After a routine traffic stop, law enforcement personnel took two people into custody when they discovered a meth lab in their vehicle. The pair faces at least four different counts related to various drug charges including manufacturing methamphetamine.

The law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle because of a non-functioning headlight. One officer testified of a strong chemical smell coming from the vehicle, which he attributed to the presence of meth based on his training. A police dog signaled that drugs were present. Officers then conducted a further search and found various items related to the production of meth along with marijuana.

Illinois State Police officials cleaned up the meth lab and disposed of the hazardous waste. Both subjects are being held in custody until bond can be set and charges can be formally filed.

When arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine in the state of Illinois, they face serious penalties due to mandatory sentencing laws. For the manufacture of meth, this means they can be charged with a felony, receive between four and 15 years in prison and be fined up to $250,000. Every case is different, so a qualified criminal defense attorney can look at the case to assess alternatives. A lawyer can negotiate charging and sentencing options with prosecutors. The circumstances surrounding the arrest can then be reviewed, along with the person's criminal history, to determine if they would qualify for other interventions, such as regular drug testing and substance abuse treatment with probation.

Source: Courierpress.com, "Police stop car for burned-out headlight, report finding meth lab," Len Wells, Dec. 31, 2012

Source: Illinois Wesleyan University, "Illinois Drug Laws"