Any form of criminal offense can have serious consequences if you are convicted. Depending on the type and severity of the charges and whether you have any previous convictions, you could face fines, restitution, the loss of professional licenses and be sentenced to time in prison. This is particularly the case when it comes to drug charges, as many related offenses carry particularly lengthy sentences.
One young man in Illinois has learned this the hard way after a large quantity of heroin was allegedly found in his possession. The 29-year-old has been accused of trafficking the drug, selling capsules for between $10 and $20 from the window of his car. According to reports, he was found to have 2,600 doses of heroin, believed to be intended for sale.
When he was arrested, he is also said to have been found with three guns and $6,000 in cash. If convicted of drug-trafficking, he could face a prison sentence of up to 80 years. In the meantime, his bail has been set at $500,000. Felony charges of this nature often come with particularly severe penalties, so a good defense is essential.
If you face charges of any kind, your choices over the next few days are important. As such, it is vital to act quickly and sensibly. An attorney may be able to help you decide on the best course of action to take. He or she might also be able to assist you with forming your defense and working toward clearing your name and avoiding conviction.
Source: Newsbug, “St. Louis man facing drug-trafficking charge in Illinois,” March 3, 2015