Waukegan, Illinois Methamphetamine Charges Defense Attorney

Criminal Lawyer Defends Meth Drug Charges In Buffalo Grove, IL

If you have been charged with methamphetamine possession or another drug crime, you are likely aware that your whole life could change completely—and not for the better. Not only could you be facing prison time, additionally you face an entire litany of other serious consequences including the loss of employment, the loss of support from family and friends, and a permanent blot on your record. You may feel as though you are completely alone, with no one by your side. Fortunately for you, Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt understands your predicament and has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you through this difficult time. With more than 20 years’ experience both as a former prosecutor and a successful Illinois drug crimes defense attorney, Attorney Gebhardt has the skills necessary to minimize the effects of your methamphetamine charges.

The Various Charges Associated with Methamphetamines

The state of Illinois has enacted a special law known as the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act which governs offenses associated with methamphetamine. You may be charged with possession of methamphetamine, or possession of the dangerous chemical ingredients of the drug, many of which can be obtained over the counter at drugstores. You could also be charged with “cooking” meth, producing meth or selling or distributing the drug. If you were involved in any capacity in the preparation of methamphetamine, it is crucial that you have an aggressive defense attorney by your side to provide effective representation and minimize the potentially life-altering consequences of a conviction. Matthew R. Gebhardt is an attorney with the skills to do just that by fighting hard for your rights while discovering the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.

What are the Potential Penalties for a Conviction for Methamphetamine Charges?

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance as well as extremely volatile for those who manufacture the drug. Possession of methamphetamine is a serious felony, and a person charged with possession of methamphetamine or possession of methamphetamine precursor could face a minimum of twelve years in prison. The following are the potential penalties you could face if convicted of a methamphetamine crime:

• Possession of fewer than fifteen grams of methamphetamine in class 4 felony charges. If you are convicted of the charges, you could face up to three years in prison and face a fine up to $2,500. If this is your first offense and you have no prior criminal history, your attorney may be able to negotiate probation to avoid a prison sentence.
• Possession of 15-100 grams of methamphetamine could result in 4-15 years in prison and a fine as high as $200,000.
• Possession of 100-400 grams of methamphetamine could result in 6-30 years in prison and a fine as high as $200,000 (or the street value of the meth).
• Possession of 400-900 grams of methamphetamine could result in 8-40 years in prison and a fine as high as $200,000 (or the street value of the meth).
• Possession of more than 900 grams of methamphetamine could result in 10-50 years in prison and a fine as high as $200,000 (or the street value of the meth)
• Should you be convicted of selling, manufacturing or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, you could face anywhere from 4-60 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 (depending on the amount of methamphetamine in your possession)
• If you were caught in possession of methamphetamine or selling methamphetamine near a school or church, or if you were in possession of a gun at the time of your arrest, you could face enhanced penalties.

Defense Strategies and Alternative Sentences for Illinois Methamphetamine Charges

Should you and your criminal defense attorney determine it is in your best interests to admit some level of guilt, your attorney may be able to work out a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor. You might also qualify to have your methamphetamine case heard in the state’s drug courts which generally offer an intensive period of probation and drug treatment. The strength of your methamphetamine charges will be based on physical evidence, and Lake County drug crimes defense attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt may be able to challenge the validity of that evidence related to how it was obtained, found, tested or seized. For an experienced attorney who will fight aggressively for your rights, contact our law firm at 773-383-8745 or 847-239-4703 for a free consultation.