controlled substance

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

May 1, 2010
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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
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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 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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