What to Do if You Are Charged with Cocaine Possession

 Posted on March 30, 2023 in Uncategorized

In Illinois, drug crimes such as cocaine possession are aggressively prosecuted offenses that carry substantial penalties and fines. Today, we will discuss everything you need to know about cocaine possession charges, including penalties, what someone should do if they are ever charged with such a crime, and how a criminal defense lawyer can help you.

Penalties for Cocaine Possession

Cocaine possession in Illinois is almost always prosecuted as a felony offense. This means that if you are convicted, you will likely be facing jail time and fines. In Illinois, any amount of cocaine is considered a Class 4 Felony, which can land the accused in prison for 1-3 years. However, selling less than a gram of cocaine is a Class 2 felony and can land you in prison for 3-7 years.

Greater quantities of cocaine possession are punished even more harshly. Possession of 15-100 grams of cocaine is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. Possession of 100-400 grams of cocaine is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 30 years. Anything between 400 and 900 grams can result in prison for eight to 40 years. And finally, any amount of cocaine possession over 900 grams will likely constitute evidence of a more extensive drug operation network and, thus, may result in 10 to 50 years in prison. In addition, the fines associated with cocaine possession will likely reflect the street value of the substances involved. Fines max out at $200,000.

As noted above, selling cocaine increases these penalties substantially. Selling less than 1 gram of cocaine is a Class 2 felony, 3-7 years in prison; more than 1 gram but less than 15 grams a Class 1 felony, 4-15 years in prison; 15 to 99 grams of cocaine results in 6-30 years.; 100-399 grams results in 9-40 years; 400-899 grams is 12-50 years; Over 900 grams is 15-60 years; Sale of amounts greater than 15 grams is a Class X felony.

What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Are Arrested for Cocaine Possession?

If you are arrested for cocaine possession, remaining calm and contacting an attorney are essential. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is highly recommended that you exercise these rights and not speak without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. It is also important not to talk to others about the alleged offense. The only person you should be speaking to about the alleged crime is your criminal defense attorney.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

A lawyer can help you fight against cocaine possession charges in several ways, including:

• Reviewing the evidence – A lawyer can review the evidence against you, including any police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. They can look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as evidence obtained illegally or inconsistencies in witness statements.
• Challenging the evidence – If the evidence against you was obtained illegally, a lawyer could file a motion to suppress the evidence. They may also challenge the validity of any lab tests or other evidence the prosecution plans to use against you.
• Negotiating a plea deal – If the evidence against you is strong, a lawyer can work with the prosecution to negotiate a plea deal that may result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence.
• Representing you in court – A lawyer can represent and argue your case before a judge or jury. They can cross-examine witnesses and present evidence on your behalf.
• Providing legal advice – A lawyer can provide legal advice throughout the legal process. For example, they can explain the charges against you, your rights, and the potential consequences of a conviction. They can also help you understand the legal system and what to expect at each stage of your case and advise you regarding the next steps.

Contact a Will and Grundy County Cocaine Possession Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with cocaine possession, time is of the essence. Contact Will County cocaine possession defense lawyer Jack L. Zaremba. We will work tirelessly to provide you with the aggressive legal defense you deserve. Call 815-740-4025 for a free consultation.