cannabis

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

July 22, 2011
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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 [...]

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Illinois felonies result in conviction despite fact that offender has no criminal background

May 24, 2011
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A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and misdemeanor cases. In almost every courthouse in Illinois, felony cases are heard by a judge who hears only felony matters. The judge presiding over felony cases is usually a Circuit Judge. These judges are [...]

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Newly proposed law in Illinois allows for medical marijuana

April 28, 2011
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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 [...]

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A summary of Illinois drug laws

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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 [...]

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What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Illinois?

March 6, 2010
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When a person is arrested for DUI, the police officer will provide him with a Uniform Traffic Ticket. The ticket is written by hand and specifies the section(s) of the DUI statute the defendant is accused of violating. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is set forth in 625 ILCS 5/11-501. There may [...]

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

March 5, 2010
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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 [...]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of cannabis?

March 3, 2010
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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 [...]

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