Were You Arrested for Drug Possession?

Chicago Drug Defense Lawyer

It is against the law at the state and federal level to possess illegal drugs. Some individuals may get in trouble with the law if caught in possession of even a small amount of marijuana intended solely for personal use. More serious felony possession convictions may lead to incarceration followed by parole. Any criminal conviction can lead to a loss of certain freedoms and rights and with so much at stake, it is important to retain a lawyer immediately for legal advice following an arrest for the possession of illegal drugs.

The Toney Law Firm, LLC has the knowledge and experience necessary to defend clients facing possession charges. Attorney Toney formulates her defense based on the evidence and facts of a case and challenges evidence presented by prosecution. Her success inside and outside the courtroom has gained recognition in the legal community, and she was named to Super Lawyers® in 2015 & 2016, and to the Rising Stars list from 2010-2014.

Penalties for Possession

Individuals arrested for possession of marijuana, hashish, cocaine, rock cocaine, meth, heroin, PCP, LSD, ecstasy, or any other of the many illegal drugs available can face serious criminal charges. A person caught with drug paraphernalia can be subject to arrest and charged with a drug possession offense.

Common penalties for possession convictions can include the following:

• Jail or prison time
• Large fines and court costs
• Counseling programs and drug rehabilitation
• Community service
• Periodic chemical testing

The Impact of Conviction

The presence of prior convictions, the use of weapons or violence, and any involvement of minors or gangs can influence the severity of sentencing by a judge. A criminal conviction can affect the future of an individual when looking for employment especially certain types of jobs that require security clearance. A drug possession conviction can cause a loss of assets, personal and real property, deportation, or a loss of child custody after divorce.

Our criminal defense attorney can aggressively defend against possession charges while protecting the rights and best interests of clients. Make an appointment today for a free consultation if facing drug possession charges in Chicago.