controlled substance

How Does Illinois Address Possession of a Controlled Substance?

July 29, 2022
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The unlawful possession of illegal drugs is an exceedingly common charge in Illinois. Referred to legally as controlled substances, possession crimes involving these drugs can be extremely serious for an alleged offender. A guilty verdict can result in stringent penalties under Illinois law, up to and including jail or prison time and hefty criminal fines. […]

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Illinois felonies result in conviction despite fact that offender has no criminal background

April 21, 2022
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NOTE: This article was updated to reflect 2019 changes to Illinois law with passage of Public Act 101-593. This change became effective on December 4, 2019, updating various statutes addressing marijuana and related offenses. A person with no experience in the criminal justice system will see that the courts make a distinction between felony and […]

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What is the law in Illinois on possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver?

August 26, 2021
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NOTE: This article includes new materials to illuminate how the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) changed Illinois law on January 1, 2020. Since that time, it is legal to possess and use cannabis for recreational purposes in Illinois. Though possession of cannabis with intent to deliver remains a criminal offense. Illinois courts […]

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What are the Illinois Laws Against Possession of Controlled Substances?

August 29, 2019

In the interest of public health and safety, the State of Illinois prohibits most people from possessing controlled substances, such as heroin, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (the Act), which is codified as 720 ILCS 570/1 et seq., any person who possesses a controlled substance without authorization is subject […]

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New Illinois law criminalizes possession of bath salts, K2 and Spice

July 22, 2011
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Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed a law on July 22, 2011 that makes it a criminal offense to possess bath salts. Bath salts are also known as MDPV, and cause a hallucinogenic experience with the user. A woman in downstate Illinois died from an overdose of bath salts within the last year. Illinois is now […]

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A summary of Illinois drug laws

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The criminal offense of possession of drugs in Illinois has two categories: Possession of cannabis (ie, marijuana). This offense is governed by 720 ILCS 550/4. Possession of a controlled substance. The law for controlled substances is 720 ILCS 570/402. All illegal drugs that are not cannabis are classified as controlled substances. For example, the crime […]

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What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Illinois?

March 6, 2010
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When a person is arrested for DUI, the police officer will provide him with a Uniform Traffic Ticket. The ticket is written by hand and specifies the section(s) of the DUI statute the defendant is accused of violating. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is set forth in 625 ILCS 5/11-501. There may […]

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