Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

1st offense possesion

I was driving home to Florida and was stopped in Illinois at a drug checkpoint. I had a small amount (less than 2.5g) of canibus in my trunk. I told the officers about it and they gave me a summons to appear in court on a misdimeanor drug possesion charge. I have no prior offenses of any kind and I have been cooperative from minute one. What should I say in my court appearance and what could happen to me?


Asked on 11/05/06, 10:24 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Mike Helfand IllinoisLawyers.com

Re: 1st offense possesion

You shouldn't say anything. You should hire an attorney and let them defend you. Way too much to lose from a guilty finding. Contact us if you want a referral.

Mike Helfand

Attorney

www.findgreatlawyers.com

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Answered on 11/06/06, 10:00 am
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: 1st offense possesion

This is possession of a controlled substance you are talking about. Do you want a conviction for this offense to be on your permanent criminal record available for anyone to see? I would strongly advise you to hire an attorney to represent you. If you are unable to do so on your first court date, plead "Not guilty" and ask the Judge for a continuance to hire an attorney. If you can not afford a private attorney ask for the appointment of a public defender.

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Answered on 11/05/06, 11:25 pm


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