Possession of Cannabis / Marijuana

Illinois Possession of Cannabis/Marijuana Law

Under 720 ILCS 550/4 possession of small amounts of Marijuana is considered a crime in Illinois as long as the amount is under 10 grams. Amounts under 10 grams are treated as a civil matter and subject to a fine. Illinois has legalized Medical Marijuana but recreational possession of marijuana above 10 grams is illegal.

What Are the Penalties for Possession of Cannabis/Marijuana?

The penalties for Possession of Cannabis/Marijuana depends on the amount of marijuana you are caught with. Here is a breakdown of the potential penalties based on the amounts involved:

• Under 10 grams:  Civil penalty which carries a fine and possible drug treatment and community service.
• More than 10 grams but not more than 30 grams:  Class A Misdemeanor which carries a maximum of one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.  (A second such offense is a Class 4 Felony.)
• More than 30 grams but not more than 500 grams:  Class 4 Felony with a possible prison sentence of 1-3 years with probation a possible option.  (A second such offense is a Class 3 Felony.)
• More than 500 grams but not more than 2000 grams:  Class 3 Felony, punishable by a possible prison sentence of 2 to 5 years with probation a possible option.
• More than 2000 grams but not more than 5000 grams:  Class 2 Felony, punishable by a possible prison sentence of 3 to 7 years with probation a possible option.
• More than 5000 grams:  Class 1 Felony, punishable by a possible prison sentence of 4 to 15 years with probation a possible option.

Why Hire John D. Ioakimidis as Your Lawyer for Your Possession of Cannabis/Marijuana Charges?

Our attorneys have extensive experience representing people charged with Possession of Cannabis/Marijuana charges in Illinois. Our lawyers have won cases that other lawyers would be afraid to even take. For one thing, our lawyers understand how difficult it is to be a defendant in a criminal case. If you hire us as your attorneys, you will get your lawyer’s personal cell phone number. If you have any questions you can always call or send your lawyer a text message and we will be answered by your lawyer. Your lawyer will keep you informed of what is happening on your case and exactly what your lawyer is planning to do to help you win your case.

As soon as your lawyer obtains all of the evidence from the state he will look at any angle to challenge the evidence seized and the arrest. Your lawyer will explore whether the police had a right to detain you and conduct a search. Especially if the cannabis was found in your vehicle, in your residence, or on your person. Your lawyer will challenge the state’s case at every stage and make sure the police did their job.

The ultimate goal for your lawyer is to make sure you do not go to jail and that you avoid having a criminal conviction on your record. There are certain programs and alternative programs that may be available which would avoid a criminal conviction on your record and your lawyer will make sure to explore all those options as well. Your lawyer will ask that you also help him by getting him letters from friends, family, clergy and employers or school records or other evidence to help your lawyer get you into an alternative program to avoid a criminal conviction.

If you are charged with Possession of Cannabis/Marijuana in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County or Kane County, give us a call.  We Can Help.