Chicago Ecstasy Possession Defense Attorney
Have you been charged with possession or constructive possession of the controlled substance Ecstasy? Do you face the serious consequences of a charge for possession of Ecstasy with intent to deliver? Illinois law prescribes some severe penalties for possession of a controlled substance. The penalties you face could vary depending on the weight and amount of the drug found, whether you have prior, related convictions, and on various other factors. Judges in Illinois do not look with sympathy upon those charged with possession of Ecstasy or intent to deliver Ecstasy. If you are charged with possession of Ecstasy in Chicago you need a Chicago criminal defense lawyer on your side.
What are the Possible Penalties for Conviction on Possession of Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is classified in Illinois as a controlled substance. Possession of a controlled substance/illegal drug is a felony. The severity of the felony sentence varies according to the weight of the drug found in your possession. These are serious charges and you need an experienced Chicago Ecstasy Defense Lawyer fighting for you.
There are numerous ways that your Illinois cocaine possession case can be resolved by an experienced Chicago Cocaine Possession Lawyer:
- For a total weight of less than 15 grams: Class 4 felony with up to 3 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000.
- 15 to 99 grams: Class 1 felony with and up to 15 years in prison plus a fine of up to $200,000.
- 100 to 399 grams: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $200,000 or the street value of the drug, whichever is larger.
- 400 to 899 grams: Up to 40 years with the greater of $200,000 or the drug’s street value as your fine.
- 900 or more grams: Up to 50 years in prison and the larger of $200,000 or drug street value as your fine.
Prior related convictions could bump up your penalties. And depending upon the circumstances of the offense (for instance, if you were caught within 1,000 feet of a school or caught with a gun), your penalties might also be higher. A conviction can also lead to forfeiture of your house, car, or other property implicated in the drug crime. And a charge of possession with intent to deliver generally provides for a harsher sentence than mere possession – get in touch with a Chicago Criminal Lawyer today.
At Chicago Ecstasy Defense Lawyer could help you understand the circumstances of your charge and your legal options for defense. Any felony drug conviction can mar your future and your prospects for employment, credit, and aid forever. So you want a knowledgeable Illinois ecstasy possession defense attorney to handle your case for you.
What can You do to Fight Your Ecstasy Possession Charge?
First you need to determine whether your charge is for actual possession or constructive possession of the drug. Actual possession is when the drug is found on your person. Constructive possession occurs when the drug is found in your house, car, desk, or other possession but not on you personally. A skillful Illinois Ecstasy Possession Defense Lawyer could successfully challenge a constructive possession charge.
Second, you need to examine whether the arresting officer had probable cause to search for the drug. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is designed to protect you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Many drug charges can be successfully challenged and the drug evidence suppressed through a motion by a skilled Chicago Ecstasy Defense Lawyer based on lack of probable cause, an invalid search warrant, or an improper search.
Contact an experienced Chicago drug possession defense lawyer
Chicago Ecstasy Defense Lawyer Michael P. Schmiege has the experience and legal knowledge to help you fight your drug charge. If you do not have a prior record, Michael P. Schmiege could seek to have the arrest expunged and cleared off your record.
Where your charge involves small amounts of the drug, Mr. Schmiege could seek to avoid a plea of guilty and a dismissal of your case in return for completion of community service or educational programs. Drug school is an option for some first offenders. If you successfully complete the drug school program, your case can be dismissed, immediately expunged, and no conviction goes on your record.
For possession of a moderate amount of the drug, Chicago Criminal Lawyer Michael Schmiege could work to get you 410 Probation (expungeable probation) that would allow for the future destruction of the record of your case. For larger amounts of the drug, “boot camp” or Impact Incarceration might be your alternative to prison incarceration.
When you hire Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Schmiege, you get an experienced and dedicated Illinois ecstasy possession defense attorney on your side that will examine the details of your case for all possible defenses. He will seek your legal alternatives to prison time and a record.
Contact Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael P. Schmiege for a free and confidential legal consultation. He will fight for your rights and your freedom.