your freedom and deliver a heavy blow to your finances, but you may also have property (such as your home or vehicle) seized, and you may have difficulty obtaining future employment, housing, admission to college, etc. In addition, if you are an immigrant, a trafficking conviction could jeopardize your immigration status. With so much on the line, it is critical to retain legal representation from an attorney with a strong track record of success in this area of the law. For a free consultation with one of our skilled Illinois drug crimes lawyers, contact our office today at 630-932-9100.