State's Attorney Devine Scores Legal Victory Against Drug Dealers Who Sell Deadly Fentanyl Drug

Cook County State’s Attorney Richard A. Devine and attorneys in the Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau scored substantial legal victories after Governor Rod Blaogovich signed two bills this month, aimed at increasing prison sentences for drug dealers who distribute fentanyl and others who commit drug or gun cases

On Friday, Gov. Blaogovich signed Public Act 95-0259, which recognizes fentanyl as a controlled substance, similar to cocaine and heroin.  Effective immediately, if a person is convicted of the manufacture or delivery of, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver fentanyl, they face stiffer penalties based on the amount of fentanyl they possess.   Previously, delivery or possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver was a Class 3 felony, punishable by 2-5 years in prison and was probationable.  Additionally, if a person is convicted, and the controlled substance contains any trace of fentanyl, at sentencing the judge is mandated to increase the prison sentence by three additional years.

On August 13th, the Governor also signed Public Act 95-0134, which requires defendants to serve atleast 75% of prison sentences for gunrunning, drug-induced homicide, money laundering and deliveryand possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver 100 grams or more.  Defendants convicted and sentenced to prison for these offenses, are no longer eligible for day-for-day good time credit.

The State’s Attorney’s Office Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau authored both of these laws targeting high-level drug activity in Cook County, especially drug transactions involving the dangerous drug fentanyl.  “With over 300 deaths caused by fentanyl in our community,  I am extremely proud ofthe efforts made by our prosecutors in the Narcotics Bureau,” said Devine. “With the passage of these laws, we have improved resources to keep drug dealers who peddle deadly drugs in prison longer.”

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