Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Drug Crime Attorney Fred Dry
When heading out to a nightclubs, bar, concert, or party in Chicago or the Chicago area, there’s a chance you could come across a variety of so-called “Club Drugs,” a category of psychoactive drugs that include substances such as GHB, Rohypnol (roofies), ketamine, MDMA, and methamphetamine, among others. Despite the physiological and mental health dangers of these drugs, the State of Illinois and Chicago police have adopted harsh policies and penalties regarding club drugs. From GHB and roofies used as date rape drugs to the rapidly increasing use of molly and ecstasy, leading to the occasional death, being caught in possession of these drugs can lead to longterm, life-altering consequences in the criminal justice system.
If charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you could be facing exorbitant fines, jail time, and/or both. If you have been arrested or under investigation for a drug crime, it is important to contact a Chicago club drugs attorney as soon as possible. With extensive experience defending clients accused of club drugs crimes, Chicago attorney Fred Mark Dry stands as your best chance for a strong, effective defense.
Potential Penalties for Possession of Club Drugs
Drug laws in Illinois are known to be notoriously tough, especially when it comes to Schedule I drugs such as ecstasy, MDMA, ketamine, and GHB (Rohypnol is Schedule IV, but many courts treat possession of this substance as Schedule I, in regards to the associated penalties). At the same time, however, Article I of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/) states that the General Assembly does not wish to treat unlawful users or the occasional or petty distributor with the same severity as the large-scale, unlawful purveyors and traffickers of controlled substances. Thus, sentencing should be appropriate to the crime, and courts have the discretion to sentence based on perceived severity.
Possession of any controlled substance, aside from marijuana, with a total weight of less than 15 grams can result in a Class 4 felony with a penalty of 1 to 3 years in the Department of Corrections and a possible fine of up to $25,000. For more than 15 grams or pills, and less than 100 grams or 200 pills, can result in a Class 1 felony punishable by up to incarceration between 4 and 15 years coupled with a financial penalty of up to $200,000 or of the street value of the controlled substance, whichever is greater. (720 ILCS 570/402)
It is important to note that intent to deliver, trafficking, or manufacturing of club drugs greatly increases these penalties, as well as other felonies associated with the drug, such as illegal firearm possession or use.
Defense of Club Drugs Charges
Due to the intensity of potential consequences for club drug crimes, it is essential to have an attorney with the resources and experience to build the strongest defense possible. With over 35 years service clients in Chicago and the surrounding areas, attorney Fred Mark Dry will make sure that all your rights have been protected, especially those guaranteed by your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. Attorney Dry will also investigate the circumstances surrounding the investigation and arrest, cross-examine witnesses, and work with prosecutors to negotiate any deals or alternative sentencing options, if possible.
Moreover, you won’t be left in the dark during any stage of the criminal proceedings, from arraignment hearings to the actual trial. Attorney Dry will make sure that you know the consequences of various actions, such as asking for a plea bargain or negotiating drug treatment facilities as opposed to prison. Regardless of the case, your interests form the foundations of the defense strategy, but Attorney Dry is there to give you a “reality check” and an honest outlook of the fight ahead.
Contact Chicago Drug Possession Attorney Fred Mark Dry
With over 35 years of legal experience, in combination with hundreds of clients charged with misdemeanor and felony club drugs charges, Chicago drug possession attorney Fred Mark Dry has the resources and the insider knowledge of Chicago and Illinois courts to give you the best chance of a reduced sentence, alternative sentence, or a case dismissal. While investigating every detail surrounding your case, attorney Fred Mark Dry will aggressively advocate on your behalf. You have your rights in these cases, and you are innocent until proven guilty. If under arrest or under investigation, make sure you get the representation you need by contacting Fred Mark Dry today. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Call now.