It is no secret that being in possession of illegal drugs can result in serious criminal charges. In Illinois, the authorities work hard to reduce the drug presence within the state. However, this can mean that innocent people are arrested in the course of an investigation. Similarly, if you have been implicated in a drug crime, it is possible that your role in the operation may be overestimated, meaning you could face far more serious charges than you might expect.
For example, if drugs are found in your house or car, it may be hard to prove that they are not yours or that you were unaware of their presence. Another issue that could arise is that you may have been aware that the substance in question was there, but not known that it was a controlled substance. This could happen if the owner of the substance claimed that it was something else.
However, as this article on drug crimes explains, it is even possible to be charged simply for knowingly having access to drugs. This is often called constructive possession. What this means is that if you knew there were illegal drugs stored in a locker and you had a set of keys to that locker, you might be charged on the grounds that you had access to the drugs, even if they were not specifically yours.
If you have been charged with a drug-related offense, you may be wondering how you can clear your name and avoid conviction. It can be difficult navigating the legal process, especially when you are feeling pressured. However, an attorney may be able to offer the support and guidance you require. He or she can evaluate the details of your involvement, if any, and may also be able to suggest the best course of action to take in order to achieve a favorable resolution to your trial.