In the state of Illinois, drug offenses are treated very seriously. Because cocaine is considered one of the most addictive controlled substances, penalties for crimes involving it are particularly severe. If you are accused of cocaine possession and are in need of a defense attorney to fight for your best interests, you’ve come to the right place.
No two cocaine possession cases are the same. Maybe you were caught with drugs in your pocket, or perhaps they were found in your car. Regardless of the circumstances, you want an attorney that will treat your case with the individualized attention you deserve, attention that can lead to a successful defense.
Illinois Cocaine Laws & Penalties
Under Illinois law, possession of cocaine is classified as a Class 4 felony if you are in possession of less than 15 grams. In this situation, you could serve up to 3 years in prison.
In most cases, and especially if this is your first offense, your sentence is usually suspended for a period of probation and drug treatment. There are exceptions to this, of course.
If you are in possession of more than 15 grams, it becomes a Class 1 felony, and the potential penalties get more much severe depending on the precise amount.
Cocaine Possession Statutes & Definitions
“But I didn’t even have the cocaine on me!”
You don’t have to have cocaine in your pocket to be charged with possession. On the contrary, if you have control over the drugs, you can be said to “possess” them. This means they can be considered yours if they are found anywhere on your property or simply within your reach. If your friend drops or places their cocaine on the ground between the two of you when police approach, you can both be charged.
It’s easy to see how some people are charged with cocaine possession when they didn’t have any drugs at all. A criminal defense attorney can argue that the drugs weren’t yours and belonged instead to someone else.
Defense Strategies
The best course of action on your case will depend on the facts of your case and the evidence against you. One of the first things your defense lawyer will look at is whether the drugs were seized within your rights. If it’s found that the police violated your rights when conducting a search or when conducting your arrest, for example, we could move to have the evidence suppressed.
Perhaps, however, you admit to having cocaine on you and are looking for a lenient sentence. In cases like that, you may benefit from a plea agreement. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to ensure you get the fairest deal possible.
No two cases are the same and your case needs to have someone looking at all of the unique facts in order to get you the best results possible.
If you’ve been charged with cocaine possession and are in need of representation, contact our offices today for a free consultation.