Don’t Let St. Paddy’s Day Partying Lead to Chicago Drug Charges

St. Patrick’s Day is a great day to party in Chicago. There are many city celebrations with lots of ways for you to have fun.

The spirit of the Irish will be present in the green waters of the Chicago River. It will also show up in the Irish dancers and bagpipers in several parades and festivals. You’ll see it in the Irish food in many restaurants and pubs.

That’s because Chicago has a high concentration of residents with Irish heritage, along with many others who enjoy partying on St. Paddy’s Day. However, it’s important to remember that letting loose with drugs on St. Paddy’s Day can lead to you getting busted on drug charges. If you find yourself facing a possession charge, here’s what you need to know.

How Illinois Drug Possession Laws Work

Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, drug possession is punishable based on the amount and type of drug in question. Possession, manufacture, and delivery of controlled substances are all considered criminal activity. You can face charges of mere possession or charges of possession with an intent to manufacture or deliver.

For a conviction to occur, the prosecution must present evidence that shows the substance is indeed unlawful, that the defendant knew about the possession, and that the substance was in his or her control. These three elements must all be proven for charges to hold.

Penalties are given according to these examples:

Heroin, Cocaine, LSD or Morphine

Class 1 felony possession punishable with up to a $200,000 fine and four to 50 years in prison, depending on the amount of the drug

Amphetamine, Barbituric Acid, or Salts of 200 grams or more

Class 1 felony possession punishable with up to a $25,000 fine and four to 15 years in prison

Pentazocine, Methaqualone, Phencyclidine and Ketamine of 30 grams or more

Class 1 felony possession punishable with up to a $25,000 fine and four to 15 years in prison

These are only a few examples of drugs and their punishments. Consult with a Chicago drug crimes lawyer for details on your specific case.

Defenses to Illinois Drug Possession Charges

When you hire a skilled Chicago drug crimes attorney, he or she will be able to look at the facts of your case and determine the best possible defense. Here are some of the most common defenses used in drug possession cases.

• Lack of knowledge—You did not know the drugs were in your possession
• Mistake of fact—Substance in question is not an unlawful controlled substance
• Not enough evidence—There were not enough drugs in your possession to warrant the charges

• Prescription medicine—You had the drugs under doctor’s orders
• Duress—You were forced to possess the drug under threat of harm to you or someone you know
• Entrapment—Someone planted the drugs on you with the intent of your arrest

Seek Legal Counsel for Drug Possession Charges

It’s important to contact our office as soon as charges are filed against you, so that we can begin building a solid defense right away.

Drug possession offenses have extremely serious consequences, especially if you are facing felony charges. Call today for a free consultation. We will work hard to get your drug possession charges reduced or dropped.

About the Author:

Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes.