Almost everyone is aware of the dangers of methamphetamines. The media, schools, and outreach programs have made it clear that meth users may not only end up with a conviction for a felony crime on their records, but may end up disfigured, permanent brain damaged, and, even worse, dead. Regardless of meth awareness, it is still a popular drug of choice in the United States. Illinois is no exception, as two recent stories suggest.
According to pjstar.com, police recently raided a meth house in Tremont, charging four people in the case with meth-related offenses. 31-year-old Jessica Sowell was convicted of aggravated participation in methamphetamine manufacturing at a residence where a minor lived, and was sentenced this week to 12 years in prison. She faced up to 30 years in prison on the charge. Three men, including one son and his father, were also charged in connection with the meth house, and face Class X felony charges.
Police had originally raided the home after obtaining a warrant. During the raid, the Tazewell County and Pekin police and the Illinois State Police Meth Response Team found equipment used to make meth. The teams tested the equipment and it was positive for meth.
In a second story, reported by redeyechicago.com, 30-year-old Chicago man Steven Javier Shadd faced charges for possession of a stolen vehicle after he traded meth for a stolen scooter. Mr. Shadd had run a stop sign on the scooter, and police attempted to pull him over for that violation. Instead of complying with police, Mr. Shadd attempted to escape by jumping off of the scooter and running on foot. Officers caught Mr. Shadd and searched him, discovering $165 worth of meth in a baggie. It is unclear whether he was also charged for the possession of meth.
Drug crimes are vigorously prosecuted in Illinois. According to her website, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has a special interest in cracking down on meth in Illinois. To that end, she has drafted legislation to reduce the use of meth, including legislation that would increase penalties for meth-related offenses.
Attorney General Madigan’s website details a number of laws that specifically deal with meth in Illinois. First, the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act became effective in Illinois in 2005. The Act streamlined and strengthened meth laws, specifically in terms of production, distribution and meth use. Secondly, The Methamphetamine Precursor Control Act established harsher control over sales of pseudoephedrine, which is a key ingredient in meth found in cold medicine. That Act took effect in 2006. Finally, the Methamphetamine Manufacturer Registry Act cracked down on meth manufacturers. Under the law, convicted meth manufacturers’ identities are made available to law enforcement and the public, including their names, birthdates, and meth-related offenses.
Conviction on any drug charge in Illinois may subject a person to very severe fines and penalties, and jail time, as well as a felony record. If you have been charged with a drug crime, you should immediately seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney. A drug crime conviction can seriously impact your future, and an attorney will be able to explain the consequences of the charge to you. Contact Goldman & Associates today for a confidential consultation, to get a full understanding of what you are facing, and to get an attorney on your side.
