possession of cannabis

First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

December 29, 2012
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A person who is charged with a felony but has no criminal background will benefit from a new state law in 2013 that allows for dismissal. The Offender Initiative Program is a new statute modeled after the deferred prosecution program developed by Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez. The statute will apply in all counties [...]

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Important new bill in legislature would expunge felonies

March 26, 2012
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In the current legislative session, Illinois lawmakers are considering a very important new statute to be added to the criminal code. Senate Bill 3349, proposed by Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), would create a special type of probation for felonies that can be expunged. If signed by the governor, a defendant with a pending felony would [...]

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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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What is a Class C misdemeanor in Illinois?

April 10, 2011
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The Class C misdemeanor in Illinois is an atypical offense. Most misdemeanor offenses are categorized as Class A misdemeanors, not Class C misdemeanors. The law in Illinois says that a person charged with a Class C misdemeanor is subject to a maximum 30 days imprisonment and fine of $1,500. On the books, there are three [...]

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What is a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois?

March 23, 2011
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Under Illinois law, a criminal offense is generally classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The difference between felony and misdemeanor is that a felony has a penalty of one year or more imprisonment, whereas a misdemeanor is a penalty of less than one year. There are three types of misdemeanors: Class A, Class [...]

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

October 5, 2010
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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 [...]

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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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