Posted on July 17, 2017 in Drug Offenses

Nobody wants to think that their own child would make the mistake of getting involved in drugs. Unfortunately, however, parents' naiveté may only allow the problem to persist and worsen before it turns into a legal issue. According to DoSomething.org, as many as half of all high school seniors view drugs such as cocaine and crack as potentially harmless.

The truth is that drugs are far more accessible to teens than ever before. It is easier than ever for kids — even good ones who follow rules and otherwise behave well — to get in trouble with controlled substances. The following are three ways your teen might be able to get access to drugs.

1. From friends at school

Drug use often stems from peer pressure. When a teen's friend starts smoking marijuana or using other drugs, it suddenly seems far less dangerous — and maybe even cool — to do the same. This is just one reason you should stay as involved as possible in your kids' lives and make an effort to get acquainted with all of their friends.

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 Posted on June 04, 2017 in Drug Offenses

Many states have changed their laws regarding marijuana use, whether medical, recreational or both. Illinois has not yet legalized cannabis, however, so you need to be aware of the current consequences of using it.

One of the effects marijuana has is weakening your psychomotor skills, which impairs your ability to drive. The extent of impairment depends on many factors, but regardless of your usage, you may face the same severe penalties as a traditional DUI.

Marijuana and motor vehicle accidents

Medicinal or recreational, legal or not, marijuana is a drug, and all drugs come with side effects. Although alcohol is the most common drug found in drivers who crash, marijuana comes in second, according to the the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

This is due to the intake of this substance resulting in physical and neurological changes:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

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 Posted on April 25, 2017 in Drug Offenses

Many young people are first introduced to drugs at a party, at school or by trusted friends. When illegal substances appear in an otherwise familiar context, they may not seem as threatening as they truly are.

It is imperative that parents and young adults alike be aware of the risks associated with the following substances. They are surprisingly addictive, and addiction is one surprise you never want to encounter.

1. Prescription medications

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription medications are the most widely available opioids in the DuPage County area for individuals without a prescription. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are commonly abused, and unfortunately, they are highly addictive. The risk of these substances is often downplayed because of their medical applications and availability through a prescription, but underestimating their addictive potential would be a big mistake.

2. Heroin and other opiates

Though the addictive qualities of heroin are common knowledge to some, the appeal outweighs this risk for many others. Countless addicts are lured by the rush that can be achieved by a single dose, but once is rarely enough, and addiction can soon develop. Heroin is not the only opiate with such power, though. Related substances such as codeine and morphine can also spur addiction in the most unsuspecting of users.

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 Posted on March 14, 2017 in Drug Offenses

Drug dogs are trained to sniff their surroundings and signal to law enforcement if they detect the presence of an illegal substance. These canines are an asset to police who are on the hunt for potential arrests to be made, but you may rightfully wonder about the legality of these practices. It all comes down to whether or not a warrant is required, and this varies based on the situation. Read on for more details on instances where warrants are and are not required for drug dog searches.

Private property requires a warrant

Whether you are on your own land or another piece of private property, drug dogs cannot be used in a search unless law enforcement agents furnish a warrant. This is true regardless of whether you live on the property or whether there is any domicile on the property at all. If police arrive with drug dogs and request to perform a search, you are within your rights to decline in the absence of a warrant.

Traffic stops do not require a warrant

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 Posted on January 27, 2017 in Drug Offenses

With the continuing expansion of social media use, law enforcement agencies may be finding it easier to find and track suspects in drug investigations. By now, most people are at least somewhat aware of the likelihood of schools and employers checking their Facebook accounts. Police officers across the nation are also getting into the habit of using social media to find evidence of drug use or trafficking.

Your social media presence

In most cases, officers concentrate their searches on trafficking suspects, not users. They also know that finding the people who buy the product can lead them to those who sell it. For this reason, anyone whose social media network includes a potential suspect can get swept up in the investigation. Once that happens, there is no guarantee that law enforcement will let you off the hook in favor of pursuing bigger targets. Even something as seemingly small as a picture of you at a party where drug use is in evidence can involve you in at least being questioned if not arrested.

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