DuPage County Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorneys for Drug Possession Cases in Hinsdale and Westmont

Illinois has adopted increasingly tougher drug laws and sentencing guidelines, resulting in severe penalties for a number of drug offenses. Even a minor marijuana charge can remain on your criminal record and possibly hurt your chances of future employment. College students could face the loss of government financial aid if convicted of a felony or misdemeanor drug possession charge. Worse, you could face prison time for a conviction on narcotics charges, such as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine (meth). If you have been charged or arrested for drug possession of any kind, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands what is at stake and how to improve your case.

Drug Possession Charges in Illinois

Drug possession is typically a felony in Illinois, with a few exceptions. The penalties for drug possession are based on the weight of the drugs in your possession and can increase with aggravating circumstances, such as the presence and discharge of a firearm, a repeat drug offense, or the possession of any illegal drugs near a school, church, park, or movie theater. Some first-time offenders may be eligible for probation and the expungement of their record after five years. Some often-abused drugs and their penalties include:

• Marijuana Possession
  • Possession of 10 grams or less is a civil law violation rather than a criminal charge, and it is punishable by a fine of $100 to $200.
  • Possession of 10-30 grams is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,500 and up to six months in jail.
  • Possession of 30-100 grams is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by a maximum fine of $2,500 and up to one year in jail. A second offense is a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Possession of more than 100 grams is a felony offense, and punishments can range from one to 15 years and jail and up to $25,000 in fines, depending on the amount of marijuana.
• Controlled Substance Possession
  • Possession of substances such as cocaine, heroin, meth, morphine and LSD is a felony charge.
  • Possession of less than 15 grams is a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Possession of more than 15 grams is a Class 1 felony, punishable by fines up to $200,000 and jail time of four to 50 years, depending on the amount of the controlled substance.
  • Possession with intent to manufacture or deliver controlled substances is a Class 1 felony for amounts less than 15 grams, punishable by four to 15 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. For amounts of more than 15 grams, this is a Class X felony, punishable by fines up to $500,000 and jail time of six to 60 years, depending on the amount of the controlled substance.
• Anabolic steroids (often abused by athletes for performance enhancement)
  • Possession of anabolic steroids is Class C misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,500 and up to 30 days in jail.
  • A second offense within two years is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,500 and up to six months in jail.

Call an Elmhurst Drug Possession Defense Attorney

If you are arrested for drug possession, you may be facing jail time, fines, and significant disruption to your life and future. The criminal defense attorneys in the law office of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. have decades of experience defending clients facing a wide range of drug charges. We can guide you through your legal defense options and work to improve your outcome. Contact our DuPage County drug possession attorneys at 630-472-9700 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation. We represent clients in Downers Grove, Wheaton, Hinsdale, Lombard, Burr Ridge, Westchester, Clarendon Hills, and throughout DuPage, Cook, Kane, and Will Counties.