Chicago Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crimes

If you find yourself caught up in a drug crime case in Chicago, the penalties can hit hard. Cook County prosecutors have zero chill when it comes to narcotics, and they will do everything they can to try and pin you down with a guilty verdict. You need an experienced and tough Chicago drug crime lawyer who shuts down these charges fast. Whether you’ve been arrested in Cottage Grove or your house in Englewood has been tossed, Cierra N. Norris is here to fight for you.

At C. Norris Law Group, we don’t come to play. Our criminal defense attorneys are here to fight for you, whatever your drug case might involve. The penalties involved can haunt you for years to come, but thankfully, with our experience, we are here to defend you and do everything possible to secure a not-guilty verdict. Trust the team at C. Norris Law Group to have your back in a criminal case. If you’ve been arrested on drug charges, call Cierra today.

Common Drug Charges in Chicago

When you find yourself facing drug charges in Chicago, it can be helpful to have a full understanding of the nature of these charges and the penalties that might come about if you are convicted. When you hire a drug crime lawyer, your chances of sidestepping that possible conviction increase. At C. Norris Law Group, our attorneys can explain to you the exact nature of your drug crime charge and determine how to go about defending it.

On Chicago’s south side, the CPD is on high alert when it comes to drug crimes. One recent study shows that out of the 540,000 criminal arrests in the city over the last decade, 12% have been related to a drug charge. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, such as the amount of alleged drug involved and the kind of drug, you may either be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony crime.

Charges We Can Help With

In Chicago, C. Norris Law Group has fought countless drug crime cases, including those related to the following charges:

• Drug possession. It is illegal for an individual to possess a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog in a knowing way. There are two forms of possession. Actual possession can happen when the CPD finds actual controlled substances on your person. Constructive possession can happen when you have knowledge of the drug and the ability to be in control of that drug, such as in cases where it is allegedly in your car.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia. In Illinois, it is illegal to possess certain forms of drug paraphernalia. This can include items like pipes or things commonly found in one’s household, such as scales, Ziploc bags, and syringes. Possession of drug paraphernalia can result in jail time, and the penalties can be further increased if it is proven that you intended to sell certain items of drug paraphernalia.
• Possession with intent to deliver. If an individual is found to be in known possession of an illegal drug or controlled substance and has the intent to sell said substance, this is illegal in Chicago. If an individual is allegedly found with a certain amount of drugs, typically too much for personal use, they may find themselves facing possession with the intent to deliver charges.
• Drug manufacture. It is illegal in Chicago for an individual to manufacture a controlled substance. If you are caught manufacturing drugs, the CPD will arrest you. They may also arrest you if they obtain a search warrant for your home and find evidence of manufacture. This might include evidence of a drug lab, such as a collection of chemicals used to manufacture certain drugs or the cultivation of specific plants.
• Drug distribution and trafficking. In 2024, the United States saw 61,678 cases of drug distribution across the country. In Chicago, an individual can be arrested for drug distribution charges if they have allegedly transferred or intend to transfer an illegal drug to another party. On the other hand, you can be arrested for drug trafficking if you have knowingly imported controlled substances into the state of Illinois.

Though all drug charge convictions can carry hefty penalties in Chicago, there are some that can see you behind bars for the rest of your life without the right drug crime attorney on your side. For years, Cierra N. Norris has been standing up for clients and ensuring that she does everything in her power to keep her clients out of Cook County jail.

Drug Charges Carry Hefty Penalties

The Illinois Controlled Substances Act made possessing, manufacturing and delivering certain drugs illegal. But the state’s drug laws are continually evolving. Updates in the legislature and case law make it difficult to keep up with “good law” regarding drug charges. Depending on the quality and weight of the controlled substance, convictions for possession can result in fines up to $200,000 and 50 years in prison.

If you are facing an arrest or think you may be subject to an investigation for possession or distribution of controlled substances, it is best to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. In addition to high fines and incarceration, if convicted, you risk losing your job, home and reputation. A criminal record can limit opportunities and your freedom for the rest of your life.

It is vital to your future to speak with a skillful defense attorney who commits to zealously build a robust defense targeting dismissal of charges, alternative sentencing and minimizing penalties when possible. If you are arrested, you may respond to law enforcement’s questions by saying, “I need to call Cierra.” Then call 312-625-6129 for a free consultation.

Sophisticated Strategies For Complex Cases: Unparalleled Assertiveness And Commitment In The Courtroom

These cases are complex. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt several factors before a conviction could be handed down. When you face drug charges, you need an attorney who will provide immediate and aggressive advocacy on your behalf. Collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, staying current with the laws to build a strong defense are the hallmarks of our law firm.

At C. Norris Law Group, we know it is daunting to face the criminal justice system. Call us right away if you are being investigated or contending with charges for suspicion of possession, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Morphine
• Methamphetamine
• Barbituric acid/salts
• LSD
• OxyContin
• Marijuana
• Peyote
• Anabolic steroids
• Ketamine
• Phencyclidine
• Methaqualone
• Pentazocine
• And other controlled substances

Consequences of controlled substance convictions increase with the weight or amount of drug in question.

Defenses for South Side Drug Charges: Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer Today

Ight, so boom. Here’s the story: Cook County prosecutors don’t take their jobs lightly. They will do everything in their power to ensure you get behind bars, even if you are innocent. Cierra N. Norris sees that behavior for what it is: nonsense. She’s here to do everything in her power to ensure you get the defense you need. Let our team review your case and determine the right strategy to use in your case. Common strategies include:

• Illegal search and seizure. When the CPD gets overzealous, this can cause it to violate your rights. When evidence is obtained in an illegal manner, such as through a search of your car without a warrant or your permission, it will not be admissible in court.
• Incorrect investigation tactics. The CPD must follow specific protocols when conducting their investigation, including ensuring that they have probable cause to make an arrest. In certain situations, officers might engage in racial profiling or other methods of investigation that are in violation of your rights.
• Missing evidence. When drugs or money are seized during an arrest and other forms of evidence are collected, such as blood samples, these may go missing during an investigation. If the prosecution is unable to provide the courts with this evidence, then the case has a good chance of getting dismissed.
• Extenuating circumstances. In certain cases, such as when the defendant suffers from mental health issues or substance abuse problems, Cierra N. Norris may be able to argue for treatment instead of jail time or probation. Chicago is no stranger to substance abuse issues. According to one study, around 9.2% of the population aged 12 and older suffers from a substance abuse issue.

Time Is Of The Essence: Let’s Talk

Let our skills, knowledge and courtroom experience fuel your defense. Our firm’s sole focus is assertive, intelligent defense strategies for our clients. We treat our clients like our family. We build trusting relationships and fight in their corner throughout the process. We have a proven track record of helping our clients achieve optimal results through our straightforward, aggressive advocacy. Email us or call C. Norris Law Group, at 312-625-6129 today.