Criminal Defense Lawyers

Chicago Drug Crimes Lawyers

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm, to handle your Chicago drug crimes case.Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy in order to fight your case, and save their own time. They don‘t look carefully at your situation – they simply want to move on to the next case. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stone unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results. We understand the difficult and challenges of going through a case. If you‘re accused of a drug crime in Chicago, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today.

The Ugly Reality of Drug Crimes in Chicago

Let’s start with the facts, the numbers don’t lie:

• In 2018, there were over 18,000 drug abuse violation arrests in Chicago. 8
• Drug arrests have been rising steadily for over a decade in the Chicago area. 3
• The DEA considers Chicago a primary hub for drug trafficking organizations operating nationwide. 8

The reality is, drug crimes are a massive issue in the Chicago metro area. From possession and distribution, all the way up to trafficking and manufacturing, the laws come down extremely hard. We’re talking potential life sentences for some charges.And it’s not just the heavy-hitters like heroin, cocaine and meth that will land you in hot water. Even simple possession of cannabis can still result in charges, if you don’t follow the very specific Illinois laws to the letter.

Understanding Chicago’s Harsh Drug Laws

To understand the severity, here’s a quick overview of some of the most common charges:Possession of a Controlled Substance (720 ILCS 570/402): This covers illegal possession of drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth, ecstasy and prescription medications without a valid script. ​​Penalties range from 1-3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000 for smaller amounts, all the way up to 15 years and $200,000 for larger quantities. 9Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (720 ILCS 570/401): This involves manufacturing, selling or intending to deliver illegal drugs. It’s a Class X felony, with a range of 6-60 years in prison depending on the type and amount of substance. 9Trafficking of a Controlled Substance (720 ILCS 570/401.1): This covers bringing illegal drugs into Illinois for manufacture or delivery. It carries double the penalties of the underlying possession or delivery charge. So we’re talking potentially decades behind bars. 6And those are just possession and distribution charges. There are also hefty criminal penalties for charges like:

• Drug conspiracy (720 ILCS 570/405)
• Possession of drug manufacturing materials (720 ILCS 570/402)
• Cannabis trafficking (720 ILCS 550/5.1)
• Money laundering related to drug crimes

The bottom line, is that drug crimes in Chicago and Illinois are extremely serious business. You’re at risk of permanently derailing your life, all because of a drug charge. That’s why you need to take them just as seriously, and fight them with everything you‘ve got.

Why You Need an Aggressive Chicago Drug Crimes Lawyer

Some people ask, “Do I really need a lawyer for a drug charge? Can’t I just represent myself?” Here’s the cold hard truth, representing yourself against seasoned prosecutors who do this for a living is a terrible idea that will likely end in disaster. You need a battle-tested Chicago drug crimes attorney in your corner, period.An experienced lawyer who specializes in drug cases can provide value in so many ways, including:

Thorough Understanding of Search and Seizure Laws: A lot of drug cases hinge on the legality of how evidence was obtained. Your lawyer will analyze every aspect, from the initial reasonable suspicion all the way through to the chain of custody. If there are any violations of your 4th amendment rights, an attorney can get that evidence suppressed or even the whole case thrown out.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Leveraging Specific Defense Strategies: There are specific techniques that apply to different types of drug cases. For example, lack of knowledge is a common defense for possession charges. Or if it’s a marijuana case, your lawyer may be able to argue you were legal under the medical/recreational cannabis laws. An experienced attorney will explore all potential avenues.

Skillful Negotiation of Plea Bargains: Sometimes the best move is avoiding trial altogether through skilled negotiation with prosecutors. Your lawyer can potentially get charges reduced or even dropped through a plea bargain, especially for lower-level charges. They’ll ensure you get the most favorable deal possible.

Vigorous Representation at Trial: If going to trial gives you the best chance of beating the charges, you need an aggressive litigator who lives for the courtroom. Your drug crimes lawyer will pour through all evidence, raise objections, cross-examine witnesses, and paint you in the most positive light possible in front of a jury.The bottom line is, the stakes are way too high to try and wing it alone when facing drug charges in Chicago. You need to put your case in the hands of a professional who has been there and done that, time and time again.

Choosing the Right Chicago Drug Crimes Attorney

Not all criminal defense lawyers are created equal, especially when it comes to handling the complexities of drug cases. When choosing an attorney, you’ll want to keep the following qualifications in mind:

Specialization in Drug Crimes: This area of the law is extremely nuanced and technical. You want someone who has handled hundreds of drug cases specifically, not just a general criminal defense practitioner. They‘ll know the ins and outs of all the laws and latest cases.

Extensive Litigation Experience: While many cases can be resolved through negotiation, you want a lawyer who also has a proven track record of taking drug cases to trial and winning when needed. Look for attorneys who are respected in the courtroom.

Availability and Attentiveness: When you’re facing serious charges, you need a lawyer who will give you their full attention and be there for you whenever you need them. Firms that overload attorneys with too many cases can leave you feeling neglected.

Tenacity and Attention to Detail: The smallest overlooked detail can be the difference between winning and losing a drug case. You need a tenacious lawyer who will leave no stone unturned in building the strongest possible defense strategy.

Honest and Ethical Approach: While you want an aggressive defender, you also need someone committed to honesty and ethics. Be wary of any lawyers who make outlandish guarantees or seem more interested in running up fees than getting you the best results.At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on checking all of those boxes and more. Our team of former prosecutors and drug crimes specialists have decades of combined experience. We maintain a reasonable caseload to give each client the attentive service they deserve. And we always take a strategic, ethical approach aimed at getting you the very best outcome possible.