If you were arrested or charged with marijuana possession and need a strong legal defense, contact the Champaign criminal defense lawyers at Bruno Law Offices immediately. It’s a serious matter to be accused of a drug crime, and you may be looking at jail time and expensive fines. An arrest may also impact your job, your education options, opportunities for financial aid, and more. We will advocate for your rights and fight for your freedom.

The laws surrounding marijuana possession have been changing dramatically in the U.S. As of January 2020, marijuana is legal in Illinois for adult recreational use. However, there are still many strict laws in place regarding how much marijuana you can legally have, where you can use it, and who you can buy it from.

You can count on the legal team from Bruno Law Offices to work diligently to get the charges against you reduced or even dropped altogether. You shouldn’t have to go through this overwhelming experience alone. We will stay by your side throughout your entire case to provide guidance, support, and advice.

Since 1980, we have been representing people facing criminal prosecution and one of the greatest challenges of their lives. We know what it takes to secure the best outcome in your case, and we’ll leverage all of our know-how and resources to help you.

Our Champaign marijuana possession attorneys are ready to take your call and meet you for an initial consultation. Call us today at (217) 328-6000 to find out more.

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The Legalization of Marijuana in Illinois

In January 2020, new laws legalized the use of cannabis in Illinois. However, despite the ability to legally possess marijuana, there are various restrictions you must follow. The laws that could affect you include the following:

To purchase marijuana, you must be at least 21 years old. Anyone under 21 years of age who purchases marijuana would be doing so illegally.
Illinois residents may purchase no more than 30 grams or one ounce of cannabis plant material.
If you’re a non-resident, you can only purchase half the amount that residents are allowed.
Possessing marijuana on school property or delivering it to a minor is illegal.
Patients with a medical marijuana card can grow no more than five plants.
Cultivators and dispensaries with a valid license can legally sell marijuana.
Smoking or consuming marijuana in open public areas is illegal.
You must have a special transportation license to transport and deliver cannabis.

Breaking any of these laws could result in fines, imprisonment, and other penalties. Illinois takes illegal possession of marijuana seriously and punishes guilty individuals harshly. It’s crucial that you hire a Champaign marijuana possession attorney immediately if you’re arrested for a marijuana-related offense.

What Medical Conditions Are Eligible for the Use of Medical Marijuana?

In 2013, the Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Pilot Program became effective and allowed anyone diagnosed with specific medical conditions to purchase marijuana for medical use. If you carry a valid card, you can visit state-approved dispensaries to buy marijuana and other cannabis products.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, some of the illnesses eligible for a medical marijuana card include:

These are just some examples of the debilitating conditions and diseases you must have to purchase marijuana legally. If you were arrested or charged with possession and have a valid card, you could use that to prove you weren’t breaking the law. Your Champaign marijuana possession attorney will create a defense around it and show evidence that you’re innocent of the charges.

Penalties You Could Face for a Marijuana Possession Conviction

Your punishment will depend on the amount of cannabis in your possession and other contributing factors. Additional fines or jail time could result from other offenses you committed at the time of possession. For instance, if you also assaulted someone, that could add years to your prison sentence.

The following are the charges and penalties for marijuana possession based on the amount:

30 to 100 grams

Class A misdemeanor
Maximum of one year in prison
Up to a $2,500 fine

100 to 500 grams

Class 4 felony
One to three years in prison
Up to a $25,000 fine

500 to 2,000 grams

Class 3 felony
One to five years in prison
Up to a $25,000 fine

2,000 to 5,000 grams

Class 2 felony
Three to seven years in prison
Up to a $25,000 fine

More than 5,000 grams

Class 1 felony
Four to 15 years in prison
Up to a $25,000 fine

You could end up with additional charges if there’s possession with intent to sell, delivery to a minor on school grounds, trafficking, or cultivation. Those consequences are just as harsh as possession and could tack on more years to your imprisonment or a higher fine.

A marijuana possession conviction could also impact your future. You may have difficulty finding adequate employment upon your release from prison and a place to live. It’s something that can affect the rest of your life. An experienced Champaign marijuana possession attorney will work hard to ensure this crime doesn’t ruin your life.

Penalties for Possession of Paraphernalia

Despite laws that legalized marijuana throughout Illinois, there are regulations associated with paraphernalia. Paraphernalia is a product, equipment, or material used to propagate, plant, grow, harvest, cultivate, compound, manufacture, convert, process, prepare, produce, test, retest, contain, store, analyze, inject, seal, inhale, or introduce into the body a controlled substance.

If you’re convicted of paraphernalia possession, you could face a fine and jail time depending on the amount of marijuana used and the offense you committed:

Paraphernalia with under 10 grams of marijuana

Civil violation
$100 to $200 fine

Paraphernalia with over 10 grams of marijuana

Fine between $750 and $2,500
Up to one year in prison

Sale of paraphernalia without proper licensing

Fine between $1,000 and $25,000
Up to five years in prison

Sale of paraphernalia to a pregnant woman or minor child

Fine of $1,000
Up to seven years in prison

Speak to a Dedicated Champaign Marijuana Possession Attorney

Bruno Law Offices has been helping clients like you fight against their criminal charges since 1980. With decades of experience, you can depend on us to create the right plan that reaches your legal goals. We understand you could end up in prison if convicted of marijuana possession. It’s a stressful time in your life, and we’ll help you get through it.

You can depend on us to fight for your rights, explore all options for building a defense, and advocate for your freedom and future. Call Bruno Law Offices today at (217) 328-6000 if you were arrested or charged with marijuana possession and need assistance with your case. Our Champaign marijuana possession attorneys are ready to speak with you.