Chicago, IL Drug Crimes Attorney
Trusted Lawyer for Offenses Involving Controlled Substances in Chicago, Illinois
Law enforcement officials in Illinois and across the United States have been waging a "war on drugs" for decades. As they continue to investigate people who are suspected of possessing or distributing controlled substances, they may perform arrests for drug crimes. Charges related to controlled substances can be serious, and people who are convicted may be sentenced to serve time in prison and be required to pay tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Because of the serious nature of these offenses, legal representation from a skilled attorney is essential.
At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to face an accusation of a drug crime. Those who are arrested may be unsure about where to turn for help. Fortunately, Attorney Miguel Miranda is prepared to advocate on behalf of clients in these situations. Our team speaks English and Spanish, and with our deep roots in the Chicago community, we are committed to helping people address serious criminal charges and defend against convictions.
Why Legal Representation Is Crucial in Drug Crime Cases
Drug charges often carry harsh penalties, and the outcome of a case can depend heavily on the actions taken early in the legal process. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors, and help you determine what steps to take to minimize or eliminate the long-term impact of a criminal charge related to controlled substances.
Attorney Miranda has 20+ years of experience handling criminal cases, including work as a criminal prosecutor in Cook County. He understands the legal issues involved in these cases and the best strategies that may be used. Depending on the circumstances of a case, he may be able to:
- Fight for a Dismissal or Acquittal: By challenging weak evidence, addressing violations of your constitutional rights, or demonstrating your innocence, Mr. Miranda may argue to have your case dismissed, or he may pursue an acquittal during a criminal trial.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: In some cases, Attorney Miranda may work with prosecutors to reach agreements that will minimize your penalties. For example, he may take steps to downgrade a felony charge to a misdemeanor, limiting the impact of a conviction on your life.
- Determine Eligibility for Probation or Drug Treatment Programs: Illinois law provides multiple options for people who have been charged with drug offenses that can help minimize the impact of these charges. Probation programs may be available that will allow you to receive treatment for substance abuse, and if you successfully complete probation, you will be able to avoid a criminal conviction.
Types of Drug Crimes
There are a wide range of drug-related offenses defined in Illinois law. Miranda Law Office, LTD represents clients facing charges such as:
- Drug Possession: If you are accused of possessing a controlled substance for personal use without a valid prescription, you may face misdemeanor or felony charges. We can help address charges involving the possession of substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, ecstasy, LSD, and unauthorized prescription drugs.
- Possession With Intent to Deliver: If you are accused of possessing drugs with the purpose of selling or distributing them to other people, you may face more serious charges than would apply for simple possession. We can help you take steps to minimize the seriousness of these charges and avoid harsh penalties whenever possible.
- Drug Distribution: If you have been accused of selling, delivering, or transferring controlled substances to another person, the penalties will be more serious than for charges of drug possession. We can help you defend against these accusations by showing that you did not intend to sell or distribute drugs.
- Drug Manufacturing: Producing controlled substances, including operating meth labs, growing marijuana without a license, or possessing chemicals used to manufacture illegal drugs, can lead to charges with penalties similar to those that would apply for drug distribution. We will work to defend against charges of drug manufacturing by demonstrating that manufacturing materials were not used for drug production or that you were not involved in the manufacturing process.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: If you are accused of possessing items such as pipes, bongs, syringes, or scales that may be used for consuming, packaging, or producing drugs, you may face criminal charges, even if no drugs were found. We will work with you to demonstrate that items in your possession were used for legal purposes.
- Cannabis-Related Offenses: While adults who are at least 21 years old can legally possess and use marijuana in Illinois, you could be charged with a crime if you allegedly possessed more than the legal limit, sold marijuana without a license, or transported cannabis improperly. We will work to defend against these charges and demonstrate that your actions were not illegal.
Contact Our Chicago, Illinois Drug Crimes Lawyer
The team at Miranda Law Office, LTD is ready to work with you to address drug charges. We will fight to protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy to help you avoid a conviction or reduce the penalties that you may face. Set up a consultation with our Chicago drug crimes defense attorney by calling 773-588-3822 or contacting us online.