Local authorities charged a woman from Normal, Illinois, with several felony drug crimes, including unlawful possession and delivery, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
Official reports indicate that this 36-year-old Illinois woman allegedly committed the following:
- Three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance; and
- Four counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
At this juncture, the Illinois woman remains in police custody at the McLean County Jail. While this woman awaits further legal developments, it seems wise to examine the Illinois laws against and penalties for the possession and distribution of controlled substances.
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
The Illinois laws against the delivery of a controlled substance appear under 720 ILCS 570/402. This section makes it largely illegal to knowingly possess any controlled substance.
From a higher-level standpoint, any person who violates Section 402 with respect to:
- Schedule I/II Controlled Substances (large amount) — Can face Class 1 felony charges, including four to 15 years in prison and criminal fines up to $200,000;
- Other Controlled Substances (with exceptions) — Can face Class 4 felony charges, including one to three years in prison and criminal fines up to $25,000;
- Anabolic Steroids (first offense) — Can face Class C misdemeanor charges, including a maximum of 30 days in jail and $1,500 in criminal fines; or
- Anabolic Steroids (second or subsequent offense) — Can face Class B misdemeanor charges, including a maximum of six months in jail and $1,500 in criminal fines.
Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance
The Illinois laws against the possession of a controlled substance appear under 720 ILCS 570/401. This section makes it mostly unlawful to knowingly:
- Deliver or manufacture any controlled substance; or
- Possess any controlled substance with intent to deliver or manufacture.
Excluding delivery crimes involving large amounts of particularly dangerous controlled substances, any person who violates Section 401 with respect to a:
- Schedule I/II Controlled Substance (Narcotic) — Can face Class 2 felony charges, including three to seven years in prison and criminal fines up to $200,000;
- Schedule I/II Controlled Substance (Other) — Can face Class 3 felony charges, including two to five years in prison and criminal fines up to $150,000;
- Schedule III Controlled Substance — Can face Class 3 felony charges, including two to five years in prison and criminal fines up to $125,000;
- Schedule IV Controlled Substance — Can face Class 3 felony charges, including two to five years in prison and criminal fines up to $100,000; or
- Schedule V Controlled Substance — Can face Class 3 felony charges, including two to five years in prison and criminal fines up to $75,000.
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.