Two women from Bloomington, Illinois will face felony charges for drug and weapon crimes, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
Local authorities charged both women on Saturday, June 20th, following a police investigating and raid. During a raid of the residence where both women lived, law enforcement discovered cocaine, a firearm, and drug paraphernalia, according to official reports.
Among the varied criminal charges these women face are:
- Manufacture and delivery of cocaine;
- Possession of a controlled substance; and
- Unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
While the two Illinois women await their July 17th arraignment and further legal proceedings, it seems like an opportune moment to review several Illinois statutes.
Manufacture and Delivery of Cocaine
Illinois law under 720 ILCS 570/401 makes it unlawful to manufacture or deliver controlled substances, including cocaine. Any person who violates Section 401 can face the following penalties:
- 15 grams or less — Class 1 felony punishable by a prison sentence of four to 15 years and fines up to $250,000;
- 15 to 100 grams — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years and fines up to $250,000;
- 100 to 400 grams — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of nine to 40 years and fines up to $250,000;
- 400 to 900 grams — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of 12 to 50 years and fines up to $250,000; or
- 900 grams or more — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of 15 to 60 years and fines up to $250,000.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Illinois law under 720 ILCS 570/402 makes it illegal to possess controlled substances, including cocaine. Any person who violates Section 402 by possessing cocaine can face the punishment scheme outlined below:
- 15 grams or less — Class 4 felony punishable by a prison sentence of one to three years and fines up to $25,000;
- 15 to 100 grams — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of four to 15 years and fines up to $200,000;
- 100 to 400 grams — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years and fines up to $200,000;
- 400 to 900 grams — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of eight to 40 years and fines up to $200,000; or
- 900 grams or more — Class 1 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of 10 to 50 years and fines up to $200,000.
Unlawful Weapon Possession by a Felon
Illinois law under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1 makes it unlawful for convicted felons to knowingly possess certain dangerous weapons, including firearms. Any person who violates Section 24-1.1 can face the following penalty structure:
- First Offense — The offender is guilty of a Class 3 felony with a mandatory confinement in prison for a minimum of two and a maximum of 10 years; or
- Second or Subsequent Offense — The offender is guilty of a Class 2 felony with a mandatory confinement in prison for a minimum of three and a maximum of 14 years.
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.