Drug Defense Attorney
The Illinois legislature and law enforcement community are very serious about drug offenses. If you are facing drug charges in Illinois, it is imperative to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will work diligently to protect your rights and your future.
If convicted of drug charges you could be sent to prison, forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines, and left with a permanent criminal record. If you were arrested with a substantial amount of marijuana or schedule I or II “hard drugs,” such as heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, or cocaine, your sentence will be even more severe.
The government may even initiate a criminal forfeiture action against you to seize any property or assets believed to have been acquired with proceeds from illegal drug activity. Without strong legal assistance, getting your possessions back can be difficult, even if you aren’t convicted of anything.
At Steve Roach Law Offices, we have the experience, skill and resources to fight drug charges. We will carefully scrutinize the actions of arresting officers to determine if they had a probable cause to conduct a search and determine whether they followed proper police procedures at all times. We will also expose unreliable informants.
Rest assured, we will conduct a comprehensive investigation and prepare a compelling defense.
Before you agree to talk to prosecutors, contact one of our three convenient locations in Schaumburg, Chicago, and Wheaton. We serve the entire northwestern suburbs. You are also welcome to contact us online . We provide a free confidential consultation.
Arrested for Drug Possession
At Steve Roach Law Offices, we aggressively defend clients facing a variety of drug charges, including:
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking/ manufacturing/ distribution
- Intent to deliver/delivery of controlled substances
- All drug types: cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, Meth, narcotics, controlled substances and prescription drugs
Defending You Against Prescription Drug Charges in Illinois
Whether you are suspected of selling illegal prescription drugs, using prescription drugs without a valid prescription, or prescription drug fraud, obtain experienced legal representation. Because of the highly addictive nature of prescription drugs, law enforcement cracks down on anyone using the drugs illegally. The best investment you can make is to select an experienced illegal prescription defense lawyer focused on your best interests.
If you are charged with a drug crime, you are entitled to a strong defense, even if prosecutors claim to have a strong case against you for allegedly possessing or distributing prescription drugs illegally such as:
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Xanax
- Oxycodone
- Vicodin
- Percocet
Attorney Steven Roach is fully prepared to mount an aggressive defense strategy focused on uncovering any evidence that could be used in your favor. For example, testimony from your doctor could be used to show you in fact have a valid reason to use the prescription drug. If you have been accused of illegally distributing prescription drugs, Steve Roach will not hesitate to question the validity of evidence obtained from an informant focused on protecting your best interests.
He also has a strong background representing pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians facing prescription drug fraud charges. Not only will you receive assistance with your criminal case, he will also help you retain your professional license.
Any surveillance video footage, email record or text messages could be used to show you were not conducting illegal affairs. He will also not hesitate to fight for a dismissal if any key evidence was obtained through an illegal wiretap or without a valid search warrant.
Seeking to Mitigate any Potential Ramifications
Based on his years of experience, Steve Roach knows when to start negotiating for a favorable resolution. The credibility he has gained in the criminal justice system has proven to be invaluable when negotiating a reduction in drug charges or reduced penalties based on an innocent mistake or lack of criminal history. He will not hesitate to show you were poorly trained and made an innocent mistake while working in the medical industry. Steve Roach can also seek a reduction in penalties based on your clean background.
Fighting the Evidence Against You
Drug charges are frequently based on evidence that was seized pursuant to a search warrant. If the search warrant was issued without probable cause, you may be able to exclude evidence that was obtained as a result.
In addition, drug charges are sometimes based on the testimony of witnesses who have questionable motives. Some of these witnesses may have given false statements to the police because they themselves are guilty of a drug crime and are seeking a lesser penalty. In some cases, confidential informants with lengthy criminal records may be the chief witness for the prosecution.
As a law office that practices exclusively in criminal defense, we know how to effectively handle drug possession and drug trafficking charges. If you have been arrested on a drug charge and need experienced, aggressive legal representation, we strongly encourage you to contact us.
Our office also represents juveniles facing charges for drug possession or selling drugs. We understand the juvenile court system and what needs to be done to convince judges and case workers to give a young person a second chance.
Illinois Drug Crimes FAQ
Are you facing drug-related charges in the Chicago area? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about your rights and what to expect. Steve Roach Law Offices has the experience and knowledge of the law you need to proceed with confidence. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from Steve Roach’s clients:
In Illinois, both state- and federal-level charges related to Schedule I or II drugs carry the possibility of prison. Whether you will actually be sentenced to a term behind bars depends on many factors, including if you have any prior convictions on your record and what exactly you’re charged with (i.e., possession versus trafficking or manufacturing). Our attorney knows the system thoroughly. If a dismissal or not-guilty verdict appears unlikely, he will do everything possible to help you avoid incarceration.
In general, yes. State and federal laws in effect in Illinois divide controlled substances into various categories, or “schedules,” based on their addictive nature and medicinal benefit, if any. The higher the drug you’re accused of possessing, trafficking, or manufacturing is, the harsher the penalties tend to be, depending on the volume involved.
Schedule I and II drugs lead to the most serious charges. These include:
- Heroin
- Marijuana (while possession of a small amount is allowed for adults age 21 or over under Illinois law, marijuana remains illegal under federal law)
- LSD
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription drugs like fentanyl, Dilaudid, Vicodin, and oxycodone without a proper prescription
Schedule III, IV, and V drugs are considered to have low to moderate addiction risk, often with a clear medical use. These include anabolic steroids, testosterone, Xanax, Ambien, and cough medicine containing small amounts of codeine.
Proving a defendant’s intentions can be a big challenge for prosecutors. In drug cases, they generally rely on the volume of drugs you were allegedly caught with. A large amount that seems to be more than you could use recreationally could suggest that you intended to sell all or most of it. The amount that tips a possession charge into one for intent to distribute depends on the drug involved. Having paraphernalia like scales and baggies in your possession could also support the charge against you.
Steve Roach can assess the evidence against you. Often, he’s able to get an intent to distribute charge reduced to simple possession or dismissed entirely.
