What Are the Penalties for Meth-Related Drug Crimes in Illinois?

 Posted on February 28, 2024 in Drug Crimes

Methamphetamine, which is often referred to as meth, is a stimulant that can be very addictive. Due to its potential for abuse, the state of Illinois has implemented strict laws and penalties to address the possession, distribution, and manufacturing of methamphetamines. If you or a loved one are facing drug charges related to methamphetamines in Joliet or Will County, it is crucial to understand the legal implications, the potential penalties, and the strategies that may be used to defend against a conviction. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these complex legal waters, working to protect your rights and resolve your case successfully.

Meth-Related Crimes in Illinois

Methamphetamine offenses are taken seriously in Illinois, with the law imposing severe penalties for possession, distribution, and manufacturing. The severity of these penalties typically depends on the quantity of the drug involved, the offender's criminal history, and other factors. Offenses related to methamphetamines may include:

Possession of Methamphetamine

It is illegal to knowingly possess methamphetamines in Illinois. The penalties for this offense can vary significantly based on the amount possessed. Any amount over 100 grams is a Class X felony. The specific penalties include:

• Less than five grams: Class 3 felony, which can result in two to five years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

• Between five and 15 grams: Class 2 felony, with a sentence of three to seven years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

• Between 15 and 100 grams: Class 1 felony, with a potential prison sentence of four to 15 years and up to $25,000 in fines.

• Between 100 and 400 grams: Sentence of six to 30 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

• Between 400 and 900 grams: Sentence of eight to 40 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines.

• Over 900 grams: Sentence of 10 to 50 years in prison and up to $300,000 in fines.

Distribution and Trafficking of Methamphetamine

Delivering methamphetamine to others or otherwise facilitating the distribution of this drug can lead to even harsher penalties. Possession of a large quantity of meth may indicate to law enforcement that the drugs will be distributed to others, and a person may be charged with possession with intent.

Selling, delivering, or otherwise distributing methamphetamines can lead to serious felony charges, with the penalties depending on the amount of the drug involved in a case. For any amount over 15 grams, Class X felony charges will apply. The specific penalties include::

• Less than five grams: Class 2 felony, with a sentence of three to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.

• Between five and 15 grams: Class 1 felony, with a potential prison sentence of four to 15 years and a maximum fine of $25,000.

• Between 15 and 100 grams: Sentence of six to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Alternatively, a person may be fined the street value of the drugs involved in a case if this amount is greater than the fine that would otherwise be imposed.

• Between 100 and 400 grams: Sentence of nine to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000 or fines totaling the drugs’ actual street value.

• Between 400 and 900 grams: Sentence of 12 to 50 years in prison and up to $300,000 or fines totaling the drugs’ actual street value.

• Over 900 grams: Sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $400,000 or fines totaling the drugs’ actual street value.

If a person is charged with aggravated delivery of methamphetamine, the penalties may increase. This offense may apply if meth is sold or delivered to a person under the age of 18, if a child under the age of 18 is involved in the distribution of meth, if meth is delivered or possessed with intent to deliver in a school or on school property, if meth is delivered to a pregnant person, or if meth is possessed with the intent to deliver in a vehicle or building that is protected by firearms, guard dogs, booby traps, surveillance systems, or alarm systems.

The offense of methamphetamine trafficking involves bringing meth or materials used to manufacture meth into the state of Illinois. A person convicted of this offense may face twice the sentence that would be imposed for possession or distribution of methamphetamines.

Manufacturing of Methamphetamine

Illinois law also penalizes the manufacturing of methamphetamine, considering not just the quantity of the drug produced but also the presence of materials intended for meth production. Operating a meth lab, possessing "precursor" chemicals used to manufacture meth, or preparing and packaging the drug for distribution can lead to charges of manufacturing meth.

The penalties for knowingly participating in methamphetamine manufacturing will depend on the quantity of the drugs in question. Amounts under 15 grams are classified as Class 1 felonies, while any amount over 15 grams is a Class X felony. The specific penalties include:

• Less than 15 grams: Potential prison sentence of four to 15 years and up to $25,000 in fines.

• Between 15 and 100 grams: Sentence of six to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 or fines totaling the drugs’ actual street value..

• Between 100 and 400 grams: Sentence of nine to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $200,000 or fines totaling the drugs’ actual street value.

• Between 400 and 900 grams: Sentence of 12 to 50 years in prison and fines of up to $300,000 or fines totaling the drugs’ actual street value.

• Over 900 grams: Sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison and fines of up to $400,000 or fines totaling the drugs’ actual street value.

Charges of aggravated participation in methamphetamine manufacturing may lead to increased penalties. This offense may involve operating a meth lab in an apartment building or other multi-unit dwelling, when a child or person over the age of 60 is present, around a pregnant person, within 500 feet of a church or school, or in a vehicle or building protected by security systems or guards. This offense may also be charged if methamphetamine manufacturing leads to a fire, explosion, or another situation in which another person is seriously injured, disabled, disfigured, or killed.

Contact a Joliet Methamphetamine Charges Defense Attorney

If you are facing meth-related charges in Joliet or Will County, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. At Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., our Will County drug crimes lawyer understands the complexities of drug-related offenses, and we are committed to advocating on your behalf to help you avoid a conviction or reduce your potential penalties. To discuss your case and explore your legal options, contact us at 815-740-4025 and schedule a free consultation.