SAFE Squad was an Abuse of Power, Illinois Supreme Court Rules – What it Could Mean for Your Drug Conviction Case

 Posted on August 09, 2017 in Drug Charges

In 2011, the State Attorney for LaSalle County created the State’s Attorney Felony Enforcement Unit (SAFE). In the roughly four years that it operated, the unit managed to confiscate over $1.7 million from Illinois drivers. They also filed more than 50 civil forfeiture cases and arrested 77 people on drug charges. The Illinois Supreme Court recently ruled that all acts – including those tied to criminal cases – were wrongful. The reason? The task force should never have existed. Learn more about what this could mean for your drug conviction case, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer may be able to help.

Abuse of Power Rampant in SAFE Squad

Law enforcement is supposed to be a government entity, meaning it should operate and act within the law. Unfortunately, the SAFE Unit failed to do this. Not only did the Illinois Supreme Court rule that they had wrongfully searched the vehicles of Illinois drivers, but they also operated in a for-profit way. Funds from seizures were used to purchase everything from conferences in Las Vegas to office furniture, patrol cars, and even employee salaries.

What the Ruling Could Mean for Your Case

The entire case against the SAFE Unit started because of a woman who was charged with drug possession. She claimed the Unit had wrongfully searched her car, and that her charges should not have been considered valid. The Supreme Court sided with her, so the evidence against her was suppressed. Others may have come forward since the suspension of the SAFE Unit (2015), and some may still have the right to request a re-examination of their case.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug charge because of a SAFE Unit search and seizure, you may be eligible for a dismissal of the charges, a reexamination of your case, or an expungement of your record. Considering the massive impact this could have on your ability to find housing or employment, it is advised that you move forward with your case as quickly as possible. Individuals are also encouraged to experienced legal assistance.

Contact Our DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyers

Davi Law Group, LLC has the knowledge and experience necessary for your case. Dedicated to your best interest, we will fight aggressively to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Get started by scheduling a personalized consultation with our DuPage County criminal defense lawyers. Call our office at 630-580-6373 today.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/instituteforjustice/2017/07/17/prosecutor-cant-create-drug-squad-to-seize-cash-from-innocent-drivers-illinois-supreme-court-rules/2/#711a83a96ac1

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Opinions/SupremeCourt/2017/119484.pdf