Almost one-half of the states, including the District of Columbia, have legalized medical marijuana. The Illinois governor signed the law approving medical marijuana for limited medical use in our state in August 2013; however, marijuana for recreational use remains illegal in the state of Illinois. At least four states have legalized marijuana for recreational use with several more states debating current bills to legalize marijuana. Illinois is not one of the states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. If you are apprehended selling, growing, or possessing marijuana, you will be facing an Illinois possession of marijuana charge.
Illinois Possession of Marijuana Charges and Penalties
Illinois has several laws that relate to marijuana and cannabis. The Illinois possession of marijuana charge that you face will depend on the amount of marijuana you possess when you are arrested. According to Illinois 720 ILCS 550/4, it is illegal if you knowingly possess any measurable amount of marijuana or cannabis. Illinois possession of marijuana charges are as follows:
- Possession of up to 2.5 grams of marijuana is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,500 and/or serving up to 30 days in jail.
- Possession of more than 2.5 grams of marijuana but less than 10 grams is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,500 and/or serving up to 180 days in jail.
- Possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana but less than 30 grams is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or serving up to 12 months in jail.
- Possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana but less than 500 grams is a Class 4 felony punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or serving a one to three year term in a state prison.
- Possession of more than 500 grams of marijuana but less than 2,000 grams is a Class 3 felony punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or serving a two to five year term in a state prison.
- Possession of more than 2,000 grams of marijuana but less than 5,000 grams is a Class 2 felony punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or serving a three to seven year term in prison.
- Possession of more than 5,000 grams of marijuana is a Class 1 felony punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or serving a four to fifteen year term in prison.
The laws relating to the possession of marijuana are very strict and our courts aggressively punish Illinois possession of marijuana charges. You need a drug defense attorney to represent you on your Illinois possession of marijuana charge regardless of the amount of marijuana you had in your possession at the time of arrest.
Your freedom and your future may be severely affected if you are convicted on an Illinois possession of marijuana charge. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss legal strategies and legal defenses to protect your future opportunities.
Contact Our Office for a Consultation with an Experienced Illinois Marijuana Defense Attorney
The criminal defense attorneys of Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols represent individuals who need help with the defense of an Illinois marijuana charge. We assist clients throughout McLean, Woodford, Tazewell, and Peoria counties by providing compassionate, competent legal services. Contact our office at 309-938-4838 to schedule your free consultation.
When you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in central Illinois, call Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols. We are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional service and support throughout the criminal justice process.
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