The traffic stop may be one of the most controversial elements of any issue between Illinois residents and law enforcement officers. Officers only need reasonable suspicion to initiate a stop, but they need probable cause in order to go beyond a limited investigation. Without it, any search of your vehicle may not stand up in court if you end up facing charges for drug crimes because of being pulled over by police.
Search at one home allegedly reveals drug crimes at second home
When Illinois law enforcement officials look into suspected criminal activity involving drugs, they often obtain search warrants in order to locate evidence that could further their investigations and lead to arrests. When they execute those search warrants, they sometimes find information that allegedly leads to others parties and other search warrants. By the time officials are done, one or more individuals could be facing charges for drug crimes.
5 people arrested for drug crimes after home raid
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies here in Illinois and across the country do what they can to keep illegal substances off the streets. They conduct numerous investigations, raids and arrests to that end. In their zeal, the sometimes make mistakes and violate the rights of those they suspect of drug crimes.
Incarceration is not always the best way to handle drug crimes
Addictions take a toll on families, friends and -- especially -- the individual who suffers from it. In the vast majority of cases, many of those addicted to drugs need help more than they need to be incarcerated for drug crimes. Getting the help they need could require the services of a compassionate Illinois criminal defense attorney.
Execution of search warrant results in charges for drug crimes
Before conducting a search of an Illinois resident's home for drugs, drug paraphernalia and other items associated with drugs, police typically must secure a search warrant. In order to do so, they are required to provide probable cause for the search. When the search warrant is issued and executed, those in the home could be arrested for drug crimes. An individual arrested and charged under these circumstances retains the right to review the documentation that supposedly established probable cause for the warrant.
Even a little bit of cocaine can result in a felony charge
Many people think of cocaine as a party drug. As such, people who use the drug recreationally may not understand how severe the possession of cocaine may be until they are facing criminal charges. In the state of Illinois, the possession of even a small amount of cocaine is a felony offense. The more cocaine in your possession, the more serious the potential penalties that you'll face. You shouldn't rely on the courts for leniency, even if it is your first offense.
Small town drug convictions are hard to shake
Here in Peoria, it may seem like we are a big city with a real skyline, but for many people, the city is still a surprisingly small community. When a person faces drug charges here, the consequences can be enormous.
Man in Peoria arrested and charged for alleged drug crimes
Drug-related crimes are a relatively big problem in the Peoria area. Recently, a 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with several drug crimes that have both state and federal consequences. This individual stands to lose a lot if convicted. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to help him achieve the best outcome possible for his circumstances.
