Drug Trafficking & Possession Lawyers - Rock Island, IL | Bettendorf, IA

​

Don't Trust Your Freedom to an Inexperienced Attorney

​

Drug trafficking charges in both Illinois and Iowa can carry severe penalties that will devastate the life of your and your loved ones. If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you can expect to face multiple years in prison, significant financial penalties, long-term travel restrictions, and much more. Do not leave your drug trafficking case in the hands of an inexperienced attorney.

​

Our attorneys have a successful track record of defending clients accused of drug trafficking crimes. We are a top-level criminal defense law firm serving clients in both Illinois and Iowa. Our drug crime defense team has nearly fifty years of combined experienced, including numerous drug trafficking trials. We provide experienced legal counsel to each client we serve.

​

Drug trafficking laws are rigid and the penalties are severe. Even a drug trafficking conviction involving a relatively small amount of cocaine or other hard drug can result in several years in jail. Before charges are filed at either a state and federal level, law enforcement typically conducts a thorough investigation using wiretaps, surveillance video or audio, and other intelligence gathering techniques. We know the rules that law enforcement must follow during these types of operations. We recognize when evidence has been obtained illegally and know how and when to challenge such evident.

 

Our drug trafficking defense team will build a strong case and follow through from negotiation to trial in order to protect you from the serious repercussions of a drug trafficking conviction. Let us help you plan for the best possible outcome in your drug trafficking case.

​

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR DRUG TRAFFICKING CASE

​

Experience matters in drug crimes cases - over 100 years of combined trial experience. Please read our dozens and dozens of case victories.

​

Drug type and quantity count - The type of drug you are charged with, as well as the amount, can affect the potential jail time you face. In some federal drug crime cases, you could face up to 45 years behind bars.

​

You may face high-level conspiracy charges - Conspiracy often is charged alongside the drug trafficking charges. This charge does not require you to have ever sold drugs. Instead, you are charged simply with conspiring with others who have sold drugs.

​

DEFENDING YOUR DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGE

 

Procedural Errors

 

It’s common in drug trafficking cases for there to be procedural errors in how the case was investigated by law enforcement officials. In some cases, these errors can result in evidence or testimony being thrown out because it violates the defendant's constitutional rights. We will fully examine the case to determine if the investigation was flawed, which may result in dropped or reduced charges.

​

Witness or Informant Credibility 

 

From the minute you hire our attorneys, we will investigate the statements and information provided by witnesses and informants in your drug trafficking case. Our goal is to consider and uncover any bias in the witness or informant’s motives to ensure that you get a fair case.

​

Case-Specific Circumstances

​

If there are extenuating circumstances specific to your specific drug trafficking defense, such as occurring disorders like substance addiction or a mental health issue, treatment might be a viable alternative to other punitive outcomes. We’ll look at your specific case to determine the best course of action if there is a possible extenuating circumstance.

​

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IF I HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR A DRUG CRIME?

​

You have the right to remain silent. Do not speak to law enforcement officials or give any kind of statement without your criminal defense attorney present. You have the right to have your attorney present during questioning. Your instinct may be to cooperate, and we do understand that cooperation can be good under certain conditions. But the best way to defend yourself initially is to exercise your right to remain silent.

 

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF DRUGS INVOLVED IN DRUG CRIMES?

​

Marijuana, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Ecstasy are the most common types of drugs involved Illinois and Iowa drug crime arrests.

​

WHO IS MOST OFTEN CHARGED IN DRUG CRIMES?

​

There is no “type” associated with a drug crime charge. Drug crime charges involve all types of individuals from all walks of life. Some cases involve people who have been incidentally addicted to street drugs or to pharmaceuticals after a medical procedure. Other cases involve accusations of trafficking or other large-scale drug distribution operations.

​

WHY DO I NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY IF I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OR ARRESTED FOR A MINOR DRUG CRIME?

​

If you have been charged with a drug crime and have not hired a criminal defense attorney, you are taking a significant risk. A drug crime conviction can severely impact your future, as well as your freedom. We would always advise you to hire an attorney who will be on your side and work to help you protect your rights.

​

Drug Possession Lawyers

​

Drug Possession Is A Serious Crime

​

A drug possession conviction can carry significant criminal penalties, affect your freedom, and can damage your future employment opportunities. If you are facing any kind of charges for drug possession, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

​

We have the experience to defend all Illinois, Iowa, or federal drug charges you may face. We can help if you have been charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or some other illegal substance. We handle all related offenses as well, including illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute due to passing the drug threshold, drug manufacturing, conspiracy charges, and all drug trafficking offenses.

​

We have over 100 years of combined trial experience and can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your drug possession case.

​

An experienced criminal defense attorney can be an invaluable ally if you are charged with drug possession. Very often, law enforcement officials violate the constitutional rights of the accused when making arrests and seizing drugs. If you are facing a higher-level drug charge or you have previous criminal convictions, your biggest concern may be the possibility of serving a significant jail or prison sentence. We are committed to aggressively defending your rights and seeking the best possible outcome in your case.

​

DEFENDING ALL TYPES OF DRUG POSSESSION CRIMES

 

Possession of Cocaine

 

A cocaine possession charge can be devastating. A conviction can have long-lasting implications, even after jail or prison time has been served. Before agreeing to any kind of plea agreement, please contact our lawyers to ensure that you’re getting a fair deal.

​

Drug Distribution or Trafficking 

 

We have seen many drug distribution and drug trafficking cases brought by questionable evidence. Prosecutors often rely on illegally obtained evidence through a search or seizure. We have successfully gotten illegal evidence suppressed in cases that violate the accused’s Fourth Amendment rights.

​

Felony & Misdemeanor Possession

​

A drug possession charge is not the same thing as a drug possession conviction – even if it’s a felony charge. The prosecution has to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt and even if the case against you is strong, you may still have options such as counseling or treatment under the Drug Court Treatment Act.

​

WHAT ARE DRUG SCHEDULES AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT MY CASE?

​

Both Illinois and Iowa classify controlled dangerous substances into certain “schedules.” The states also includes punishments for the compounds that make up the drugs. There are multiple schedules of drugs, with the lowest schedule assigned to the most severe categories of drugs.

​

Getting arrested and charged for any drug crime involving scheduled substances can result in life-altering penalties, the those penalTies will vary depending on the schedule of the drug. For example, charges related to possession of heroin are likely to have more severe penalties than being arrested for possession of a small quanTity of marijuana.

 

CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF A LEGAL DRUG?

​

Yes. Just because a drug is not illegal in all cases does not mean that you can possess it without proper clearance. You could be arrested and charged with a possession crime. If you are convicted, you could face up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines for just the lowest charge.

​

WHAT IS A DRUG FREE ZONE?

​

There are certain land areas that are designated as drug free zones. Being arrested for a drug crime inside of these zones could result in substantially increased fines, jail time, and other consequences. Drug-free zones usually are designated around schools, daycares, libraries, and recreational areas such as parks.

​

WHAT IS A DRUG THRESHOLD?

​

If you are found to be in possession of a large amount of a drug such as cocaine, the arresting law enforcement agency may decide that your intent was distribution or reselling instead of personal use. Being over the threshold amount for a particular substance can carry heavy penalties.

​

CAN MY DRUG POSSESSION CONVICTION BE EXPUNGED FROM MY RECORD?

​

Your permanent record can only be expunged if the drug possession charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, you were arrested but not officially charged, or another special situation.

​

Exceptions may be made if you don’t have a previous offense on your record.

​

WILL I GO TO JAIL FOR MY DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES?

​

It’s not always the case, but most drug crime convictions will result in at least some amount of jail time. Generally speaking, drug possession is considered a misdemeanor provided you don’t get charged with distribution or intent to resell for passing the drug threshold.

​

Free Consultation for Drug Trafficking & Possession Cases in Illinois and Iowa

​

Contact our Illinois and Iowa Drug Trafficking defense lawyers to schedule a free consultation regarding your drug trafficking case. Let our experience and knowledge work for you!

​