If you have been convicted of a drug crime in Illinois, it’s important to understand the potential consequences that can follow. A drug conviction can affect your ability to get a job, your ability to rent an apartment or buy a home, and even your chances of being admitted into college. If you are worried about your future, a drug lawyer Lockport Illinois can help.
We don’t want you to suffer consequences that can affect you for your entire life. We will do everything we can to make sure your rights and your future are protected. Call The MacNeil Firm today for a free consultation at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947.
How drug crimes are handled in Illinois
The state of Illinois has a progressive drug crime policy. What this means is that the severity of your sentence will depend on the type of drug you were in possession of and how much was involved. If you’re convicted for possessing small amounts (less than 10 grams) of a controlled substance, it may not result in jail time at all. Instead, it could be just a fine or probation.
However, if you’re caught with large amounts (more than 30 grams) of any narcotic, such as heroin or methamphetamines, then chances are good that there will be some jail time involved as well as fines up to $25,000 per charge. The drug lawyer Lockport Illinois at our firm, will make sure that you receive the best outcome for your case.
The process of a drug conviction
When you’re arrested for a drug crime, the police will confiscate any drugs and paraphernalia in your possession. They may also search your car or home, if they have reason to believe that evidence of a crime is there. If they find anything illegal, it will be confiscated as well.
Keep in mind, you do have rights! And, an experienced and dedicated drug lawyer Lockport Illinois, will make sure that the police officers followed the law and conducted legal searches. If not, there may be grounds for dismissal of the charges.
If you are charged with possession with intent to sell or manufacture drugs in Illinois, there are three potential scenarios. First, you can plead guilty. Second, you can enter into an agreement with prosecutors called “plea bargaining.” Third, your case can go to trial where a jury hears all of the evidence and decides whether or not you committed this crime. This will be based on what they hear from witnesses and experts who testify on behalf of either side during proceedings at trial.
Once you have hired an attorney, they will review all the facts of the case and determine what will be the best option for you. At The MacNeil Firm, our goal is always to make sure your rights are protected and to make sure you get a result that protects your future and allows you to move forward.
Effects of a drug conviction on employment, education, and housing
If you have been convicted of a drug crime in Illinois, it is important to understand the consequences that come with this conviction. A drug conviction can affect your ability to get hired and may even prevent you from being able to travel outside the state.
EMPLOYMENT
Oftentimes employers, education institutions, and landlords conduct criminal background checks. In Illinois, many employers will not hire someone who has been convicted of any kind of felony. Some employers may overlook an applicant’s criminal history if they feel that person has paid their debt to society and deserves a second chance at life. However, many others won’t even consider someone with even minor drug convictions on their record.
If you have been charged with possessing or selling drugs in Illinois and want legal representation from an experienced lawyer who knows how these cases work, please contact The MacNeil Firm and our drug lawyer Lockport Illinois will help you.
EDUCATION
If you have been convicted of a drug crime, it can be harder to get into college. Even if the conviction is not related to academic performance and your grades are good, universities may still deny admission based on the conviction. Some colleges require students to submit their criminal records as part of their application process. If this is the case for your school, then you should expect them to know about any convictions before making a decision about whether or not you should be admitted into their program.
If a college does not ask for criminal records but finds out about one anyway, they may still choose not to admit you because they don’t want someone who has broken the law attending classes at their institution.
HOUSING
A drug conviction can affect your ability to rent an apartment, get a loan for a house, and even rent a car. Even if you have good credit, some landlords may still refuse your application because of past convictions.
Many landlords my be concerned that you will possess and use illegal drugs inside their apartment or house. They may believe you are going to manufacture or sell drugs, if you’ve had a prior conviction. Even if you have served your time, they may be concerned and your conviction may be a reason for denying your rental application.
Contact our drug lawyer Lockport Illinois for a free consultation
A drug conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. It can affect your ability to get a job, attend college, and even live in certain areas of town. If you or someone you know has been charged with a drug crime, contact our drug lawyer Lockport Illinois immediately, so they can help you navigate the process of fighting these charges and protecting your rights. The MacNeil Firm is here to help.