My clients come to me and tell me about how they were passengers in a friend’s car that was searched by the police. After some initial questioning of the driver, the police officer leans over to the passenger and asks, “Do you have anything illegal on you?” All of a sudden, as a passenger, you [...]
Dogs are a powerful tool for law enforcement to find drugs and explosives. Oftentimes, courts, civilians and police officers take a positive hit from a canine as definitive proof that drugs or explosives exist. Unfortunately, dogs, like any other tool, must be calibrated and understood to be used properly. Because officers interpret any reaction from [...]
Methamphetamine possession is regulated under 720 ILCS 646 - Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Here are some facts about Methamphetamine use in Illinois and the United States. Methamphetamine accounts for 80 to 90% of clandestine lab production. In the past 15 years it has become far easier to produce Detailed instructions are available online Most ingredients [...]
The First District of the Appellate Court here in Illinois reversed the ruling of a circuit court related to the illegal search of a bystander when the police arrived at the scene of an unrelated incident. The officer was responding to a unrelated incident and observed the Defendant, Henry Sims, outside of a building not [...]
illegal search and seizure Recently, I read a case where the court granted a motion to suppress evidence against a Defendant who was charged with the drug arrest of unlawful possession of methamphetamine under (720 ILCS 646/60). The Defendant's friend gave the Defendant permission to drive her car on a long trip because her driver's license [...]
Law enforcement officials generally have a easy time enforcing traditional narcotics laws, but these same officers are playing a game of cat and mouse when it comes to new, constant evolving synthetic drugs. According to a report, federal law enforcement officials at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are having a difficult time applying criminal charges to offenders who are producing drugs so [...]
Drug Offenses in Illinois Being charged with drug possession, drug possession with intent to deliver or sell, drug manufacturing or any other drug crime, you will need to hire a criminal defense lawyer who can review your case and work out the best outcome possible for you. In order to determine what your [...]
Drug attorney chicago 720 ILCS 550 Marijuana possession is considered a drug crime. “Possession" may include more situations than you think such as: Marijuana among your personal belongings, such as in your pockets, bag, purse or backpack Marijuana in your vehicle Marijuana in your home Marijuana paraphernalia, such as pipes or seeds, in your [...]
Felony Drug Crimes As a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago a major part of my practice is defending drug offenses including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy and prescription drugs cases. People are charged with either possession, delivery, intent to deliver or manufacturing. Drug offenses are serious charges and carry sentences ranging from misdemeanor [...]
This year brought the signing of a bill highly anticipated by those who suffer from various chronic illnesses. In August, 2013, Gov. Pat Quinn signed the bill which will permit the legal sale of medical Marijuana in Illinois, under some of the strictest guidelines and as a four year pilot program. Chicago already has its first medical Marijuana dispensary clinic [...]