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Search & Seizure Laws

Illegal Drug Search Attorney in Chicago

Chicago Drug Crime Defense

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States protects the “right of the people to be secure in their person, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures…” The issue of search and seizure is particularly relevant in relation to drug crime cases in Chicago and all of Illinois and the U.S. Searches and seizures to locate illegal drugs occur in cars, on the street, in the home, in the workplace and at school. As the “war on drugs” continues, the powers and activities of law enforcement regarding how evidence is obtained in drug related cases challenges the intent of this amendment. When the government's or law enforcement's actions violate the Fourth Amendment, the evidence obtained may be declared inadmissible. In a drug case, if the needed evidence to prove the defendant guilty is inadmissible, it is likely that the prosecution may have to dismiss its case.

It is not uncommon for the police to stop a car to search for drugs. However, there must be some probable cause for the police to make the traffic stop. If there was no valid reason for the stop, the search of the vehicle may be considered illegal. If you have been arrested for a drug crime and you believe you were the victim of an illegal search and seizure, contact a knowledgeable Chicago criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Howard J. Wise & Associates immediately. Our team of former state prosecutors will thoroughly review your case and determine if the evidence leading to your arrest may have been the outcome of an unreasonable search or seizure.

Identifying Search and Seizure Violations

As defense attorneys who have tried thousands of criminal cases, we know the questions to ask when investigating potential search and seizure violations:

  • Was there a valid search warrant issued prior to the search or was it conducted without one?
  • Was there probable cause for the issuance of the search warrant?
  • Was the language in the search warrant clear and precise regarding what to be searched?
  • If drugs were seized in a traffic stop, was there probable cause for the stop?
  • Were the drugs that were seized within the parameters of the search warrant?

We will do whatever it takes to protect your rights or the rights of a loved one who has been charged with drug possessionsalestraffickingcultivationmanufacturing or any other type of criminal offense, and aggressively challenge any violations of search and seizure laws.

Act fast to protect your legal rights! Contact a Chicago drug crime lawyer who is familiar with search and seizure violations to handle your case.

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