Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
If you’re riding in a vehicle and police find drugs, you may be wondering — can I be arrested even if the drugs aren’t mine? In Illinois, the answer is yes. You can be charged for drugs found in a car even if they don’t belong to you. It happens more often than people think, and the consequences can be serious.
Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, Illinois law allows prosecutors to file charges if they believe you had control over the drugs or knew they were in the car. Understanding how drug possession laws work in Illinois — especially the concept of “constructive possession” — can help you understand the risks and how to protect yourself.
Actual vs. Constructive Possession in Illinois
