Possession of a Controlled Substance
Facing Criminal Charges? Call Our Aurora Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are charged with possession of a controlled substance, it is essential that you hire a skilled Aurora criminal defense attorney who understands the nature of your offense and will provide you with a plan to protect your freedom and your reputation. Unlawful possession of any controlled substance is considered a serious felony and can result in your incarceration in the Illinois Department of Corrections. At The Law Offices of David Lee, we have more than 20 years of combined experience. We have helped individuals charged with drug crimes fight for their rights and work to protect their freedom.
Contact our experienced Aurora criminal defense attorney; call The Law Offices of David Lee at (630) 901-8700 to schedule a consultation.
How Are Controlled Substances Classified?
Controlled substances are classified under five schedules based on their potential to be habit forming and/or their usefulness as a drug.
These schedules are as follows:
- Schedule I: Drugs/substances that have no current accepted medical use in the US and a high potential for abuse.
- Schedule II: Drugs/substances that have a current accepted medical use in the US, often with restrictions, and high potential for abuse.
- Schedule III: Drugs/substances that have a current accepted medical use in the US and lesser potential for abuse than Schedule II narcotics.
- Schedule IV: Drugs/substances that have a current accepted medical use in the US and relatively low potential for abuse compared to Schedule III narcotics.
- Schedule V: Drugs/substances that have a current accepted medical use in the US and have a lesser potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs/substances.
What Are the Penalties for Possession of a Controlled Substance?
If you are charged with possession of a controlled substance, the penalties you are facing will vary depending on the type of drug or narcotic and the amount or weight allegedly in possession. Common drug possession offenses include the unlawful possession of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, morphine, and LSD.
Penalties for possession of controlled substances are varied but typically involve one or more of the following:
- Various felony charges
- Prison sentence from 1 - 50 years
- Fines from $25 - $200,000
- Probation/conditional discharge
- Fees and court costs
- Mandatory drug counseling
- Community service
Being near a church, movie theater, school, or public park, or being in possession of a firearm during the time of arrest may lead to doubled fines and sentencing.
Contact Our Firm for Skilled Legal Representation
Possession of a controlled substance is considered a very serious felony offense. There are equally severe penalties upon conviction. A conviction for possession of a controlled substance can land you in prison and irreparably damage your reputation and employment opportunities. Furthermore, if you have a prior felony conviction you may be considered extended term eligible, which can further increase your period of incarceration. At The Law Offices of David Lee, our Aurora criminal defense attorneys can provide you with advice on how to address your pending possession of a controlled substance case and can provide you with a plan to protect your freedom and your future.
Call our firm today at (630) 901-8700 to schedule a consultation.