Perhaps no illegal drug is treated as harshly as heroin by Illinois laws, police, and prosecutors. If you are caught in possession of any amount of heroin, even one small bag, you will be charged with a felony and likely go to prison upon conviction. If law enforcement believes that you possessed that heroin with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or sell it, be prepared to spend a very long time behind bars if you are found guilty of the charges.
With such harsh consequences, any arrest for heroin possession puts your future at serious risk. You will face determined prosecutors dead-set on putting you in prison. With such forces aligned against you, it is critical that you retain the services of an experienced Chicago heroin possession defense attorney as soon as possible.
At Wigell Law Group, we have spent over four decades successfully defending those charged with heroin possession and other drug offenses. Our Chicago drug crime defense lawyers level the playing field and fight back against charges that may be seriously flawed, providing you with the best possible defense and increasing the odds of a positive outcome that can save your freedom and your future.
Heroin Possession Is Always a Felony, and Always Involves the Potential for Prison
As a Schedule I controlled substance, heroin is considered under Illinois and federal law to be among the most dangerous illicit drugs, and the penalties for crimes involving heroin are correspondingly severe.
As noted, possession of any quantity of heroin in Illinois is a felony. But the more heroin or substance containing heroin prosecutors charge you with possessing, the greater the potential penalties, including up to 50 years behind bars:
- Possession of fewer than 15 grams: A Class 4 felony punishable upon conviction by one to three years in state prison and a fine of up to $25,000
- Possession of 15 grams or more: Possession of any amount of heroin greater than 14 grams is a Class 1 felony. The penalties upon conviction are set forth in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and increase with the amount of heroin involved, as follows:
- Between 15 and 99 grams: four to 15 years in prison
- Between 100 and 399 grams: six to 30 years in prison
- Between 400 and 899 grams: eight to 40 years in prison
- 900 grams or more: 10 to 50 years in prison
In addition to prison time, a person convicted of Class 1 felony heroin possession can be fined up to $200,000, or the full street value of the heroin possessed.
Possession With Intent to Distribute
While a charge of “simple possession” of heroin is more than enough to put your future in jeopardy, penalties are even worse if you are charged with possessing heroin with the intent to manufacture, sell, or distribute heroin or a substance containing heroin. Whether you actually intended to sell heroin or not, prosecutors are likely to charge you with this more serious offense when you are caught with greater quantities of heroin or if you have paraphernalia such as scales, bags, or containers.
Get Help NOW With Your Chicago Heroin Possession Charges
At Wigell Law Group, we have seen how the power of drugs like heroin can cause good people to make bad decisions. We also know that police often make improper arrests and prosecutors bring unwarranted or unsupported charges involving heroin and other drugs. Regardless of the circumstances and no matter how hopeless things may seem, our committed Chicago drug crime defense attorneys will spare no effort to fight the charges and will aggressively challenge prosecutors at every turn.
For over 40 years, individuals charged with drug crimes have turned to attorney Raymond Wigell and his dedicated team of legal professionals to protect their rights and their futures. We provide aggressive advocacy in the courtroom while also giving compassionate counsel that can bring clarity and a path forward during a frightening and confusing time.
To schedule your free and confidential initial consultation to discuss your heroin possession charges, please call us today at 312-535-3796 or use our online contact form.
