Although the State of Illinois has taken a more liberal stance on marijuana by legalizing recreational use for adults, you should not consider this a sign that the state is lenient when it comes to drug charges. In fact, Illinois takes its drug laws very seriously, which means that you should do the same. If you find yourself facing a drug charge, it’s time to consult with an experienced Minooka drug charge attorney.Â
The most common drug charge in Illinois is possession, and the crime varies considerably in terms of severity – according to the kind and amount of the controlled substance in question. Illinois’s Controlled Substance Act criminalizes all the following:
Possession charges break down into both misdemeanors and felonies.Â
Drugs are classified according to 5 schedules in Illinois, and these break down as follows:
The drugs in each classification come with their own set of fines and penalties (with considerable overlap).Â
Drug possession felony charges are classified as Class 1, 2, 3, or 4. To reach the level of a Class 1 felony, the accused generally must be in possession of a considerable amount of a Class I (or sometimes Class II) drug, and the associated prison sentence and attendant fines are generally extremely harsh. Possession of lower-level drugs can lead to lower-level felonies, but the legal consequences of any felony are exceptionally serious.Â
Misdemeanor drug possession charges in Illinois generally relate to illegal marijuana possession or possession of anabolic steroids, which are sometimes used as performance enhancers by athletes. Even a misdemeanor conviction can lead to jail time, serious fines, and social consequences that can prove especially difficult to overcome. Â
There are also charge enhancements that can apply, including:
If you’re facing a drug charge, the consequences of a conviction are far too serious not to reach out to a Minooka drug charge attorney, and at Sabuco Beck, PC, we’re standing by to help. Because a drug charge can derail your future at a surprisingly quick clip, it’s important to be proactive, and our formidable legal team has the experience and drive to help guide your case toward its most advantageous outcome. Your future is important, so please do not hesitate to contact us for more information today.