possession of a controlled substance

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

April 21, 2022
Thumbnail image for Illinois felonies result in conviction despite fact that offender has no criminal background

NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2019 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-593. This change became effective on December 4, 2019, updating various statutes addressing marijuana and related offenses. A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and […]

Read the full article

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

April 19, 2022
Thumbnail image for Conviction for felony offense involving a motor vehicle will suspend your Illinois driver’s license

NOTE: The article below was modified to explain how the License to Work Act (Public Act 101-623) changed Illinois law concerning driver’s license suspension. After an effective date of July 1, 2020, the License to Work act effectively eliminated driver’s license suspension for non-moving violations, including many felony offenses that did not involve a motor […]

Read the full article

First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

September 24, 2021
Thumbnail image for First felony offense eligible for deferred prosecution under Offender Initiative Program

NOTE: This article includes new subject matter to elucidate the impact of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027). When this Act became effective on January 1, 2020, cannabis became legal for recreational possession and use in Illinois. The Offender Initiative Program Under Illinois law, a person who is charged with a felony […]

Read the full article

What are the Illinois Laws Against Possession of Controlled Substances?

August 29, 2019

In the interest of public health and safety, the State of Illinois prohibits most people from possessing controlled substances, such as heroin, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (the Act), which is codified as 720 ILCS 570/1 et seq., any person who possesses a controlled substance without authorization is subject […]

Read the full article

Important new bill in legislature would expunge felonies

March 26, 2012
Thumbnail image for Important new bill in legislature would expunge felonies

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 […]

Read the full article

A summary of Illinois drug laws

Thumbnail image for 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 […]

Read the full article