Five members of the same Illinois family are now facing drug charges after a search of an area house turned up prescription drugs, cannabis and cocaine. Police had been investigating the sale of illegal drugs, and as part of that investigation, got a search warrant for the house located in Elmhurst, Illinois.
The search was executed on Jan. 23, and inside, authorities reportedly found various drugs and paraphernalia including Xanax, hydrocodone, cannabis, two ounces of a cutting agent used with cocaine, 27 grams of cocaine, a drug scale and baggies. Police also found $1,848 in cash.
Four of the five family members were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a felony. Other charges include possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cannabis. One 21-year-old family member was also charged with resisting arrest. According to police, this case is one of the first to involve so many people from the same family. The 21-year-old was taken to Dupage County Jail but released on bond, and it wasn’t immediately clear what the status of the other four members was.
A drug possession offense can carry serious penalties if the case results in a conviction, and those defending against charges of possession with intent to distribute can face even larger penalties or lengthier prison sentences. The legality of a search and how the evidence during the search was obtained can play a key factor in a criminal defense against drug possession. A solid criminal defense strategy includes understanding the charges, search procedures and possible penalties of the alleged offense.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “5 members of Elmhurst family face drug charges” Annemarie Mannion, Feb. 10, 2014
