Wheaton, IL Possession of Heroin Attorney

Criminal Lawyer in DuPage County for Serious Drug Charges

Illinois law imposes particularly harsh penalties on drug offenders, and possession of heroin is one the most severely punished drug offenses. Even if you are arrested while possessing any amount of heroin, you will face a felony charge that carries a maximum sentence of one to three years in state prison and a maximum fine up to $25,000. An individual arrested in possession of 15 grams of heroin or more will face a mandatory minimum term of 4 years and a maximum of up to 15 years in state prison. A conviction of this quantity of heroin also may result in a fine of up to $200,000.

These harsh penalties only tell part of the story because you also may face other serious long-term consequences. These informal consequences often include some or all of the following:

• Felony record
• Adverse immigration impact (removal, exclusion from re-entry and more)
• Disqualification from certain types of occupations
• Loss of certain constitutional rights
• Ineligibility for professional licenses (attorney, medicine, etc.)
• Negative impact on rental housing applications

The criminal offense of possession of heroin is set forth in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/402). Heroin is a Schedule I drug, and possession of any amount of a compound containing the substance is unlawful. This category of drugs poses the highest risk for abuse and provides no legitimate medical use or lacks accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision. See ILCS 570/203.

Experienced DuPage County Heroin Possession Defense Lawyer

Illinois law enforcement officers and federal agents often engage in criminal procedures that are unlawful in their attempt to discover evidence. These tactics might include unreasonable search and seizures, reliance on unreliable informants and confessions obtained in violation of Miranda or through the use of unlawful coercion.

As a DuPage County heroin possession defense attorney, Stephen A. Brundage tenaciously defends the legal rights of my clients and challenge illegal law enforcement tactics. My experience representing thousands of people charged with criminal offenses in the DuPage County is enriched by my prior experience as a police officer and forensic technician. When representing clients charged with serious criminal offenses, I utilize my unique experience to construct the most persuasive defense strategy for my clients.

Contact Our Office for Help

If you have been arrested for possession of heroin in Wheaton or elsewhere in DuPage County, you should immediately assert your right to an attorney. I invite you to schedule an initial consultation with my firm. Call 630-260-9647. You can put my law enforcement and 30 years of criminal defense experience on your side.