In Illinois, drug charges are punished according to the type of drug that is in the accused’s possession. The quantity also defines the severity of the penalties applied. The information below provides some details about the penalties for these infractions that can be assessed by a drug crime law firm.
Convictions for Marijuana Possession
Possession of fewer than 2.5 grams of marijuana presents a fine of around $1,500 with a jail sentence of thirty days. The sentence for between 2.5 and 10 grams presents the same fine as a conviction for 2.5 grams; however, the individual spends six months in county lockup. The sentence for quantities between 10 and 30 grams is one year in county lockup and a fine of no more than $2,500. The sentence for values between 30 and 500 grams is up to three years in prison with a fine no higher than $25,000. The conviction for between 500 and 2,000 grams is no more than five years in prison and a fine that doesn’t exceed $25,000.
A conviction of quantities between 2,000 and 5,000 grams and possession of any quantity over 5,000 grams incur fines of no more than $25,000. The conviction for between 500 and 2,000 grams is no more than five years in prison and a fine that doesn’t exceed $25,000. However, the lower quantities lead to 7 years in prison, while quantities over 5,000 grams lead to 15 years in prison.
Penalties for Prescription Forgery
The fines for any defendant convicted of prescription forgery is a maximum of $100,000. The sentence for this first offense is no more than three years in prison. The next conviction presents a $200,000 fine. The prison sentence ranges up to five years.
In Illinois, defendants charged with drug crimes are sentenced to prison if the infraction qualifies as a felony. These penalties can present them with difficulties when applying for jobs. They can also prevent them from acquiring federal student loans for college.
