Law enforcement departments across the state of Illinois are making efforts to reduce drug activity and the use of illegal drugs. Commonly, police will search the homes of those who are suspected of hiding drugs. In order to legally conduct a home search, police must obtain consent or a search warrant. For homeowners, their residence should be a secure and private place. The experience of being arrested on drug charges in one’s own home can be traumatic.
Recently in Mt. Vernon, law enforcement officers conducted a warrant sweep searching for suspects wanted on drug charges. According to reports, officers with the Mt. Vernon Police Department along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office knocked on doors of several homes. Police said they had a total of 14 warrants and made seven arrests.
In one of the homes, a suspect was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Officers say they arrested another suspect for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. According to reports, prescription drug abuse is growing in Mt.Vernon. However, one officer says that arrests for prescription drugs can be difficult since the suspect may have a prescription for the drugs.
Police departments across Illinois are stepping up efforts to combat the problem of illegal drug use. However, if officers search a home without consent or a search warrant, any resulting drug charges might be dismissed. Those in Illinois who are arrested on drug charges always have the right to seek legal counsel. A knowledgeable and skilled litigator can increase the odds of obtaining the best possible outcome in this difficult situation while protecting individual rights.