Will County Class X Drug Felony Attorney
Joliet Class X Drug Felony Lawyer Serving Will County
Facing drug charges in Illinois can be a frightening experience. As the "war on drugs" has been waged on people throughout the United States, police officers and prosecutors have sought to impose harsh punishments on those who are convicted. Even non-violent offenders who are accused of possessing small amounts of illegal controlled substances are likely to face serious consequences if they are convicted. However, the penalties can be even more severe in certain situations, and some drug charges are classified as Class X felonies. This is the highest level of felony in Illinois, and a conviction may result in lengthy sentences, massive fines, and other penalties.
If you or someone you know is facing drug charges in the state of Illinois, it is important to get professional legal help from an experienced attorney who understands the state's drug laws and how they apply to your situation. The knowledgeable lawyers at Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. can provide guidance on the best course of action for defending against felony drug charges, and we will fight for your rights every step of the way.
When Do Class X Felony Charges Apply for Illinois Drug Crimes?
The specific charges for possession of controlled substances can vary depending on the types and amounts of drugs in question. However, a person who is accused of manufacturing or distributing illegal drugs may face Class X felony charges. These charges may apply if a person is accused of possession with intent to distribute because there were large amounts of drugs involved in their case.
In general, the penalties for a Class X felony conviction may include a prison sentence of between six and 30 years, as well as a fine of $25,000. However, more serious penalties may apply depending on the amounts of specific types of controlled substances that a person was accused of possessing, manufacturing, or distributing. For example, the following penalties may apply for some drugs that are commonly involved in these types of cases, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and LSD:
- 100 to 400 grams - A sentence of nine to 40 years
- 400 to 900 grams - A sentence of 12 to 50 years
- More than 900 grams - A sentence of 15 to 60 years.
In general, if a person is convicted of an offense involving at least 100 grams of one of the drugs listed above, they may face a maximum fine of either $500,000 or the full street value of the controlled substances involved in the case, whichever figure is higher.
A person may also be charged with a Class X felony in cases involving calculated criminal drug conspiracies in which they engage in drug-related offenses with other people and obtain money or assets worth at least $500 through these activities. In these cases, a person may be fined up to $500,000 along with a prison sentence, and they may be required to forfeit any money or property that was allegedly gained through the drug conspiracy. Similar charges may apply if a person is accused of engaging in a criminal drug conspiracy as part of a street gang.
In some cases, the location where a drug crime allegedly occurred may result in charges being increased to a Class X felony. In situations where a person would normally be charged with a Class 1 felony, such as when they are accused of distributing less than 15 grams of heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine, they may face increased charges if the offense allegedly took place within 500 feet of a school, a public park, the grounds of a church or place of worship, or a nursing home, assisted living facility, or senior living center. In these cases, a person may face a fine of up to $500,000 in addition to other penalties.
Contact Our Joliet Class X Felony Drug Crime Defense Attorneys
If you or someone you know is facing drug charges in Illinois, it is important to seek professional legal help from an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of drug laws. At Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., our knowledgeable lawyers will fight for your rights and help you determine your best options for defense. We understand that a Class X felony conviction may result in severe consequences that could affect you for the rest of your life, so we will do everything possible to ensure that your case gets resolved as favorably as possible. To set up a free consultation and learn how we can assist with felony drug charges, contact us today at 815-666-1285.