Marijuana Possession Laws in Illinois
Cannabis is a Schedule I drug under federal law.
Chicago, IL- Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. and Illinois. A survey from Gallup conducted in August of this year found that one in eight Americans currently uses marijuana, CNN reports. But despite how common marijuana use is, and the many medicinal benefits of cannabis, there are strict laws governing the possession sale and use of cannabis. Marijuana is a Schedule I drug under federal law, so the consequences associated with a marijuana-related charge are severe. In Illinois, those consequences include jail and high dollar fines which USAttorneys will discuss here.
In Illinois, it is illegal to possess any amount of marijuana but the penalties you face depend on the amount in your possession at the time you are arrested. We’ll list the amounts and penalties below:
Up to two and a half grams- It’s a misdemeanor to possess up to two and a half grams of pot and is punishable by 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.
Two and a half grams up to ten grams- Possession of more the two and a half grams but less than ten grams of cannabis is considered a misdemeanor, carrying a minimum 6-month jail sentence and a fine up to $1,500.
You face jail time for possessing small amounts of marijuana in Chicago.
Between 10 grams and 30 grams- Possessing between ten grams and thirty grams of cannabis in Chicago is a class 4 felony with a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
Thirty grams up to 500 grams- Possession of 30 grams of cannabis up to 500 grams is a class-two felony and carries a jail sentence of three years up to seven years along with a fine up to $50,000.
As you can see, the laws regarding marijuana possession are tough and complicated. If you are facing any marijuana-related charges, whether for possession, distribution or trafficking, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. A conviction for a drug charge will have a host of long-term consequences that can negatively impact your life for years. The effects of a drug conviction can ripple through your personal and professional lives and impact your educational prospects.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer near your Chicago location if you are charged with possession of marijuana or other controlled substances.
If you are facing a marijuana-related charge or charges in Chicago, we recommend you speak with criminal defense attorney James Murphy-Aguilú. He has a comprehensive understanding of Illinois drug laws and can build a strong defense on your behalf. Murphy-Aguilú has helped hundreds of clients with their defense and will give each of his clients the personal attention it deserves. He understands the importance of a good client-attorney relationship and strives to be there when you have a question or need to talk about your case; you can rely on attorney Murphy-Aguilú to take your call or get back to you as soon as possible.
USAttorneys recommends you contact criminal defense attorney James Murphy-Aguilú as soon as you can and set up a case evaluation. You can reach his office by calling 773-234-0670.
