The Bloomington Police Department arrested two Illinois people for the felony crime of meth delivery, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
According to official statements, the alleged perpetrators are a 38-year-old woman from Normal and a 51-year-old man from Bloomington. Police officers arrested both individuals for an attempted sale of less than five grams of meth.
At this point, both individuals declined to post bail and remain in police custody. Their arraignments are scheduled for September 18th. In the meantime, it seems like a good time to review Illinois laws concerning delivery of meth.
What is the Illinois Definition of Delivery?
Illinois law at 720 ILCS 570/102 defines the term delivery. Under this section, delivery refers to the actual or attempted transfer of possession of illegal substances, including meth. It does not matter if the delivery is successful or if any money was exchanged. Illinois law prohibits any person from transferring — or attempting to transfer — possession of illegal substances like meth.
How Does Illinois Punish Meth Delivery?
Illinois law at 720 ILCS 646/55 makes it unlawful to deliver or otherwise transfer possession of meth. It is also illegal to attempt to deliver meth or possess meth with the intent to deliver.
Section 55 establishes a multifaceted punishment scheme for meth delivery offenses. Depending on the amount of meth in question, an offender can face a drastically different penalty. Any person who delivers or possesses with intent to deliver:
- Less than 5 grams of meth — Is guilty of a Class 2 felony. Upon conviction, the punishment includes imprisonment for three to seven years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
- Between 5 and 15 grams of meth — Is guilty of a Class 1 felony, Upon conviction, the punishment includes imprisonment for four to 15 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
- Between 15 and 100 grams of meth — Is guilty of a Class X felony, Upon conviction, the punishment includes imprisonment for six to 30 years and criminal fines up to $100,000.
- Between 100 and 400 grams of meth — Is guilty of a Class X felony, Upon conviction, the punishment includes imprisonment for nine to 40 years and criminal fines up to $200,000.
- Between 400 and 900 grams of meth — Is guilty of a Class X felony, Upon conviction, the punishment includes imprisonment for 12 to 50 years and criminal fines up to $300,000.
- More than 900 grams of meth — Is guilty of a Class X felony, Upon conviction, the punishment includes imprisonment for 15 to 60 years and criminal fines up to $400,000.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense, all charges are serious. A sound strategy and an aggressive defense are essential for a positive outcome. To protect your rights in such situations, it is highly advisable to retain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Prior Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois, has proven experience in matters of criminal defense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com or by completing an online form.