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Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys
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Russell J. A. Jones and Kerri Cleghorn

Trust Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys To Protect Your Family's Future

Milwaukee Drug And Narcotics Defense Attorneys

Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys has an experienced team of criminal defense lawyers servicing Wisconsin cases since 2003. Much of our attorneys’ criminal defense experience includes drug and narcotics charges for minors and adults. Defending your rights in these cases isn’t negotiable; make sure you have an attorney willing to go to trial to prove your innocence.

How Much Can You Expect In Criminal Defense Attorney Fees?

This isn’t the answer you want, but it’s the one every other attorney in Milwaukee will tell you: the amount of attorney fees you pay for criminal defense varies based on case workload. Meaning, if you’re looking for a defense attorney for a felony drug charge, then you’re probably going to pay a bit more than first-time offenders. What you really need to look for in a criminal defense attorney is consultation costs. Our firm offers free consultations to get a better understanding of the following factors in your case:

  • Case
  • Charges
  • Circumstances
  • Relevant contexts

We consider this list along with other indicators to determine the work we’ll need to put in to get the best result possible. Or, if your case is outside of our practicing service area or fields of preferred cases, we’ll refer you to the right resources.

Drug Charges In Wisconsin

Your charges will always depend on the type of drug you’re found with, the amount of the drug and any prior history with drug offenses. These factors determine whether you end up with a misdemeanor or a felony. They also dictate if you have to spend time in jail and how much you need to pay the state to be free.

Long-Lasting Consequences And Repeat Offenses

Wisconsin criminal cases related to drugs can create both immediate penalties and enduring challenges that worsen with multiple offenses. A drug conviction can follow you long after completing your sentence, with consequences that intensify for repeat offenders:

  • Employment barriers: Many employers reject applicants with drug convictions. Certain careers become difficult or impossible to pursue.
  • Housing limitations: Landlords often deny housing to people with drug convictions. Public housing options might become unavailable.
  • Education impacts: Drug convictions can disqualify you from federal student aid and certain scholarships.
  • License restrictions: Careers requiring state licensing may become inaccessible with a drug record.
  • Enhanced penalties for repeat offenses: Repeat offenders face longer sentences, higher fines and stricter probation terms.
  • Felony escalation: What starts as a misdemeanor for first offenses often becomes a felony for repeat offenders.
  • Limited options: Programs allowing first-time offenders to avoid conviction through treatment may not remain available after multiple offenses.

Our firm has helped many clients with both first-time and repeat charges develop effective defense strategies.

Juvenile Drug Charges In Wisconsin

Parents often worry about how drug charges might affect their child’s future compared to the outcome of adult cases. For minors facing charges in Wisconsin, the system handles their cases differently:

  • Juvenile court focus: Proceedings emphasize rehabilitation over punishment.
  • Record considerations: Juvenile records may qualify for sealing when reaching adulthood.
  • Treatment programs: Courts often order participation in youth-focused drug education and treatment.
  • Parental involvement: Parents must participate in proceedings and may share responsibility for court requirements.
  • School impacts: Charges can trigger school disciplinary actions even before court proceedings conclude.

At Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges facing juveniles and work to protect their future opportunities.

Common Drug Charges We Defend

Our firm is well-versed in helping individuals facing drug charges. We offer support for:

  • Possessing or manufacturing illegal drugs with the intent to sell
  • Conspiracy to commit a drug crime
  • Distributing (selling) illegal drugs or prescription drugs
  • Possessing narcotics
  • Paraphernalia possession
  • OCS – operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or narcotics

Common Drugs In Wisconsin

Wisconsin Drug And Narcotic Scheduling System

Wisconsin state follows the federal scheduling system when it comes to drug and narcotic charges. The scheduling system classifies drug-related criminal offenses based on the drug or controlled substance involved; these classifications will often overlap.

Schedule I Drugs In Wisconsin

The most addictive and dangerous drugs that have no medical use in Wisconsin are considered Schedule I drugs. Examples include:

  • LSD
  • Marijuana
  • MDMA/ecstasy
  • Heroin and fentanyl

Schedule II Drugs In Wisconsin

Addictive drugs that have some medical uses but require a doctor’s prescription are considered Schedule II. Examples include:

  • Opium
  • Cocaine
  • Oxycodone
  • Methamphetamine

Schedule III Drugs In Wisconsin

Drugs less dangerous than Schedule II but that have moderately addictive qualities are included in Schedule III. Examples include:

  • Codeine
  • Anabolic steroids
  • Ketamine
  • Amphetamine

Schedule IV Drugs In Wisconsin

Schedule IV includes prescribed drugs that have beneficial medical uses with slightly addictive qualities. Examples include:

  • Clonazepam
  • Diazepam
  • Ambien
  • Xanax

Schedule V Drugs In Wisconsin

Over-the-counter drugs and medications that have low risks of dependency are Schedule V. Examples include:

  • Dextromethorphan
  • Diphenoxylate
  • Dihydrocodeine
  • Pseudoephedrine

Whatever the case may be, an experienced attorney can help you hurdle these legal obstacles and protect your future.

Proven Advocacy In Milwaukee Drug Cases

Our lawyers have extensive experience in advocating for clients facing serious narcotics allegations in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. The following cases represent our history of providing zealous defense against these charges:

While past outcomes do not guarantee a specific result for your case, our attorneys are ready to bring a trial-ready perspective to your defense.

Take The First Step Today

Drug charges threaten your freedom, future opportunities and financial stability. The Wisconsin criminal justice system moves quickly, and early legal intervention often leads to better outcomes. Reach out to our team at Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys by calling 414-567-9241 or via this contact form for a free consultation.

The sooner you reach out, the more defense options remain available. Your rights deserve protection from a firm that understands Wisconsin drug laws and fights tirelessly for all clients.