Chicago Drug Possession Attorney

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At the Law Office of Steven Fine, we understand how important experienced legal representation is when dealing with drug possession charges. These drug crimes are often associated with jail time, expensive fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. Illinois separates it’s controlled dangerous substances into five “schedules” based on their legitimate use in the medical field and their potential for abuse.

These groups are classified as the following:

• Schedule I Drugs –   
  Opiates, opium derivatives and hallucinogenic substances
  • Great potential for abuse
  • Not approved for medical use
  • Unsafe for treatment under medical supervision
• Schedule II Drugs –   
  Coca leaves and opium
  • Great potential for abuse
  • Can result in significant physical and psychological dependence
  • Approved for medical use
• Schedule III Drugs –   
  steroids
  • Less potential for abuse compared to Schedule I or II drugs
  • Can result in low or moderate physical dependence and high psychological dependence
  • Approved medical use
• Schedule IV Drugs –   
  Diazepam
  • Less potential for abuse compared to Schedule III drugs
  • Can result in limited psychological and physical dependence
  • Approved medical use
• Schedule V Drugs –   
  Cannabis
  • Lowest potential for abuse
  • Limited physical or psychological dependence
  • Approved medical use

Penalties: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Penalties for drug possession vary depending on the type and amount in possession during your arrest. Not only is your freedom compromised on a drug possession charge, but this conviction can make the quality of your life very difficult. Class 1 felony possessions are considered the most severe.

The following are the penalties associated with each drug:

• Cocaine, heroin, and morphine
  • 15 to 99 grams – Class 1 felony: four to 15 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
  • 100-399 grams – Class 1 felony: six to 30 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
  • 400-899 grams – Class 1 felony: eight to 40 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
  • 900 grams or more – Class 1 felony: 10 to 50 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
• Amphetamine, barbituric acid, peyote
  • 200 grams or more – Class 1 felony: four to 15 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
• LSD and Methamphetamine
  • 15 to 99 grams – Class 1 felony: four to 15 years with a fine of up to $200,000
  • 100-399 grams – Class 1 felony: six to 30 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
  • 400-899 grams – Class 1 felony: eight to 40 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
  • 900 grams or more – Class 1 felony: 10 to 50 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
• Ketamine, Methaqualone, PCP, Pentazocine
  • 30 grams or more – Class 1 felony: four to 15 years in prison with a fine of up to $200,000
• Cannabis
  • Up to 2.5 grams – Class C misdemeanor: 30 days in jail with a fine of up to $1,500
  • 2.5 to 10 grams – Class B misdemeanor: 6 months in jail with a fine of up to $1,500
  • 10 to 30 grams – Class A misdemeanor: one year in jail with a fine of up to $2,500
    • Second offense results in a Class 4 felony: one to three years in prison with a fine of up to $25,000
  • 30 to 500 grams – Class 4 felony: one to three years in prison with a fine of up to $25,000
    • Second offense results in a Class 3 felony: two to five years in prison with a fine of up to $25,000
  • 500 to 2,000 grams – Class 3 felony: two to five years in prison with a fine of up to $25,000
  • 2,000 to 5,000 grams – Class 2 felony: three to seven years in prison with a fine of up to $25,000
  • 5,000 grams or more – Class 1 felony: four to 15 years with a fine of up to $25,000

If the street value of the drugs is priced higher than the fine, then the fine will be worth the street value.