What Are the Penalties for Drug Charges?

Despite calls for drug crime reform and the legalization of personal possession of marijuana in Illinois, the drug laws that remain on the books continue to be harsh. If you are arrested for drug possession in Illinois, it is critical that you seek help from the right drug crime defense attorney who can help minimize your penalties and effects on your future. 

Drug Use and Possession Penalties in Illinois: Marijuana

Even though marijuana possession for personal recreational use is legal in Illinois, there are still prohibitions against certain marijuana-involved conduct. For example:

• Possession of more than 30 grams = Class A misdemeanor with a possible one year in jail and $2,500 in fines
• Possession of 100 to 500 grams = Class 4 felony with a possible three years in prison and fines up to $25,000
• Possession of 500 to 2,000 grams = Class 3 felony with a possible five years in prison and fines up to $25,000
• Possession of 2,000 to 5,000 grams = Class 2 felony with a possible seven years in prison and fines up to $25,000
• Possession of over 5,000 grams = Class 1 felony with a possible 15 years in prison and fines up to $25,000
• Selling marijuana without a license = Ranges from a Class B misdemeanor for minimal amounts to a Class X felony for major drug traffickers
• Delivery of any amount of marijuana – no matter how small – on school grounds can be either a misdemeanor or felony charges

Sentences can be increased for anyone accused of delivering marijuana to a minor. There are also additional charges for unlawful cultivation, concentrate possession over the legal amount, and more. Many people assume they do not have to worry about marijuana charges due to the changing laws, though this is not the case. 

Drug Use and Possession Penalties in Illinois: Other Drugs

Illinois classifies heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD/acid together. Here are some of the penalties relating to possession for this class of drugs:

• Possession of 15 to 100 grams is a felony with a penalty of four to 15 years in prison and a $200,000 fine
• You can ultimately serve up to 50 years in a penitentiary for possessing over 900 grams of a drug in this class
• Possession of any amount of an anabolic steroid can lead to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $1,500
• Possessing over 200 grams of peyote, barbituric acid, or amphetamine or possessing over 30 grams of methaqualone, pentazocine, or phencyclidine both have a penalty of up to 15 years in a penitentiary and/or a fine of $200,000

Selling or intending to sell drugs can lead to between 6 months in jail to 15 years in a penitentiary and fines of $1,500 to $250,000.

Drug Charge? Call a Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney ASAP

Sabuco Beck, experienced drug defense lawyers in Joliet, Illinois, can fight back with you against drug charges. Contact us today for a consultation and the best chance for a swift and fair outcome.