Exclusively Practicing
Criminal Defense for
Two Decades
Criminal Defense for
Two Decades
Possession of Cannabis
Illinois State Law Penalties for Possession of Cannabis
Possession
Under Illinois law it is unlawful for any person to possess cannabis. the State must prove that the person knowingly possessed the substance.
The Penalties Under Statute 720 Ilcs 550/4 Vary Depending on Quantity and Prior Criminal History.
| Quantity of Cannabis (grams) | Quantity of Cannabis (pounds) | Statute | Offense Classification | Potential Sentence | Extended Term | Fine up to | Mandatory Assessment | Probation Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 2.5 grams | 0.001 – 0.006 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(a) | Class C Misdemeanor | 1 – 30 Days | none | $1,500 | $200 | yes |
| 2.5 – 10 grams | 0.006 – 0.022 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(b) | Class B Misdemeanor | 1 – 180 Days | none | $1,500 | $200 | yes |
| 10 – 30 grams | 0.022 – 0.066 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(c) | Class a Misdemeanor | 1 – 364 Days | none | $2,500 | $300 | yes |
| 10 – 30 grams with a prior cannabis conviction | 0.022 – 0.066 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(c) | Class 4 Felony | 1 – 3 Years | up to 6 years | >$25,000 | $500 | yes |
| 30 – 500 grams | 0.066 – 1.102 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(d) | Class 4 Felony | 1 – 3 Years | up to 6 years | $25,000 | $500 | yes |
| 30 – 500 grams with a prior cannabis conviction | 0.066 – 1.102 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(d) | Class 3 Felony | 2 – 5 Years | up to 10 years | $25,000 | $500 | yes |
| 500 – 2,000 grams | 1.102 – 4.409 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(e) | Class 3 Felony | 2 – 5 Years | up to 10 years | $25,000 | $500 | yes |
| 2,000 – 5,000 grams | 4.409 – 11.023 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(f) | Class 2 Felony | 3 – 7 Years | up to 14 years | $25,000 | $1,000 | yes |
| 5,000 plus grams | more than 11.023 pounds | 720 ILCS 550/4(g) | Class 1 Felony | 4 – 15 Years | up to 30 years | $25,000 | $2,000 | yes |
Violations for Offenders Under 18 Years Old: 720 Ilcs 550/7
Any person under 18 years of age who violates this Act may be treated by the court as a juvenile, when normally they would have to be under 17 years of age to be treated as a juvenile.