Although Chicago jails are packed with offenders of low-level drug crimes, the drug crime rate in the city continues to trump national averages. Every month, hundreds of marijuana arrests are made in Cook County alone.

As Cook County State Attorney Anita Alvarez explained to reporters from the Chicago Tribune, “what we are currently doing here in Cook County in handling our low-level drug cases is simply not working”.

In an effort to find a more productive approach to low-level, nonviolent drug offenses, the state’s attorney’s office is changing the way it handles low-level drug crimes. How so? Last Monday, the state’s attorney’s office announced that it will no longer prosecute low-level drug crimes.

Instead, the office will dismiss misdemeanor marijuana cases for offenders with fewer than three arrests, and redirect nonviolent offenders with low-level felony cocaine, heroin, and marijuana possession charges to drug treatment programs. In addition, the state’s attorney’s office will assign juvenile offenders of low-level drug crimes to local programs for education and mentoring.

The state’s attorney office’s decision aligns with the national trend towards decriminalizing low-level drug offenses, and addressing chronic drug use and addiction as an issue of public health. Similar programs in Brooklyn, Seattle, and Santa Fe are also under work.

A Stop to Prosecutions Doesn’t Mean a Stop to Arrests

However, it’s important to remember that the Cook County State’s Attorney’s decision to end prosecution of low-level drug crimes doesn’t mean an end to arrests. Alvarez assures opponents that she isn’t advocating the legalization of drugs, or encouraging people to be drug users.

In fact, State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez urged Chicago police officers not to stop making arrests of low-level drug offenders, as this is the only way to ensure chronic drug abusers receive the treatment they need.

By diverting chronic drug users to drug treatment programs and social services, our state’s criminal justice system will be able to invest more of its attention on violent and gun crimes.

What this Means for Your Drug Case

Under the state’s attorney’s program, the following types of cases may be diverted to social programs and drug treatment in lieu of criminal conviction:

• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of a gram or less of a controlled substance such as cocaine or heroin, except those with major violence in their recent criminal background
• Low-level juvenile drug crimes

If you are facing any kind of drug charge in Chicago, you need to contact an experienced drug crimes defense lawyer and begin to prepare your case if you want to benefit from the state’s attorney’s new program.

There are many different types of drug charges, and the severity of the charges are based on a variety of factors. Different charges mean different consequences. For instance, if you are able to have your marijuana possession charges labeled as a misdemeanor, you may be able to have your case dismissed entirely under the state’s attorney’s new program. If you are charged with the lowest level felony for possession of a controlled substance, you may be able to qualify for drug treatment and social services.

A lawyer with experience in Chicago drug crime defense can help you understand the charges facing you, and explore your best strategies for defense. A competent criminal attorney can protect you from unduly harsh sentencing, fighting for your right to rehabilitation services under Cook County’s pioneering program and helping you avoid conviction.

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.

When it comes to medical care, few people would argue that war veterans deserve nothing but the very best that our country has to offer. For all that they have done for our country and for all they have been through, wounded veterans should be receiving only the best, most effective, and least harmful treatment.

But what if that treatment is weed?

According to a new bill that has been introduced in the House, medical marijuana has the ability to ease physical pain, stress, and anxiety, and should be available to war veterans as a legitimate medical treatment option. The legislation is called the Veterans Equal Access Act and it would allow the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (VA) doctors to recommend marijuana as a treatment option for some patients.

The Current State of Veterans’ Medical Affairs

Currently, millions of veterans receive their primary health care from VA doctors. But the VA is a federal entity, and since marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug and is illegal at the federal level, VA doctors cannot prescribe it. This is in spite of the fact that many states have already decriminalized medical marijuana; even in the states where medical marijuana is legal, the drug cannot be prescribed by VA doctors. This means that the millions of veterans who receive their care from the VA are not allowed access to something that has potential to significantly better their lives.

Instead, veterans are routinely being prescribed opioids and other so-called “safe” pharmaceuticals, many of which can lead to dependence and can drag users through agonizing withdrawal symptoms. According to NPR, one in three vets polled say they’re on 10 different medications, none of which are without side effects. The side effects of these drugs range from stomach upset to full-fledged addiction.

For many veterans, medical marijuana would be a welcome alternative to opioid treatment.

What’s Next?

Because marijuana cannot legally be prescribed as a treatment option by VA doctors, many veterans are choosing to take matters into their own hands and self-medicate. But if they’re caught, they can face possession charges just for trying to alleviate medical distress.

As Rep. Earl Blumenauer says, this simply should not be happening. “We should be allowing these wounded warriors access to the medicine that will help them survive and thrive, including medical marijuana, not treating them like criminals and forcing them into the shadows.”

Of course, support for medical marijuana use is growing. In recent years, marijuana use has been consistently gaining support across the nation. (By 2015, six states will allow the recreational use of marijuana; 24 will allow the use of medical marijuana.) Clearly and indisputably, the tide is turning. Unfortunately, there is no telling how long it will take for this new wave to reach the VA, and until then our veterans are being forced to resort to illegal acts.

If The Veteran’s Equal Access Act passes, it could mean a major breakthrough for veterans. It would mean a new, potentially safer method for treating afflictions from physical pain to PTSD, without worrying about the addiction or painful side effects that often accompany opioids.

For now, though, marijuana use remains illegal in Illinois and the penalties for possessing the drug can range from 30 days in jail to multiple years and thousands of dollars in fines. If you find yourself in legal trouble as a result of possessing or using marijuana, don’t allow societal biases to hold you down. Make sure you understand all of your legal options and contact a local knowledgeable drug crimes attorney as soon as possible.

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.

When hearing the word “rape,” the image most people conjure is that of a masked assailant sneaking behind a helpless victim at night and dragging him/her to dark alleyways, where they can fulfill their criminal intentions. However, that’s not the only type of rape and also not nearly the most prevalent one: stranger rape is as tragic as any type of sexual assault, but the danger lies much nearer.

Approximately two-thirds of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a spouse, an intimate partner, or simply an acquaintance. Most often through the use of alcohol and extremely powerful drugs, rapists manage to make their victims weak and confused – or even cause them to pass out – and ensure they’ll not be physically able to resist sexual intercourse. Rohypnol, GHB, ketamine, and alcohol are some of the most common drugs used by criminals, and experts say the trend is far from being over:

“The ‘date-rape drug’ phenomenon, although fairly new, is evolving rapidly as sexual abusers attempt to circumvent stricter drug controls by using substances not restricted by international drug conventions,” according to a report from the International Narcotics Control Board. “Drug traffickers obtain the substances in question through Internet pharmacies and the mail system, or from illicit manufacture.”

Although the government has already started working with pharmaceutical and chemical companies to put an end to such abuses, there’s still a long way until the use of illegal substances that facilitate the commission ofcrime will be properly sanctioned. Until then, both men and women should get informed about date rape and what they can do to protect themselves. Here are 7 warning signs that could help you spot a potential rapist:

7 Warning Signs

No matter how careful or prepared you are, bad things can still happen. Information, however, can increase your chances of escaping the criminal intentions of your partner. Here are five warning signs to consider:

1. Your date invites you to an isolated or private place.
2. Your date tries to invade your personal space through a lot of accidental touching and staring.
3. Your date tries to lull you into a sense of safety, by looking, talking, and behaving very nice.
4. Your date tries to persuade you to drink alcohol or use drugs.
5. Your date tries to convince you to ignore your instincts.
6. He makes several sexual allusions, constantly talking about what the two of you would be doing later on.
7. Your date exhibits a violent behavior towards others (waiters, people in the restaurant etc.) but suddenly gets calmer when talking directly to you.

Mood swings, jealousy, inability to handle sexual and emotional frustrations, heavy drinking, and a negative attitude towards women in general are more signs that you might be in the presence of a criminal.

Sex crimes, including rape, date rape, sexual abuse and assault, have some of the harshest penalties and can change a person’s life forever. Whether you have been the victim of a rape or charged with sexual assault, you need aggressive legal representation and a specialized attorney to protect your rights. To schedule a free consultation, call 773.908.9811 or fill out a short form found here, to analyze your case and start building your defense.

About the Author Andrew M. Weisberg is a criminal defense attorney in Chicago, Illinois. A former prosecutor in Cook County, Mr. Weisberg,is a member of the Capital Litigation Trial Bar, an elite group of criminal attorneys who are certified by the Illinois Supreme Court to try death penalty cases. He is also a member of the Federal Trial Bar. Mr. Weisberg is a solo practitioner at the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg.

The ticketing ordinance only applies to 15 grams of cannabis or less. Any other drug possession, manufacturing, selling, or intent to sell is still a chargeable offense, and if you have been arrested on any such charge, you will need an aggressive, proactive drug lawyer to uphold your rights and advocate on your behalf. Those who thought that the city would become soft on drug crime with the passing of the ordinance were mistaken, and a conviction on a drug charge will still carry the serious consequences that it always did.

When you need a drug lawyer in Chicago because you have been arrested, the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg can provide you with the sharp and purposeful representation that you need. Drug lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg is a former prosecutor who understands the law from all angles and can offer you the kind of knowledgeable, experienced defense that will position you for the best possible outcome. Contact the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg for the help you need today.

Drug Lawyer Chicago – If you’ve been charged with any sort of drug crime, you will need a drug lawyer in Chicago no matter how straightforward or complex the charge. Chicago criminal defense lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg is known for tough, aggressive defense. A former felony prosecutor, Attorney Weisberg has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and violent crimes to theft-related crimes and traffic violations. To contact Mr. Weisberg, visit /, call the office at 312.854.7004 or call his cell phone 24/7 at 773.908.9811 or Text LAWYER to 25827 for a prompt call back. The initial consultation is free.

The Chicago area is not alone in this regard. Several cities and their surrounding suburbs have differing ordinances and laws regarding drug possession, which of course, begs the question: Is it illegal, and if so, how illegal is it? The fact of the matter is that when approached by a defense lawyer, prosecuting attorneys are often willing to drop drug charges depending upon the drug involved and the actual amount in possession. Questions regarding the right of the arresting officer to search the suspect and the suspect’s home or vehicle, in addition to difficulties in proving possession unless the drug was actually on the suspect’s physical person can make some drug charges less attractive to prosecutors.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, you will not know if the charges you face can be dropped or reduced until you consult with a Chicago drug lawyer. Contacting Andrew W. Weisberg can help you to know the legal challenges you may face, the likelihood of a favorable outcome, and what your next course of action should be. Your freedom is too valuable to take chances; contact Mr. Weisberg in Chicago today for a free consultation to discuss the representation you need.

If you have been arrested in Chicago, no matter how straightforward or complex your drug charges, Andrew M. Weisberg is an experienced Chicago drug lawyer known for tough, aggressive defense. A former felony prosecutor, Attorney Weisberg has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and violent crimes to theft-related crimes and traffic violations. To contact Mr. Weisberg, visit / or call his cell phone 24/7 at (773) 908-9811 or Text LAWYER to 25827 for prompt call back. The consultation is free.