Possession generally means the state claims you had a controlled substance. Delivery means the state claims you sold, delivered, or intended to deliver. The evidence required can be very different, and the penalties can increase.
Drug Defense Attorney
Protect Your Rights and Your Future
Drug charges in Racine, Kenosha, and throughout Wisconsin can carry serious consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you are facing allegations involving drug possession, drug trafficking, prescription drugs, or other controlled substances, the outcome of your case can have a lasting impact on your future.
Racine Defense represents individuals accused of drug crimes with a focus on challenging the evidence, protecting constitutional rights, and pursuing the best possible outcome. From unlawful searches and seizures to weaknesses in the prosecution's case, we work to identify every available defense and build a strategy tailored to your situation.
The Basics Of Drug Charges
Most drug cases fall into three main categories. The category matters because it affects what the state must prove and what penalties may apply.
Common Types Of Drug Charges
Possession of a controlled substance
Delivery or sale of a controlled substance
Manufacture or cultivation of a controlled substance
What A Drug Case Often Depends On
Drug penalties can vary widely. The result often depends on details like:
What substance is involved
How much was seized
Where it was found and who had access to it
Whether police claim the drugs were for personal use or delivery
Any prior drug convictions
Whether treatment is a factor in sentencing
Real Words From Clients
Attorney Dimmer worked to help me contest a vehicle forfeiture proceeding after I resolved a drug-dealing case. After we filed a motion for summary judgment, the State agreed to dismiss the case entirely. Attorney Dimmer protected my vehicle assets, a $100,000 value!
State v. R.C. (11 CV 1861)
Due to inexperience with the legal system and financial constraints I had tried to deal with my felony case with a public defender for over a year, but when he was unable to get the prosecutor off of a ridiculous sentence for a first offense, I asked around and was referred to Brian Dimmer. I got a great vibe from our initial phone call and I setup a 45 minute consultation that my Father and I attended. We ended up discussing my case for over 90 minutes and my dad and I were so impressed we hired him right then. Atty. Dimmer was also understanding of the financial burden this would put on my family and I and allowed us to setup a payment plan which spread out the cost over the timeframe of my case. From the first phone call to the post conviction help he graciously provided he was with me every step of the way. Atty. Dimmer is smart, articulate and easy to talk to. His confident demeanor made me feel more confident in the final outcome which put my mind at ease and allowed me to focus on what I needed to do as a client. Overall my experience was night and day difference from the public defender and in the end, due to my hiring of Brian Dimmer I received a MUCH better offer from the state.
Lucas (via Google)
When attorney Brian Dimmer became my legal counsel I was finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel I was traveling on. There's truly no words to thank him enough after almost a year criminal case battle the judge could finally see I wasn't a criminal just someone who made a mistake.
State v. S.B. (17 CM 2388)
What You Are Up Against
Drug convictions can create long-term damage, even for people with no prior record.
This Can Include:
Job loss and barriers to new employment
Problems with professional licenses or background checks
Education consequences, including impact on student aid in some situations
A felony record depending on the charge and history
Higher penalties on future charges
The right plan depends on the charge type, the evidence, and how the case was investigated.
How We Defend Drug Cases
Racine Defense builds a defense by challenging how the case started, how evidence was collected, and whether the state can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Challenging Traffic Stops And Vehicle Searches
Many drug cases begin with a traffic stop. The legal details matter.
Was there a lawful reason for the stop?
Did police extend the stop without a valid reason?
Was the search of the car legal?
Was consent truly voluntary?
If the stop or search was unlawful, key evidence may be challenged.
Challenging Searches Of Homes And Warrants
Some drug cases involve search warrants for a home. Warrants must be supported by probable cause and executed correctly.
Racine Defense reviews warrants closely and challenges:
Weak or misleading probable cause
Overbroad warrant language
Improper execution of the search
Searches that went beyond what the warrant allowed
Challenging Statements And Miranda Issues
Statements can become the center of a drug case, especially when police claim someone “admitted” possession or knowledge.
Racine Defense evaluates:
Whether Miranda warnings were required
Whether an interview was lawful
Whether statements were pressured or misunderstood
Whether the report matches what was actually said
Challenging Confidential Informants And Controlled Buys
Some cases rely on a cooperating witness or confidential informant. These situations can raise serious credibility issues.
Racine Defense challenges:
Whether the informant is reliable
Whether the investigation was properly documented
Whether officers used proper controls during a buy
Whether the story matches the evidence
Challenging Weight, Packaging, And Lab Results
Weight and packaging can affect what the state claims the drugs were for. Lab testing also matters.
Racine Defense can:
Review police reports alongside crime lab results
Challenge whether the substance matches what was charged
Question weight calculations and packaging assumptions
Demand proof that the state has and preserved the evidence
Challenging Phone Searches And Electronic Data
Phones and digital data are often used to claim “delivery” or “dealing.” These searches must follow strict rules.
Racine Defense reviews:
Whether police had legal authority to search a phone
Whether a warrant was required and properly obtained
Whether GPS or other data was collected legally
Whether the data actually proves what the state claims
Building A Defense That Fits The Facts
Drug cases are defendable. Depending on the situation, defenses may focus on:
Lack of possession or lack of knowledge
Personal use versus delivery claims
Problems with the state’s witnesses
Search and seizure violations
Evidence gaps and inconsistencies
Treatment-Focused Options When They Help
Some cases benefit from a plan that directs the court toward rehabilitation rather than punishment. When appropriate, Racine Defense can help coordinate steps that support a treatment-based resolution and show the court a path forward.
What To Do Next If You Were Charged
A Few Smart Steps Can Protect You
Do not discuss the case with anyone besides your attorney
Do not consent to searches or interviews without legal advice
Write down what happened during the stop or search while it is fresh
Save paperwork, bond conditions, and charging documents
Do not delete messages or phone content
Bring all court notices to your consultation
Early decisions can shape the rest of the case. Getting guidance early helps you avoid mistakes.
Why Clients Choose Racine Defense
People hire a defense lawyer for clarity and a real plan, not guesses.
What You Can Expect
When you choose Racine Defense, you get a defense strategy based on the facts of your case, clear updates at every step, and careful preparation aimed at the best result. We know every case is unique, so we listen to your goals, explain your choices, and build a plan that fits your needs. Whether your case involves negotiations, hearings, or trial, we work hard to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
A defense approach built around facts and procedure
Clear communication about next steps
A strategy that fits your goals and your family situation
Strong preparation for hearings, motions, and trial when needed
Find out more about what it’s like to work with Racine Defense.
Drug Defense Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The state may claim “constructive possession,” meaning they think you had control over the area where drugs were found. These cases are often defendable because access does not always equal possession.
If evidence was collected unlawfully, it may be suppressed. When key evidence is suppressed, the case can change dramatically. Each case depends on the facts and the court’s ruling.
Bring your citation, charging documents, bond paperwork, any search warrant paperwork you received, and a timeline of events. If your phone was searched or seized, mention that as well.
Talk To A Drug Defense Attorney
If you are facing drug charges, you do not need to guess your way through it. Get clear answers, a plan, and a defense strategy built for your situation.
Drug charges can put your freedom, career, and future opportunities at risk. Racine Defense provides experienced legal representation and a tailored defense strategy for your case.