Decatur, Illinois Drug Offenses Lawyer
Although public attitudes toward drug use have softened in recent years, Illinois laws on the subject remain exceptionally harsh. The possession, distribution, and manufacture of a wide variety of “controlled substances” can lead to felony charges and possibly lengthy prison sentences. Even people caught with so-called “counterfeit” drugs can face severe criminal sanctions.
When it comes to a drug charge, you cannot afford to mess around. You need to work with a Decatur, Illinois drug offenses lawyer who understands the legal system. Attorney Baku N. Patel is a former Illinois prosecutor and public defender who has worked on hundreds of drug cases, and he and his team at Patel Law, PC, can put that experience to work for you.
Possession, Distribution, and Manufacturing Charges
The Illinois Controlled Substances Act is the basic state law that governs which drugs are illegal to possess in most cases. Drug offenses under the Controlled Substances Act can be broken down into three categories:
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Possession – Having a controlled substance in your actual or constructive possession, either for personal use or with the intent to manufacture or distribute it.
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Distribution – Also known as “drug trafficking,” this refers to any act that involves bringing or causing to be brought into Illinois a controlled substance for the purpose of manufacture or delivery, whether that final act occurs in or out of Illinois.
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Manufacturing – This refers to any action involving the production, preparation, or processing of a controlled substance at any stage, such as producing the chemical compounds necessary to create the drug or simply placing it in packages for delivery.
While drug possession is generally considered the least “serious” of the three types of drug offenses, it can still carry substantial penalties. The reason for this is that the severity of a drug offense usually depends on the amount of the controlled substance involved. The reasoning is that the more drugs that a person has in their possession, the more likely it is they are involved in manufacturing and distribution as well.
For controlled substances like heroin, cocaine, and morphine, possession is a Class 1 felony in Illinois. A conviction means up to $200,000 in fines and a jail term starting at 4 to 15 years for possession of at least 15 grams. At the highest end of the scale–possession of 900 grams or more–a person faces a 50-year prison term, which can effectively mean a life sentence.
Even controlled substances that only carry a misdemeanor charge for simple possession, like marijuana, can still lead to jail time and a criminal record. This can make it difficult for a person to find a job, rent an apartment, or engage in other activities of basic daily living. So it is always in your best interest to work with an attorney who can help defend you against a drug charge.
Contact Attorney Baku N. Patel Today
Illinois prosecutors take drug charges very seriously. If you have been charged with possession, distribution, or manufacture of a controlled substance, your case will not simply disappear. You need representation from a qualified Decatur, Illinois drug offenses lawyer who will act in your best interests. Contact Patel Law, PC, today to schedule a free case evaluation.
