Drug Crime Defense

Charges for drug possession involve the unlawful possession of controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and medications without a valid prescription.

In Illinois, drug possession of Schedule I or II substances like cocaine, heroin, or LSD over 15 grams counts as a Class 1 Felony, which is the harshest classification for a drug-related crime. If you have over 100 grams in your possession, defendants could have an increased prison sentence of up to 100 years.

Charges for drug distribution typically involve the sale, transportation, or delivery of substances with the intent to sell them to others. Charges for trafficking have a broad range of punishments depending on the substance’s classification.

Drug manufacturing charges revolve around the production, cultivation, or synthesis of controlled substances, such as methamphetamine or LSD. Punishment severity for manufacturing depends on the amount of drugs in one’s possession and the drug’s classification in Illinois.

The possession, sale, or distribution of drug paraphernalia, like pipes, bongs, and testing equipment, also may result in fines or prison sentences. Different drug paraphernalia associated with more dangerous substances like cocaine or heroin have much stricter penalties.

Drug charges filed in federal court carry a different weight than those prosecuted at the state level. Federal cases are typically the result of longer, more resource-intensive investigations involving agencies like the DEA, FBI, or Homeland Security. By the time charges are filed, the government has often accumulated months of surveillance, informant testimony, and financial records.

Federal sentencing guidelines are also more rigid. Mandatory minimum sentences apply to many drug offenses based solely on the type and quantity of the substance involved — regardless of the defendant’s role in the alleged offense. A first-time offender charged with a federal drug crime can face years in prison with limited judicial discretion to reduce the sentence. Retaining experienced federal defense counsel early in the process is not optional — it is essential.

Every drug case turns on its own facts. The strength of the government’s evidence, how the arrest was made, whether a search was lawful, and the reliability of any informants involved all affect the viability of the available defenses. Glozman Law reviews each case from the ground up — examining the legality of the stop, search, and seizure, scrutinizing the chain of custody for any physical evidence, and evaluating whether law enforcement followed proper procedure throughout the investigation.

When constitutional violations exist, we move to suppress the evidence. When the government’s case depends on cooperating witnesses, we challenge their credibility and motives. When the facts support it, we take cases to trial. Our approach is built around the specific circumstances of each client — not a standard playbook applied to every drug case that walks through the door.