What Happens if You Get Caught Selling Prescription Drugs in Illinois?
You have some extra hydrocodone left over from your surgery. You want to make a little extra money, so you sell them to a friend. You get caught. While it may seem to you that what you’ve done is very minor in the grand scheme of things, it is considered a major crime by the State of Illinois. If you’re convicted, you can face fines, jail time, and the burden of having a permanent criminal record. In this article, the Champaign, IL, drug crimes attorneys at Patel Law, P.C. will discuss Illinois law as it relates to prescription drugs.
Drug schedules in Illinois
Illegal drugs are generally classified into categories known as schedules. The most serious drug crimes in Illinois involve drugs categorized under Schedule I. This schedule includes drugs like heroin and PCP. You can face a felony for merely possessing these drugs.
Prescribed medications, on the other hand, fall under Schedule II through IV since they have accepted medical uses. Common prescription drugs with the potential for abuse include OxyContin, Xanax, fentanyl, steroids, Ritalin, Ketamine, and Ambien. If you end up accused of illegally possessing or distributing these drugs, it is imperative that you get in touch with a drug crimes attorney as soon as possible. Even if you’re only accused of possession, law enforcement can upgrade the charge against you if they suspect you planned on selling the drugs.
Understanding drug distribution charges
The penalty for selling a Schedule II, III, or IV drug can widely vary depending on how much of the drug you were in possession of at the time you were arrested. For instance, you could face a 30-year prison sentence for selling 15 to 99 grams of fentanyl and a mandatory minimum of six years behind bars. Fentanyl distribution of that quantity is considered a Class X felony in Illinois, the most serious offense short of murder. In addition, you could face a Class 2 felony charge for arranging a drug sale using a cell phone.
If you’ve been charged with selling prescription drugs, you could face years behind bars. It’s critical that you contact a criminal defense lawyer.
Defending against drug distribution charges
The Fourth Amendment grants you the right to be free of illegal searches and seizures by police officers and government agents. If you were searched without probable cause or a proper warrant, your attorney could have the evidence thrown out. Alternatively, if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to tie you to the drugs, the case can be dismissed.
Talk to a Champaign, IL, Drug Crimes Attorney Today
Patel Law, PC represents the interests of those facing criminal drug crime charges in Illinois. Call our Champaign criminal defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.
