A wide variety of substances are illegal to possess in the state of Illinois. Just as you might assume, ketamine can be one of those substances.
If you are found to be in possession of ketamine, then a variety of penalties can be levied on you.
You can avoid these penalties by speaking with a Chicago drug crime defense attorney who will help you protect your innocence.
What Happens If You Are Found To Be In Possession Of Ketamine?
To answer the question above, “You will be charged with a felony.”
A felony charge is especially serious, as felonies almost always come with prison time.
Depending on the class of felony you are convicted of – a Class 4 felony differs from a Class X felony. For example – you will be spending more or less time in prison while dealing with a heftier/lower fine.
The exact felony you are charged with is dependent on the amount of ketamine in possession. But, no matter what, if you are found guilty of ketamine possession, then you will need to deal with significant legal penalties.
If You Are Found To Be In Possession Of Ketamine or an Illegal Opioid, What Penalties Can You Face?
A felony charge for ketamine or illegal opioid possession is based entirely on the amount in your possession. And with that fact in mind, the penalties you can face if you are found to be in possession of ketamine or an illegal opioid are as follows:
- Smaller amounts of ketamine or an illegal opioid can lead to a Class 4 felony, which will result in a prison sentence of one to three years.
- Larger amounts of ketamine or an illegal opioid can lead to a Class 1 felony, which will result in a prison sentence of four to fifteen years.
- When you have been found to possess substantial amounts of ketamine or illegal opioids, this can lead to a Class X felony, which will result in six to thirty years in prison.
The penalties only continue to grow from there. Furthermore, if you are found to have very large quantities of ketamine or illegal opioids in your possession, then you may be charged with a trafficking-related crime, which can lead to more significant mandatory minimum sentences in the Illinois State Penitentiary.
Outside of the penalties listed above, it is very likely that you will face a fine. This fine is dependent on the amount of ketamine or illegal opioids you have in your possession and the felony you are being charged with.
How Can You Defend Yourself From A Ketamine or an Opioid-Class Drug Possession Charge?
The best way you can defend yourself from a ketamine or illegal opioid-class drug possession charge is to speak with an attorney.
Speaking with an attorney will allow you to clarify the facts of your case and then develop an effective defense based on those facts.
Some of the defenses that can be employed, based on the facts of your case, are as follows:
- You did not consent to a search, and as such, the arresting officer acted in an illegal manner.
- You were entrapped by law enforcement, which led to your arrest.
- You did not know that you had ketamine or opioids in your possession.
You are not a criminal, and an attorney will make sure that this fact is known in court.
Get Qualified Legal Help
If you need representation for a criminal charge in Cook County, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help because of years as a Narcotics prosecutor and 30 years of prosecution and defense experience in State and Federal Courts.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Contact one of our Chicago drug crime defense lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.