Buffalo Grove, IL Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

Former Criminal Prosecutor Defending Clients in Drug Cases in Lake County

In Illinois, prosecutors take drug charges seriously. State law allows harsh penalties for some drug charges upon conviction. A drug conviction could not only lead to serious legal consequences, possibly including jail time, but could also negatively impact your future employment, education, and housing situation. With such high stakes, it is important to hire an experienced Buffalo Grove, IL drug crime attorney.

Have you been charged with a crime? If so, contact The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. We offer each client the opportunity to discuss a case directly with Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt during a free consultation. For over two decades, Attorney Gebhardt has practiced criminal law, including serving as a prosecutor for five years. Now, he puts his extensive legal knowledge and experience to work for you.

Defending Drug Charges in Buffalo Grove

There are three main types of drug charges a Buffalo Grove criminal defendant may face: possession, distribution, and cannabis offenses. Below is information regarding each of these three categories of drug charges.

• Drug possession: Possession of a controlled substance can carry misdemeanor or felony penalties in Illinois depending on the type and quantity of substance.
• Drug distribution: Manufacturing, delivering, and possession with the intent to deliver any controlled substance (except small quantities of marijuana) is a felony in Illinois.
• Cannabis offenses: While marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in Illinois, you can still face charges for possessing unlawful quantities or distributing cannabis.

The potential criminal penalty depends on the exact charge you face. Matthew R. Gebhardt has successfully defended clients against many different drug charges, including:

• Drug paraphernalia charges;
• Drug possession;
• Drug trafficking;
• Manufacture and delivery of drugs;
• Methamphetamines;
• Heroin possession;
• Cocaine possession (including crack);
• Prescription drug possession; and
• Federal drug crimes.

When Do Drug Possession Charges Escalate to Distribution in Illinois?

Several factors can push a simple possession charge into distribution territory. The amount of the substance found is often the biggest factor, since larger quantities suggest an intent to sell rather than personal use. Packaging materials, scales, large amounts of cash, and multiple small baggies can also lead prosecutors to pursue distribution charges instead of simple possession.

Text messages, phone records, and witness statements can further shape how a case is charged. Even without direct evidence of a sale, prosecutors may argue that circumstantial evidence points toward distribution rather than personal use.

How The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. Can Help You Fight a Possession or Distribution Charge

A drug charge does not have to end in a conviction. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we take a close look at how the evidence was gathered, whether the search was lawful, and whether the state can actually prove intent to distribute.

We work to challenge weak evidence, question the chain of custody, and negotiate for reduced charges when appropriate. If a case needs to go to trial, we prepare to hold the prosecution to its burden of proof at every stage.

Meet With a Buffalo Grove, Illinois Drug Crime Attorney

From his time as a prosecutor, Matthew R. Gebhardt learned how a criminal drug case is prosecuted. This knowledge allows him to dig deeper and develop unique legal strategies to defend clients facing drug charges. For example, Attorney Gebhardt knows to ask about the circumstances of your arrest. If police violated your constitutional rights during arrest, it may be possible for your case to be dismissed. Even if your charges cannot be initially dismissed, Matthew R. Gebhardt will strive to successfully defend your case.

You do not have to handle your criminal case alone. Rely on The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. for experienced legal advice and a one-on-one approach to your case. Contact our Buffalo Grove drug crime defense attorney or call us at 847-239-4703 today for a free consultation.