Chicago Marijuana Crimes Attorney

Though many states around the U.S. are making drastic changes in how marijuana is prosecuted, it is still illegal in the State of Illinois. For possessing large amounts of marijuana, as well as intending to sell or growing weed, you could be facing incarceration and/or exorbitant fines, or both. Possession of small amounts of weed, however, may result in a citation in Chicago. No matter the potential penalty, if you’re caught with marijuana, it is essential to acquire the services of an experienced Chicago marijuana crimes attorney.

The state is moving from incarceration of non-violent drug offenders to making it a public health issue, and with drug crimes attorney Fred Mark Dry at your side, you can expect a rigorous defense to keep you out of prison for possession of marijuana. Call now at (847) 441-1801 for a free consultation. In the meantime, you can find more information about marijuana penalties in Illinois below.

Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana

As of spring 2015, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office stated that it would no longer prosecute misdemeanor possession of small amounts of marijuana. As such, if you’re caught in Chicago with less than 15 grams of marijuana, and you have no prior convictions, you may only be facing a citation of between $250 and $500. Nonetheless, in other parts of Illinois that have not adopted this process, possession of small amounts of marijuana could result in various misdemeanors, from a Class C misdemeanor (possession of under 2.5 grams) to a Class A misdemeanor (possession of 10 to 30 grams).

Marijuana Possession Penalties

If caught with a misdemeanor possession outside of Chicago and Cook County, the punishment could include up to 30 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,500. Even within Chicago and Cook County, however, if you’re caught with a large amount of marijuana, such as more than 30 grams, you could be facing a Class 4 felony. Possessing more than 5,000 grams could result in a Class 1 felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. For more information, you can find the penalties for marijuana possess in Illinois Statute 720 ILCS 550/4.

Intent to Deliver or Manufacture

Unlike possession, police and prosecutors take a much harsher stance toward those charged with intent to deliver or manufacture marijuana. Even if an amount is for personal usage, police can still charge you with distribution based on the packaging (such as multiple bags, for example). Under Illinois Statute 720 ILCS 550/5, distributing or manufacturing more than 10 grams of marijuana could result in a Class 4 felony. Distributing or manufacturing larger quantities of marijuana results in incrementally harsher punishments, up to a Class X felony for more than 5,000 grams.

Contact Chicago’s Leading Marijuana Crimes Attorney

Due to changing attitudes regarding marijuana, being caught possessing, distributing, or manufacturing marijuana is not an automatic prison sentence. However, you need to have an experienced drug crimes attorney leading the case to hopefully get you the lawful and rightful results you deserve. If you were charged with a marijuana-related crime, contact Chicago attorney Fred Mark Dry immediately. Call today!

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