Local police officers arrested an Illinois man in McLean County on two felony charges, according to an article by The Pantagraph. The Illinois man faces charges for the unlawful delivery of cocaine.
The Illinois man is apparently part of several ongoing investigations. As a result, there could be additional charges against him. At this point, the Illinois man remains in police custody after neglecting to post bail in the amount of $50,035.
While this Illinois man awaits his arraignment, it feels appropriate to review Illinois laws against and penalties for cocaine delivery.
Illinois Laws Against Delivery of Cocaine
The Illinois definition of what qualifies as delivery appears at 720 ILCS 570/102. This section establishes that the term delivery refers to actual, attempted, and constructive transfers. It does not matter if there was an agency relationship or if money or other consideration was exchanged.
Illinois law at 720 ILCS 570/401 makes it unlawful to deliver or manufacture controlled substances, including cocaine. This section also makes it illegal to possess a controlled substance in a way that indicates an intention to distribute or manufacture. Even if the intended distribution crime did not occur, possession with intent is punishable in the same way as a completed crime.
Illinois Penalties for Delivery of Cocaine
Section 401 also provides the penalty structure for cocaine crimes involving unlawful delivery or possession with intent to deliver. The corresponding punishment increases based on the amount of cocaine in question. Cocaine delivery of:
- Under one gram — Is punishable as a Class 2 felony with a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and $200,000 in criminal fines;
- One to 15 grams — Is punishable as a Class 1 felony with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and $250,000 in criminal fines;
- 15 to 100 grams — Is punishable as a Class X felony with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and $500,000 in criminal fines;
- 100 to 400 grams — Is punishable as a Class X felony with a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and $500,000 in criminal fines;
- 400 to 900 grams — Is punishable as a Class X felony with a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and $500,000 in criminal fines; or
- Over 900 grams — Is punishable as a Class X felony with a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison and $500,000 in criminal fines; or
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.