20+ Years of Experience
Top Methamphetamine Defense Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been charged with drug charges in Chicago, the skilled attorneys at Kostopoulos Law Group can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your legal rights.
If you choose to work with our Chicago drug charges attorneys, we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the penalties that may be imposed.
20+ Years of Experience
Experienced Former Prosecutor
Top Rated in Criminal Defense
Dupage County Methamphetamine Attorney
If you are facing methamphetamine possession charges in Chicago it is important to defend yourself. The criminal defense attorneys at the Kostopoulos Law Group can help you get the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more. We will review the criminal charges in your case, explain your legal rights, and answer the questions you have.
Methamphetamine has risen in popularity in Illinois over the past decade. In order to combat the growing drug epidemic, police have ramped up efforts to enforce the state’s drug laws. As a result, if you are found in possession of methamphetamine in Chicago your future will be in serious danger. Possessing even a very small quantity of meth is a felony and could land you behind bars for three years and generate a devastating mark on your criminal record.
Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act
Illinois takes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of controlled substances incredibly seriously. This is especially true for drug crimes involving methamphetamine, which is commonly referred to as meth, crystal meth, crank, speed, jibb, shards, fire, and glass.
In 2005, state lawmakers, believing that methamphetamine posed a particularly serious threat to the people of Illinois, created the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Under this Act, drug crimes involving methamphetamine are policed and prosecuted very aggressively. Anyone who is found to be in possession of methamphetamine and involved in the manufacture of the drug will face serious and life-changing criminal penalties.
“Got my felony completely dismissed!”
My family’s lawyer told me that you are top trial lawyers. You won my felony hearing and got my felony completely dismissed! Thank you
– Michael L
“I was facing multiple charges of Domestic Battery”
I was facing multiple charges of Domestic Battery , had 3 warrants issued for my arrest and had these stupid charges weighing on me for 6 years, not wanting to face the music. I finally got picked up and with 6 small children at home, there was NO WAY I could afford to have jailtime. Joe listened and asked crucial questions and from the start he told me he would get it dismissed. I was skeptical to say the least. I paid him in 2 payments (he is super flexible) and then waited after the holidays for final court date. Completely dismissed. He will not give you false hope. He is honest, real and the ONLY person I want in my corner. HE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY! Don’t have someone else give you the runaround as most attorneys do. Save yourself the BS and GO WITH JOE !!!
– Christina S. | March 2019
“I could not be more pleasedand thankful.”
Please read this before you look for another lawyer!! First off, I want to say I am writing this review not because someone asked but because I am so beyond grateful and impressed to have had this group defending me in the court of law. I have never had such exceptional customer service and treated as if I were a high-end long time client. They made me feel like my case was just as important to them as the next. Their articulate steps were given to me in the very beginning to go over what was to be expected and what their goal was. Their rather diligent and speedy efforts to resolve my case couldn’t have been dealt with any better as my case could have gone south real quick. I trusted this group to take full control, let them do their work and they delivered with an outcome I was not expecting. I could not be more pleased and thankful as well as appreciated their flexibility with my payments (that was more than affordable for the hard work they did) as I was in a tight bind at the time. Thank you Joe, Rosemary and everyone else in between who have helped along the way! Your efforts were not unrecognized and I wish your group the best in the future to come! Lets just hope I don’t have to go through this again. If so I’m calling you back!!
– Mareena G. | January 2020
“He was able to dismiss my case and expunge this legal problem off my record.”
I came into some trouble with the law and being my first ever having to hire a lawyer was difficult. When a good friend of mine told me about Joe at Kostopoulos Law Group I had a good feeling about him. Around the time I came into some trouble with the law I was in the process of enlisting for the United States Marines. This court case was stopping me from going any further with my plans of enlisting. I brought the case to Joe and let him know my situation. He was able to dismiss my case and expunge this legal problem off my record. Joe cleared it all up for me and I had little to no worries. I HIGHLY recommended Joe from Kostopoulos Law Group. He will put your mind to ease and take care of your legal trouble. Joe is a very down to earth guy, respectful man, and super friendly. Thank you Joe for taking care of my case I really appreciate it.
– Jonathan G. | November 2019
“Gus, Joe and Rosemary helped in getting my case dismissed.”
Words cannot describe how grateful I am to Joe and Gus. It is very hard to find a dedicated sincere attorney like Joe. Even if anyone calls their number in the middle of the night, Joe will be there to answer and hear your case for sure. Just like that, few months ago, I got into a very unfortunate circumstance. My wife was worried sick didn’t know what to do, called the Kostopoulos Law firm in the middle of the night, since then, Joe is been supporting me till the case got completely dismissed. Gus, Joe and Rosemary helped in getting my case dismissed. Words are enough to express my gratitude and appreciation for their sincere dedication and hard work. They went above and beyond to make sure I understood what was happening and what needed to be done to get the case completely dismissed and expunged. To say my experience with the Kostopoulos Law group was pleasant would be the biggest understatement. I am forever thankful to them both. If you happen to find yourself if legal troubles I highly recommend the Kostopoulos Law Group.Thank you Gus, Joe and Rosemary!!
– Imran Q. | May 2019
Possession of Methamphetamine
In Illinois, it is against the law to knowingly have any amount of methamphetamine, or a substance containing methamphetamine, in your possession.
While possession is always a felony offense, the exact charge you will face will depend on the how much of the drug you have. The sentencing and penalty guidelines for possession of methamphetamine, as defined in 720 ILCS 646/60, is as follows:
- < 5 grams is a Class 3 Felony, punishable by 1-3 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- 5 – 15 grams is a Class 2 Felony, punishable by 3-7 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- 15 – 100 grams is a Class 1 Felony, punishable by 4-15 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- 100 – 400 grams is a Class X Felony, punishable by 6-30 years in prison and $100,000 in fines
- 400 – 900 grams is a Class X Felony, punishable by 8-40 years in prison and $200,000 in fines, and
- > 900 is a Class X Felony, punishable by 10-50 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
It is important to note that Illinois’ drug laws require a mandatory minimum sentence in some possession cases. If you are found in possession of 100 grams (or more) of methamphetamine you will be required to serve a minimum of six years in prison.
Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Deliver
Illinois drug possession laws presume that the methamphetamine in your possession is for your own personal use. When you have a significant amount of the drug in your possession the presumption is that you have more than you will use on your own. As a result, you can face increased penalties for possession with the intent to deliver.
Delivery means “the actual, constructive, or attempted transfer of possession” through a sale, gift, or transfer. This means that your attempts to sell/give/trade the drugs don’t have to be successful and that you don’t have to receive anything in return for the drug. In many cases, simply having a very large quantity of methamphetamine (or a drug containing methamphetamine) in your possession will be enough to warrant charges for possession with intent to deliver.
Penalties for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver vary depending on the amount of drugs in your possession. The sentencing and penalty guidelines for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, as defined in 720 ILCS 646/55, is as follows:
- < 5 grams is a Class 2 Felony, punishable by 3-7 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- 5 – 15 grams is a Class 1 Felony, punishable by 4-15 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- 15 – 100 grams is a Class X Felony, punishable by 6-30 years in prison and $100,000 in fines
- 100 – 400 grams is a Class X Felony, punishable by 9-40 years in prison and $200,000 in fines
- 400 – 900 grams is a Class X Felony, punishable by 12-50 years in prison and $300,000 in fines, and
- > 900 is a Class X Felony, punishable by 15-60 years in prison and $400,000 in fines.
The charges for delivery or intent to deliver methamphetamine will be aggravated if:
- The intended recipient of the drug is a minor,
- A minor is used to deliver the drug,
- Firearms or explosives are used to protect the controlled substance,
- The delivery takes place on school grounds, or
- You know that the intended recipient of the drug is a pregnant woman.
Manufacture of Methamphetamine
Manufacturing methamphetamine is one of the most serious crimes in Illinois.
For the purposes of the law, manufacturing means “to produce, prepare, compound, convert, process, synthesize, concentrate, purify, separate, extract, or package” any amount of methamphetamine or methamphetamine precursor.
This is important because this means that the possession of the substances and materials used to create methamphetamine is a crime. If you are arrested in connection with the manufacture of methamphetamine you will face, at the very least, Class 1 Felony charges.
Collateral Consequences of Possession of Methamphetamine
If you are convicted on criminal charges for possession of methamphetamine you will face serious time in an Illinois state prison and be required to pay substantial criminal fines. Your conviction will also generate a criminal record. Having a criminal record will expose you to life-changing collateral consequences.
These civil and social penalties will make your life incredibly difficult and have the potential to affect your life forever. Collateral consequences of possession of methamphetamine include:
- Difficulty getting a job that pays a decent wage,
- Difficulty renting an apartment or buying a home,
- Inability to work in certain career fields, including healthcare, education, and government,
- Loss of gun ownership rights,
- Revocation of professional licenses,
- Adverse child custody and/or visitation decisions in family law matters,
- Inability to participate in helpful government welfare programs, and
- Adverse immigration consequences, including the loss of your green card or deportation.
Defenses to Possession of Methamphetamine Charges
When you are arrested and charged with possession of meth in Chicago you have the right to defend yourself. The best defenses will help to clarify, excuse, or justify your behavior. When you cast doubt on your guilt the prosecution will have a more difficult time building a solid case against you. Defenses that may be helpful in defeating drug possession charges include:
- You did not know you possessed the drug,
- You did not intend to deliver the drug,
- You have been falsely accused, and/or
- Evidence has been obtained in violation of your rights.
Police cannot violate your rights in order to obtain evidence. If we determine that you have been the victim of an unlawful search, illegal arrest, or improper questioning we will immediately file a motion to suppress any evidence that is tainted by illegal behavior. If the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to support their case they will be more likely to offer a plea deal or drop the charges against you.
Chicago Methamphetamine Possession Attorneys
Have you been arrested for possession of meth in Chicago? If so, do not hesitate to contact the Kostopoulos Law Group for immediate legal assistance. You have the right to defend yourself against these charges, and our experienced Chicago drug crime defense attorneys can help.
When you hire us, we will thoroughly investigate the charges against you and fight to achieve the best possible outcome in your criminal matter. We know that your future is at stake and will do everything in our power to protect it. The sooner we can get involved in your case, the better your chances of success, so call us today.
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