When most of us think of drug charges, we generally think of substances like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. However, you can face serious felony charges in Illinois for possessing or selling substances that are not technically listed as illegal but are chemically similar to controlled substances.
Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Analogue Act (720 ILCS 570/401), while these synthetic or “look-alike” drugs are sometimes marketed as safe alternatives, Illinois law criminalizes them as if they were the real thing. This could lead to an unexpected arrest, complex lab testing, and the potential of severe criminal penalties for a drug you did not know was banned.
If you are facing criminal charges for a “controlled substance analogue,” it is essential that you consult with a highly skilled Naperville, IL criminal defense attorney who can build a solid defense on your behalf. These are not charges that you should attempt to face on your own, as they could result in severe criminal penalties.