Belleville Drug Charges

Illinois and U.S. federal laws criminalize the possession, distribution, trafficking and manufacturing of drugs and the penalties can be harsh, including felonies in many cases. If you face a drug charge, it is important to contact experienced criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible.

Types of Drug Charges

Potential drug charges include the following: 

• Possession: This charge relates to a person having any kind of controlled substance, whether it is on their person or in their vehicle, home or other location. 

• Trafficking: Drug trafficking, commonly referred to as smuggling, involves moving illegal drugs across jurisdictions such as state or national borders. 

• Distribution: Drug distribution involves delivering or transferring an illicit substance. It differs from drug sales in that, with distribution, the substance does not technically have to be sold to a user.

• Manufacturing: Manufacturing illegal drugs falls into two categories: plants and chemically synthesized substances. The most common offenses of this type of crime are growing cannabis and producing methamphetamines.

Penalties for drug crimes

Penalties for a drug crime depend largely on the amount of drugs in an individual’s possession. For example, if the amount of drugs is over a certain weight, a person could be charged with not only possession, but also intent to sell and trafficking. In Illinois, the following penalties may apply to a drug charge:

Felonies:

• Class 1: up to $25,000 fine and/or 4-15 years in a state penitentiary 

• Class 2: up to $25,000 fine and/or 3-7 years in a state penitentiary 

• Class 3: Up to $25,000 fine and/or 2-5 years in a state penitentiary 

• Class 4: up to $25,000 fine and/or 1-3 years in a state penitentiary

• Class X: up to $25,000 fine and/or 6-30 years in a state penitentiary

Misdemeanors:

• Class A: up to $2,500 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail 

• Class B: up to $1,500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail 

• Class C: up to $1,500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail

  In addition, the state of Illinois may double a person’s fine and sentence if they:

  • Possess or sell a drug within 1,500 feet of a school, church, public park, movie theater or court

  • Possess a firearm at the time of a drug arrest

  A dedicated criminal defense attorney in Belleville

  Those convicted of a drug crime face severe, life-altering penalties, including fines, incarceration, and loss of student aid. If you face a drug charge in Belleville, it is therefore imperative that you speak with experienced criminal defense lawyers. For 15 years, attorney Lyndon P. Evanko has defended people accused of drug crimes in state and federal courts. Contact us for a free consultation.