Types of Drug Crimes

From possession to trafficking, police and prosecutors have stepped up the war on drugs

Politics and public outcry have caused a groundswell of arrests and convictions for virtually every type of drug crime. And as the availability of different illegal substances has increased, so has the number of drug charges. According to a 2010 report by the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice and the Chicago Council of Lawyers, the overall drug arrest rate in Illinois rose by six percent between 1997 and 2007.

Federal drug crimes often carry the most severe penalties

Many types of drug charges are applicable in both federal and state jurisdictions. However, federal drug crimes generally involve trafficking or large-scale operations that may include other charges, such as racketeering, conspiracy or organized crime activities, and these crimes carry the most severe penalties. Drug trafficking may also be prosecuted at the state level, depending on the type of drug, the amount involved and the area where the trafficking occurs.

Federal drug busts often involve inter-agency collaboration that may include the FBI and federal and state Drug Enforcement Agencies, as well as local police and sheriff's departments. These large-scale initiatives are highly organized and are often months or more in the making. If you even think that you might be under investigation, it is imperative that you immediately seek representation from an attorney with experience and a solid track record in criminal defense of federal drug crimes.

What you don't know about state drug crimes can hurt you

It is a mistake to think that being caught with a small amount of marijuana will lead to little more than a fine and a slap on the wrist. While it is true that penalties, including imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000, vary with the charge and the drug, states are in lock-step with the federal government when it comes to doling out punishment for drug offense. At the very least, an arrest for possession that shows up on your record could cost you your job or even your professional licensure. In Illinois, drug crimes and the associated penalties include:

  • Marijuana possession — 30 days for 2.5 grams or less and up to 15 years for 5,000 grams or more
  • Marijuana possession with intent to distribute — 30 days for 2.5 grams or less and up to 15 years for 5,000 grams or more
  • Cocaine or heroin possession — One to three years for 1 gram or less, up to 15 years for 100 grams or more, up to 30 years for 400 grams and up to 50 years for more than 900 grams
  • Cocaine or heroin possession with intent to distribute — three to seven years for 1 gram or less, up to 15 years for 15 grams, and up to 60 years for more than 900 grams

Other state drug crimes include drug manufacturing, particularly of methamphetamine, and drug cultivation. There are also harsh penalties for possession and sale of LSD and other hallucinogenics, opiates, Ecstasy or MDMA, crack cocaine or unauthorized prescription drugs such as Oxycontin.

If you are facing drug charges, contact one of the nation's foremost criminal defense attorneys

Stone & Associates holds an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and has a nationwide reputation for vigorous advocacy in drug crime defense. For a confidential evaluation of your case with distinguished attorney Jed Stone, please contact us online or call us at 847.336.7888.