How Stiff Are Drug Crime Penalties In Illinois?

How Stiff Are Drug Crime Penalties In Illinois?

Drug crimes are no joke in the state. If you are found with drugs in Illinois, you will face quite stiff penalties depending on the substance you are found with and its amount. At this point, you need Palos Heights drug crime defense lawyers in your corner who can have your back.
 
Penalties for Controlled Substances
Besides marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, Illinois drug laws include several other controlled substances. As per the Illinois Controlled Substances Act:

• You can be fined up to $200,000 and get a 4 to 15-year jail sentence if you are found with 15 grams or more of heroin, cocaine, or morphine.
• You can be fined up to $200,000 and get an 8 to 40-year jail sentence, or the total street value of the drug if you are found with 400 grams of morphine.
• You can be fined up to $200,000 and get a 10 to a 50-year jail sentence, or the total street value of the drug if you are found with 900 grams of morphine, heroin, or cocaine.
• You can be fined up to $200,000 and get a 6 to 30-year jail sentence, or the total street value of the drug if you are found with 400 grams of morphine, cocaine, or heroin.

 
Defense Strategies for Drug Charges in Illinois
Experienced and competent Palos Heights drug crime defense lawyers can give you a solid defense strategy, like the ones below.
 
A Dismissal
The best way to beat a drug crime case in court is to get it dismissed or get a not guilty verdict if it goes to trial. The former is a good option if your lawyer has a sound argument to get the evidence against you suppressed.
 
This can happen if the evidence is acquired illegally. The police can mess up and violate your rights. Dedicated Palos Heights drug crime defense lawyers will leave no stone unturned to file this motion and ensure your drug charges are dropped.
 
A Plea Deal
If you don’t have a criminal record and have been caught with an illegal substance, a plea deal can help you avoid the drug charges. If the charges are not dropped against you, this is the best course of action. Several plea deal options can reduce and even prevent the penalties mentioned above. With a clean record, you can get a job at a good place easily.
 
Contact Michael D. Ettinger for a Sound Defense Strategy Today
If you are caught with a controlled substance and want to avoid a criminal record, jail time, or expensive fines, contact Michael D. Ettinger & Associates. Our Palos Heights drug crime defense lawyers have decades of experience representing and devoting themselves to clients in and out of court. We use only ethical means to overturn judgments and ensure our clients can breathe easy knowing they have a strong defense team behind them. The last thing you want or need is a criminal record to prevent you from getting gainful employment.
 
The first consultation is free of charge. Get in touch with us today.