The consequences for meth possession in Illinois are serious

Not all of those who possess drugs do so illegally. For example, if a person in Illinois has drugs that were lawfully prescribed by doctors to treat various injuries or illnesses, this is not a criminal act. However, there are many drugs that are illegal to use without a valid prescription. There are also many other drugs which have no medical purpose and are always illegal to use. These drugs include drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines and many other drugs.

These drugs can be very dangerous to take and can be very addictive as well. So, to discourage people from using them, the penalties for being convicted of drug crimes are severe. For meth the consequences depend on the amount possessed.

If a person has 15 to 100 grams of meth the penalty can include fines up to $200,000 and/or four to 15 years in prison. If a person has 100 to 400 grams of meth the fine is still up to $200,000 and/or six to 30 years in prison. Possessing 400 to 900 grams of meth could lead to a fine of up to a $200,000 and/or eight to 40 years in prison. Finally, if a person possess 900 grams of meth or more they could have a $200,000 fine and/or 10 to 50 years in prison.

Even possessing 15 grams of meth can have significant penalties that can change people’s lives, but people will only realize these consequences if they are convicted of possessing meth. Being charged with meth possession does not automatically mean that people are guilty. Moreover, there could be defenses available to them that may prevent them from being convicted.

Many people in Illinois are charged with possessing meth and if they are convicted, they could have to serve time in jail. However, everyone is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. There could be defenses available starting with whether the person was legally stopped or searched by the police. Experienced attorneys understand the potential defenses and could protect one’s rights.