Bloomington Cocaine Possession Lawyer
Crimes involving controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are some of the most seriously punished crimes in Illinois. The most common cocaine-related crime is possession. 
If an individual is charged with possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine, it is classified as a Class 4 felony. For a Class 4 felony, the maximum sentence is 3 years in prison. For larger quantities, jail time increases to upwards of 50 years in prison for possessing more than 900 grams of cocaine.
If you have been accused of possessing cocaine in Bloomington, Illinois, the best thing you can do is to talk with a Bloomington cocaine possession lawyer as soon as possible. A good lawyer, such as one from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, has the necessary knowledge of the criminal justice system and can listen to what you have to say to explain what you might expect to happen. If you choose to work with a cocaine possession lawyer in Bloomington, which you should, he or she may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped.
For an immediate consultation with a Bloomington cocaine possession lawyer, call Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols.
Common Defenses to the Possession of Cocaine
In Bloomington and other areas of the state, drug charges are some of the most commonly issued criminal charges. Even if this is not your first time being charged with a drug crime, it is important to understand the defenses that may be used to fight against the levied charges. With the right cocaine possession lawyer on your side, your rights can be fully protected.
The Cocaine Was Not Yours
One of the most commonly utilized drug charge defenses is that the drugs were not yours. In fact, many people will use this defense as soon as law enforcement discovers it. They may continue this defense when they speak with a Bloomington cocaine possession lawyer, and when they go to court (if their case goes that far). It must be understood that if you choose to use this defense, you must be able to back it up with quite a lot of evidence. Simply claiming the cocaine is not yours is generally not enough.
An Unlawful Search Was Performed
Another common defense to drug charges is to claim an unlawful search (and seizure) of the person. At Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, we know of several cases in which this was true, but again, you must be able to prove this in court. In general, an unlawful search occurs when a police officer stops you, search you, and has no probable cause to do so. An example of probable cause would be if police saw you snorting a line of cocaine, or they smelled marijuana coming from your car as you rolled down the window.
There are Missing Drugs
In the event of your case reaching trial, it is common for good Bloomington cocaine possession lawyers to use a defense that alleges missing drugs. Prosecutors must have physical evidence to present to a judge or jury. If they cannot provide the actual drugs that were allegedly seized from you by the police, an attorney may argue that they are missing, or perhaps never even existed. As strange as this defense might sound, it does hold up for many cases. This is because following a drug seizure, they will exchange many hands which may result in a disappearance or misplacement before you go to court.
The Cocaine Was Planted On You
It is certainly possible to argue that the drugs were planted on you. If you choose to use this defense, you will likely need to convince a judge or jury of this, and over the sworn testimony of a police officer. Your Bloomington cocaine possession lawyer can investigate your case and help you to determine what is an ideal, smart, and strategic defense for you.
Cocaine Trafficking Attorney
Some of the harshest penalties in the State of Illinois are those for the dealing or trafficking of illegal substances, such as cocaine. Drug trafficking is typically classified between a Class 3 felony and a Class X felony. Under Section 401 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, penalties for drug trafficking require an offender to be sentenced to not less than twice the minimum term and fined twice the amount. If you have been charged with cocaine dealing or trafficking, seek legal representation immediately. A knowledgeable attorney can help you fight your charges under a number of defenses; including duress or entrapment. With the help of effective counsel, you can achieve the most positive result in court.
Cocaine Possession Defense
If you are charged with possession of cocaine, a confident, knowledgeable attorney can analyze your individual situation in order to deploy the proper defense strategy. In some instances, the defense will center on proof that the cocaine did not belong to you, or that you did not knowingly possess it. In others, a strong attorney will challenge the search and seizure of the cocaine as unconstitutional and the evidence can be suppressed. At Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, we strive to protect the rights of our clients and to ensure that they get the most effective counsel possible.
Don’t take your freedom for granted by accepting the charges filed against you. Call a Bloomington cocaine possession lawyer now.
