Champaign Methamphetamine Defense Lawyers
American prosecutors do not treat drug crimes lightly, and Illinois is no exception. If you’re facing drug possession and delivery offenses, there are serious consequences. If convicted, you could face hefty fines and significant jail time.
If you have been charged with possession of meth, you may not know where to turn. A criminal conviction is not something that you should take lightly since you may lose rights and freedoms most people enjoy. To help you avoid conviction where possible, an action-oriented defense attorney is a must. Defend yourself against the penalties you face for meth manufacture, possession, or distribution with the help of an experienced attorney who understands the criminal justice system.
The attorneys from Bruno Law Offices in the Champaign-Urbana area have been advocating for members of the local communities for years. We will stand up for your rights in a system that is difficult for anyone to navigate. If you have been charged with serious methamphetamine charges, contact us at (217) 328-6000 to discuss your case. We will take the time to understand the unique facts of your situation and develop a defense strategy aimed at benefiting you as much as possible.
Do I Need a Methamphetamine Defense Lawyer?
A methamphetamine charge is a felony charge under Illinois law. Though you are entitled to court-appointed representation, you may also choose a private attorney. Selecting an attorney who represents criminal defendants in drug cases daily and understands the nuances of your type of case offers you a much better chance of avoiding conviction or extended incarceration. Typically, court-appointed attorneys represent so many clients that they do not have the appropriate time to devote to any one client’s case, but a private attorney will make sure that your case is a priority. Hiring a lawyer with experience in defending meth charges can put your mind at ease.
You don’t want to try to handle a serious drug matter on your own. Put yourself in the hands of a skilled methamphetamine lawyer who knows the best defenses and strategies to use in these kinds of cases. Your attorney will position you to pay lower fines and serve less jail time and is capable of negotiating on your behalf.
It is essential to work with an attorney you trust and who can help you develop a strategy to reduce any potential punishment the court may order at the conclusion of your case. You need an attorney with experience in defending individuals against meth charges. Trust the knowledgeable methamphetamine lawyers of Bruno Law Offices to do what is best for you.
Why Bruno Law Offices to Handle My Case?
The attorneys of Bruno Law Offices have proudly represented clients of Champaign, Urbana, and the surrounding areas since 1980, defending them in thousands of drug matters. When you entrust your case to Bruno Law Offices, our attorneys will try to reduce the impact of the criminal charges you are facing. Don’t let meth charges derail your life. We’ll help you so that you can move forward with your life and pursue the things that matter to you.
Bruno Law Offices attorneys are familiar with the tactics used to prosecute these crimes, and we will use that knowledge to obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Our record of successes speaks for itself. If you are dealing with a methamphetamine charge, we are here to help.
Cases We Handle
Meth is classified by federal law as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that in a few cases, methamphetamine can be used for medical treatment, including for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and certain weight-loss therapies. Methamphetamine prescriptions cannot be refilled, and they are not prescribed often. Prescribed amounts are far less than the amounts that are typically abused. Because methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug, being caught possessing it can mean severe penalties. If you’re facing drug charges, we have the experience to assist you in your case and protect your rights.
Charges related to methamphetamine can result in different ways, including the following:
Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Deliver or Delivery — It is against the law to pass ownership of meth from one person to another, and it makes no difference if it is a sale or you’re giving it to someone at no charge. Possessing meth with a plan to sell or transfer (even if the transfer was not completed) is grounds for possession with intent to deliver charge.
Penalties for Possession with Intent to Deliver or Delivery (first offense):
- Under 5 grams: Three to seven years in prison.
- Five to 15 grams: Four to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 fine.
- 15 to 100 grams: Six to 30 years in prison and up to $100,000 fine.
- 100 to 400 grams: Nine to 40 years in prison and up to $200,000 fine or the street value of the drugs.
- 400 to 900 grams: 12 to 50 years in prison and up to $300,000 fine or the street value of the drugs.
- Over 900 grams: 15 to 60 years in prison and up to $400,000 fine or the street value or the drugs.
Enhanced penalties for:
- Giving meth to a minor
- Using a minor to deliver meth
- Delivering meth to a school
- Providing meth to a pregnant woman
Methamphetamine Manufacturing — Creating or manufacturing meth is illegal in Illinois. If police discover any evidence of a meth lab or the necessary manufacturing components, you may be subject to this charge.
Penalties for Manufacturing:
- Under 15 grams: Four to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 fine.
- 15 to 100 grams: Six to 30 years in prison and up to $100,000 fine.
- 100 to 400 grams: Nine to 40 years in prison and up to $200,000 or the street value of the drugs.
- 400 to 900 grams: 12 to 50 years in prison and up to$300,000 fine or the street value of the drugs.
- Over 900 grams: 15 to 60 years in prison and up to $400,000 fine or the street value of the drugs.
Methamphetamine Trafficking — You may be charged with trafficking if you knowingly bring meth or other substances used to create meth into Illinois from another state or country.
Penalties for Trafficking: Possessing meth with a plan to sell or transfer it when you have not yet completed the transfer is grounds for a trafficking charge.
- Under five grams: Six to 14 years in prison.
- Five to 15 grams: Eight to 30 years in prison.
- 15 to 100 grams: 12 to 60 years in prison.
- 100 to 400 grams: 18 to 80 years in prison.
- 400 to 900 grams: 24 to 100 years in prison.
- Over 900 grams: 30 to 120 years in prison.
If you face a felony methamphetamine charge, it is best to obtain the help of experienced defense lawyers. Attorneys with substantial legal experience in drug matters, such as those involving meth, can help you protect your rights and minimize the negative consequences of being charged with a drug crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether this is your first meth possession arrest or whether you have been through it before, many people have questions about their case and potential penalties. Below are some answers to some of the most common questions we hear at our firm. For more detailed information on your situation, call us at (217) 328-6000 and speak to a lawyer about your case today.
Will an arrest for meth possession be on my record permanently?
Meth charges are not something you want to appear on your record. In certain circumstances, charges may be expunged after a specified period has passed. The specifics of your case are highly important when it comes to what must remain on your permanent record. An experienced attorney who has dealt with expungement issues can assist you with any questions you have.
Can you get a DUI while driving high?
Yes. If you drive under the influence of a drug, including methamphetamines, you could potentially be pulled over for DUI based on your impairment. A DUI is a serious infraction that leads to license suspension. Fines and jail time are common penalties, but sometimes the court orders probation or drug treatment instead.
What penalties will I face for possessing or selling meth if I already have a record?
The ranges that are mentioned above are available to the judge at sentencing if you are convicted of possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of meth. If you are a repeat offender, it is likely that a judge may sentence you to a longer period of time than if it were your first offense. Depending on the facts of your case, a plea bargain may make sense, in which case a dedicated attorney from Bruno Law Offices can negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best results.
Contact Bruno Law Offices Today
Criminal court proceedings related to drug charges, such as those related to methamphetamine possession and use, can be difficult to handle. If you have been charged with a drug crime, we are prepared to fight for your rights in the criminal prosecution process. Call us today at (217) 328-6000 or through our website to learn how the Champaign drug crime defense lawyers at Bruno Law Offices can assist you.