You could be charged with possession of drugs you were unaware of

In Illinois, many people have had a run in with the law at one time or another, even if they have never done anything illegal. Unfortunately, to get to the bottom of crimes, officers often need to investigate a large number of innocent people. After all, it is no easy matter to find out the truth behind an offense and it can often be a long and drawn-out process. This is especially the case with drug crimes as, even if controlled substances are found in someone’s home or car, it is not always an indicator that they knew the drugs were there.

In some cases, substances may have been planted to incriminate someone. In other cases, someone other than the home- or vehicle-owner may have been responsible for placing the drugs there and simply not informed the other person. Sadly, proving this can often be a difficult matter and if you find yourself in this situation, you could face serious charges.

The exact penalties for possession vary from state to state and depend on a large number of factors, such as the type and quantity of the drug. If you have any previous convictions, this can also impact the final sentence if you are convicted. As this article on drug laws mentions, if any paraphernalia is found, this can also add to the charges against you.

Whatever the charges you face, a good defense is critical as it may mean you are able to escape conviction, or at least secure a lighter sentence. An attorney can advise you about your options and may be able to assist you with building your defense and preparing for your trial.