About Possession with Intent to Deliver Charges in Illinois

Possession with intent to deliver controlled substance, occasionally referred to as possession with intention to sell or possession for sale , entails two primary components. The first is that the drug possession itself. The next is proof of intent to sell or distribute the controlled substance.

Accused of Possession With Intent to Deliver?

Possession with intent to Distribute or Deliver would be much more serious charge than a normal charge of possession of a controlled substance. Depending on the burden (addictiveness and possibility of misuse of this substance ), the quantity, along with other conditions, a conviction may lead to extended incarceration. It's vital to rapidly achieve the guidance of a Illinois drug offense defense attorney. An educated criminal defense law firm will require immediate action to protect clients facing such charges.

Penalties for possession with intent to deliver in Illinois

Simple possession and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance are distinct charges with various penalties. Drug possession for sale, obviously, contributes to considerably harsher penalties and is generally in fact charged as a felony. Even though the minimum and maximum sentences vary for intent to distribute, based upon the state where the offense has been charged, any previous criminal history, and some signs of having sought drug treatment. 

In certain states, possession of certain drugs for sale, including schedule II drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause sentences of around 40 years in jail time and fines of around $50,000.  In different nations, sentences may begin at two to four years in prison, but grow rapidly to 20 or even 30 years if certain specific conditions (like using a huge quantity of the drugs ) are revealed. 

The rule of thumb is that the greater of a drug you've got and the more dangerous the drug is, the more probable it is you will face a lengthy prison sentence. For more detail about possession with intent to deliver penalty in Illinois, you may contact an experienced attorney.

Legal Defenses for Possession with Intent to Deliver Charges

There may be several viable defenses available against a charge of drug possession with intent to deliver. First, lack of possession is a common defense. The prosecutor must demonstrate that the defendant was in illegal possession of a controlled substance, so if a criminal attorney can persuade the jury that a defendant was never in possession, a possession with intent to sell conviction can't win.

In "constructive ownership" scenarios, a defense of lack of ownership makes sense, as a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can easily challenge whether the defendant had knowledge of the presence of the drug. For a criminal offense, if a defense attorney can create even a small amount of "reasonable doubt" as to why the drugs were there and if the defendant actually knew about them, then the jury must return a "Not Guilty" verdict (i.e. - the defendant ought to be acquitted).

A lawyer can also defend on the basis that the defendant had no intention to sell the drugs. If it can be shown that a defendant was in possession for these drugs for personal use only, which there was no intent to really distribute, the defendant could be subject to punishment that is typically not as severe than the sentences imposed for deliver and intent to deliver. In some states, a conviction of simple possession can also be preferable since it allows a defendant to stay qualified for rehabilitation or drug diversion programs in lieu of prison time.