A man from Peoria, Illinois, faces charges in McLean County for several felony crimes that involved the delivery of cocaine, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
Reports indicate that the Illinois man completed multiple sales to a confidential informant working with the Bloomington Police Department. As a result of these alleged crimes, local authorities charged the Illinois man with:
- Four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance;
- One count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver; and
- One count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
While this man’s legal case continues to develop, it seems like a fitting occasion to review the Illinois laws against and penalties for the delivery of cocaine.
Illinois Laws Against Delivery of Cocaine
The Illinois laws against the delivery of cocaine appear under 720 ILCS 570/401. This section establishes a blanket prohibition against the delivery and manufacture of controlled substances, including cocaine. This section also prohibits the possession of cocaine with intent to deliver or manufacture.
From a legal standpoint, delivery and possession with intent to deliver crimes receive nearly similar treatment. The penalties for these crimes are the same. In other words, it does not matter if the intended delivery is successful.
Illinois Penalties for Delivery of Cocaine
The Illinois penalties for cocaine delivery also appear under Section 401. Under this section, any person who delivers or possesses with intent to deliver:
- Less than 1 gram of cocaine — Will face Class 2 felony punishable by a prison sentence between three and seven years as well as criminal fines up to $200,000;
- 1 to 15 grams of cocaine — Will face Class 1 felony punishable by a prison sentence between four and 15 years as well as criminal fines up to $250,000;
- 15 to 100 grams of cocaine — Will face Class X felony punishable by a prison sentence between six and 30 years as well as criminal fines up to $250,000;
- 100 to 400 grams of cocaine — Will face Class X felony punishable by a prison sentence between nine and 40 years as well as criminal fines up to $500,000;
- 400 to 900 grams of cocaine — Will face Class X felony punishable by a prison sentence between 12 and 50 years as well as criminal fines up to $500,000; or
- More than 900 grams of cocaine — Will face Class X felony punishable by a prison sentence between 15 and 60 years and criminal fines up to $500,000.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense is, 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.