A man from Normal, Illinois secured his release from police custody, though two separate felony charges involving meth possession remain pending, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
According to official reports, this 46-year-old man faces criminal charges for the unlawful possession of meth and possession with intent to deliver. A personal recognizance bond in the amount of $50,000 secured this man’s release from police custody.
That being said, the felony charges for both drug crimes will move forward, with an arraignment currently scheduled for August 20. While this case continues to play out in court, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois statutes that govern both of these meth possession crimes.
Possession of Meth in Illinois
The Illinois laws against possession of meth appear at 720 ILCS 646/60. Under this section, it is unlawful to possess methamphetamine or any substance containing methamphetamine.
Any person who violates Section 60 by possessing meth will likely face the penalty scheme outlined below:
- Less than 5 grams — Class 3 felony with a prison sentence between two and five years as well as criminal fines up to $25,000;
- Between 5 and 15 grams — Class 2 felony with a prison sentence between three and seven years as well as criminal fines up to $25,000;
- Between 15 and 100 grams — Class 1 felony with a prison sentence between four and 15 years as well as criminal fines up to $25,000;
- Between 100 and 400 grams — Class X felony with a prison sentence between six and 30 years as well as criminal fines up to $100,000;
- Between 400 and 900 grams — Class X felony with a prison sentence between eight and 40 years as well as criminal fines up to $200,000; or
- More than 900 grams — Class X felony with a prison sentence between 10 and 50 years as well as criminal fines up to $300,000.
Possession of Meth with Intent to Deliver in Illinois
The Illinois laws against possession of meth with intent to deliver appear at 720 ILCS 646/55. Under this section, it is unlawful to possess methamphetamine or any substance containing methamphetamine under circumstances that indicate an intent to deliver.
Any person who violates Section 55 by possessing meth with intent to deliver will likely face the punishment configuration outlined below:
- Less than 5 grams — Class 2 felony with the same penalty detailed above;
- Between 5 and 15 grams — Class 1 felony with the same penalty detailed above;
- Between 15 and 100 grams — Class X felony with a prison sentence between six and 30 years as well as criminal fines up to $100,000 or the street value of the meth;
- Between 100 and 400 grams — Class X felony with a prison sentence between nine and 40 years as well as criminal fines up to $200,000 or the street value of the meth;
- Between 400 and 900 grams — Class X felony with a prison sentence between 12 and 50 years as well as criminal fines up to $300,000 or the street value of the meth; or
- More than 900 grams — Class X felony with a prison sentence between 15 and 60 years as well as criminal fines up to $400,000 or the street value of the meth.
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.