Drug Offenses

New seat belt law in Illinois could increase profiling in traffic stops

February 9, 2012

Illinois lawmakers made a significant change to the vehicle code that is effective in 2012. Starting January 1, 2012, anyone who drives or rides in a motor vehicle in the state of Illinois will be required to wear a seat belt.
This was not always the law. Prior to 2012, a backseat passenger in Illinois was [...]

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New Illinois law criminalizes possession of bath salts, K2 and Spice

July 22, 2011

Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed a law on July 22, 2011 that makes it a criminal offense to possess bath salts. Bath salts are also known as MDPV, and cause a hallucinogenic experience with the user. A woman in downstate Illinois died from an overdose of bath salts within the last year.
Illinois is now part [...]

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Newly proposed law in Illinois allows for medical marijuana

April 28, 2011

Illinois lawmakers find themselves at the front of the legalization of marijuana movement this year because newly proposed legislation would allow use of medicinal marijuana. Currently, Illinois House of Representatives is considering a bill sponsored by Democrat Lou Lang from Skokie, HB 30.
If passed, the new law would be called the Compassionate Use of Medical [...]

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Penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia under Illinois law

November 19, 2010

Illinois law makes it a criminal offense to knowingly possess drug paraphernalia. The law does not distinguish between the type of drug the paraphernalia is used for. The penalties for possessing a pipe to smoke marijuana are the same as a needle to shoot heroin, even though heroin is regarded as a more dangerous drug.
The [...]

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A summary of Illinois drug laws

October 17, 2010

The criminal offense of possession of drugs in Illinois has two categories:

Possession of cannabis (ie, marijuana). This offense is governed by 720 ILCS 550/4.
Possession of a controlled substance. The law for controlled substances is 720 ILCS 570/402.

All illegal drugs that are not cannabis are classified as controlled substances. For example, the crime of possession of [...]

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Conviction for felony offense involving a motor vehicle will suspend your Illinois driver’s license

October 5, 2010

An arrest for a felony offense in Illinois has consequences beyond sentencing in court. In addition to the possibility of a prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections, a defendant may lose his driver’s license.
The Secretary of State in Illinois has authority to suspend, cancel, and even revoke a person’s driving privileges for a [...]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver?

May 1, 2010

Illinois courts regard possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver as a very serious offense. The issue in almost every case is whether the defendant is willing to risk going to trial or accept a probation offer.
Possession of a controlled substance is a felony offense under state law. Most lawyers and judges [...]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of a controlled substance?

March 7, 2010

Possession of a controlled substance is a felony criminal offense under Illinois law. The penalties for this offense are set out in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act at 720 ILCS 570/1 et seq. Police officers, lawyers, and judges refer to the offense of unlawful possession of a controlled substance as UPCS. In Cook County, the [...]

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What are the penalties in Illinois for being charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver?

March 5, 2010

The law that makes it a criminal offense in the state of Illinois to possess cannabis (e.g., marijuana) with intent to deliver is the Illinois Cannabis Control Act, found at 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq.
Section 550/5 provides that it is illegal to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver cannabis. To manufacture is to [...]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of cannabis?

March 3, 2010

Possession of cannabis, generally referred to a marijuana, is a criminal offense in Illinois. The criminal charge of possession of cannabis is set forth in 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq, the Illinois Cannabis Control Act.
While other states have decriminalized cannabis, Illinois has not. To decriminalize possession of cannabis is to say that it is unlawful [...]

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