What are the Felony Drug Charges in Illinois?
Anyone who has been arrested for Felony Drug Charges in Illinois is liable to face an array of charges based on the specifics of the case under Illinois and federal drug laws. Criminal offenses include:
- Drug possession – Drug possession is the crime of having one or more illegal drugs in one’s possession, either for personal use, distribution, sale, or otherwise. Illegal drugs fall into different categories and sentences vary depending on the amount, type of drug, circumstances, and jurisdiction.
- Drug trafficking – drug trafficking is a global black market dedicated to the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs that are subject to drug prohibition laws.
- Possession with intent to distribute – Drug possession typically in volume and may or may not be packaged or prepared for sale or distribution for sale.
- Drug-related conspiracy charges – Drug-related conspiracy is the participation in or plans to participate in the sale or distribution of a controlled substance.
- Drug manufacturing – Drug manufacturing is the process of industrial-scale synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs by pharmaceutical companies. The process of drug manufacturing can be broken down into a series of unit operations, such as milling, granulation, coating, tablet pressing, and others.
Pending the extent of crime alleged, the amount, and the type of substance, you will be charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor. Penalties and fines for misdemeanors tend to be less harsh while Felony convictions can lead to serious charges, high fines, and lengthy prison sentences (minimum 1 year). If you have been charged with a Felony Drug Crime in Illinois it is imperative that you speak to the team at Quintana Law Group immediately!
Understanding Felony Drug Charges
Typically, the greater the mass or volume of the substance, the more severe the punishment. The consequences for Felony Drug Crimes in Illinois are defined in 720 ILCS 570/402.Possession of cocaine or heroin
- Less than 1 gram quantity, you will be charged with a Class 4 felony punishable by a sentence between 1 and 3 years.
- Between 15 and 100 grams quantity, it will be punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 3 to 15 years
- Between 400 and 900 grams quantity, it will be punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 8 to 40 years
- Equal to or more than 900 grams quantity, it will be punishable by a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 50 years
*In addition to these penalties, when facing Felony Drug Charges in Illinois associated with Possession of Cocaine or Heroine, expect fines either up to $200,000 or the street value of the drugs that were found in your possession.
Possession of cocaine or heroin for possession with intent to distribute
- For less than 1 gram, charges may include a Class 2 felony, with a prison sentence ranging from 4 to 15 years.
- Exceeding 900 grams, the penalty can rise up from 15 to 60 years.
Class X Felony Drug ChargesDefendants facing Intent to manufacture and distribute controlled substances may expect to face Class X Felony Drug Charges. Penalties for Class X felony charges may include:
- Prison sentence of 6 to 30 years if you are convicted for possession of 15 to 100 grams of a controlled substance
- Prison sentence of 9 to 40 years if you are convicted for possession of 100 to 400 grams of a controlled substance
- Prison sentence of 12 to 50 years if you are convicted for possession of 400 to 900 grams of a controlled substance
- Prison sentence of 15 to 60 years if you are convicted for possession of more than 900 grams of a controlled substance
In addition to these penalties, when facing Felony Drug Charges in Illinois associated with Class X Felonies, expect fines equal to the street value of the controlled substance.
If you’ve been charged with any of these SERIOUS felony drug crimes in the State of Illinois, it’s imperative that you speak to an attorney at Quintana Law Group immediately. Contact us now to speak to an attorney.
