Charged with a Drug Crime in Illinois?
Illinois prosecutes drug crimes aggressively. Even minor possession charges can lead to jail time, probation, loss of employment, and a permanent criminal record. Felony-level offenses — such as intent to deliver, manufacture, or trafficking — can carry prison sentences, especially for controlled substances like heroin, fentanyl, or methamphetamine. As a result, those charged with a drug offense would likely be best off working with an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney.
Types of Drug Charges
Drug charges are numerous, and include:
Possession
Controlled substances (heroin, cocaine, meth, LSD, ecstasy, prescription opioids)
Adderall, Xanax, and other prescription drugs without a valid prescription
Possession with Intent to Deliver
Based on amount, packaging, scale possession, or other circumstantial evidence
Often charged as Class 1 or Class X felonies depending on the substance and weight
Drug Trafficking / Delivery
Allegations of transporting or distributing drugs across county or state lines
Enhanced penalties for large-scale operations or use of minors in distribution
Manufacture or Cultivation
Methamphetamine labs, grow operations, or unlicensed cannabis cultivation
Drug Paraphernalia Charges
Pipes, syringes, baggies, scales — often charged alongside possession
Even misdemeanor charges can lead to jail time, license suspension, and permanent record damage without skilled legal representation.
Penalties for Drug Offenses in Illinois
Penalties depend on the type of drug, the quantity, and whether there’s an allegation of intent to deliver. For example:
Possession of heroin, fentanyl, or cocaine (under 15 grams): Class 4 felony, 1–3 years in prison
Intent to deliver over 15 grams of heroin or cocaine: Class X felony, 6–30 years in prison
Methamphetamine possession or production: Harsh sentencing under 720 ILCS 646
Prescription fraud: Felony charges for unauthorized use or distribution of medications
If firearms are involved or the alleged offense occurred near a school, church, or park, penalty enhancements apply. We fight to reduce charges, avoid prison, and protect your record.
Defense Strategies in Drug Cases
Good attorneys investigate every aspect of your case. We tend to look for:
Illegal search and seizure: Did police violate your Fourth Amendment rights?
Unlawful traffic stops: Was the stop pretextual?
Lack of probable cause: Was there any legal justification for the arrest or search?
Possession defenses: Was the substance yours? Were you merely present?
Lab testing errors: Can the state prove the substance was what they claim?
Entrapment or confidential informant misconduct
Violation of Miranda rights during questioning
We also pursue diversion programs, probation, and dismissals through motions to suppress or negotiate reduced pleas based on weak evidence.
217 Law Attorneys
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Courtney Anderson
Courtney practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Never shy of a difficult or high-profile case, she has won numerous awards for her advocacy, including recently being selected as a finalist for top lawyer in Macon County.
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Fallon Conner
Fallon practices criminal defense and family law. As a former prosecutor, she has unique insight into the criminal justice system. She enjoys being in the courtroom and has a great track record of success in bench and jury trials.
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Zach Anderson
Zach focuses on helping injured clients with workers compensation, personal injury, and products liability claims. He has successfully resolved multiple single-party injury cases for over $1 million, and has helped recover millions for users of bad products.
We want to work with you.
Phone:
217-217-0217
Address:
132 S. Water St., Suite 628. Decatur, IL 62523
Email:
info@217law.com
Where We Work:
We help clients throughout the 217 area code with injury claims and general civil litigation. We practice criminal defense and family law in Macon and surrounding counties.
