{"id":373088,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-drug-possession-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-28T09:22:13","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T14:22:13","slug":"illinois-drug-possession-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-drug-possession-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Drug Possession Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Illinois Drug Possession Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 28, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>In 1971, Illinois took steps to combat the rising use of drugs and their negative fallout. Lawmakers in the State of Illinois passed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilga.gov\/legislation\/ilcs\/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illinois Controlled Substances Act<\/a>. This law criminalizes the possession, manufacture, and delivery of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/controlled-substances-act-csa-overview.html\">controlled substances<\/a>, counterfeit substances, and analogs of controlled substances.<\/p>\r\n<p>A controlled substance analog is one with a chemical structure and effect substantially similar to Schedule I, Schedule II, and Schedule III drugs. Many of these illegal drugs are synthetics of regular controlled substances. Illegal drug manufacturers make synthetic versions of heroin and methamphetamine because they\u2019re cheaper to make, and most drug users can\u2019t tell that they\u2019re man-made.<\/p>\r\n<p>Here, we\u2019ll discuss Illinois drug possession laws and the penalties you\u2019ll face with a felony conviction. We will also provide a breakdown of drug possession charges and the possible penalties according to weight.<\/p>\r\n<p>You should be familiar with Illinois drug laws if you&#8217;re facing drug charges. If the state convicts you of drug possession, you\u2019ll face a possible prison sentence and hefty fines. The penalties will be even more significant if you have a prior criminal record.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Drug Possession vs. Possession with Intent to Distribute<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Not all drug possession charges are the same. Illinois recognizes two distinct crimes stemming from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-possession-overview.html\">unlawful possession<\/a> of a controlled substance:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Mere possession of a controlled substance or analog<\/li>\r\n<li>Possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture or deliver<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The second offense carries harsher penalties. Illinois law reflects their serious stance against drug trafficking. If the state convicts you of drug trafficking, you\u2019ll face significant jail time and heavy fines.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Elements of a Drug Possession Charge<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The prosecution must prove the following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/blotter\/2015\/03\/who-has-the-burden-of-proof-3-things-you-should-know.html\">beyond a reasonable doubt<\/a> to convict you of drug possession:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The identity of the substance in question and proving it&#8217;s an illegal drug<\/li>\r\n<li>That the defendant knew they possessed the substance<\/li>\r\n<li>The substance was in their immediate and exclusive control (actual or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/blotter\/2014\/12\/what-is-constructive-possession.html\">constructive possession<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Constructive possession means that while you may not have physical possession of the drugs or paraphernalia, you still have control over it. Having the key to a lockbox containing drugs is considered constructive possession. So is having a friend hold the drugs for you. In either case, law enforcement can still arrest you for possession of whichever type of drug you&#8217;re responsible for.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Illinois Drug Possession Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>You can learn more about drug possession laws in Illinois by reviewing the information in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Illinois Drug Possession Code Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>Illinois Revised Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p>Illinois Statutes (ILCS)<b> <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/il\/chapter-720-criminal-offenses\/il-st-sect-720-570-402.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a7570\/402<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Possible Drug Possession Penalties In Illinois<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>Heroin<\/b> (Class 1 felony): A fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 15 and 99 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between four and 15 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 100 and 399 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between six and 30 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 400 and 899 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between eight and 40 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Over 900 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between ten and 50 years<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Cocaine<\/b> (Class 1 felony): A fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 15 and 99 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between four and 15 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 100 and 399 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between six and 30 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 400 and 899 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between eight and 40 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Over 900 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between ten and 50 years<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Morphine<\/b> (Class 1 felony): A fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 15 and 99 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between four and 15 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 100 and 399 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between six and 30 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 400 and 899 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between eight and 40 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Over 900 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between ten and 50 years<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Peyote<\/b> (Class 1 felony for over 199 grams): Between four and 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Barbituric Acid\/Salts<\/b> (Class 1 felony for over 199 grams): Between four and 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Amphetamine<\/b> (Class 1 felony for over 199 grams): Between four and 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines<\/p>\r\n<p><b>LSD<\/b> (Class 1 felony): A fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment as follows:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 15 and 99 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between four and 15 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 100 and 399 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between six and 30 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Between 400 and 899 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between eight and 40 years<\/li>\r\n<li><i><b>Over 900 grams<\/b><\/i>: Between ten and 50 years<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Pentazocine, Methaqualone, Phencyclidine, and Ketamine<\/b> (Class 1 felony for possession of 30g or more): Between four and 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Anabolic Steroids<\/b> (Class C misdemeanor): Up to 30 days in prison and a fine of up to $1,500<\/p>\r\n<p><b>Other Substances Not Listed in Statute<\/b> (Class 4 felony): Between one and three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p><b>Possible Defenses Against Drug Possession Charges in Illinois<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><ul>\r\n<li>Lack of knowledge<\/li>\r\n<li>Illegal search and seizure<\/li>\r\n<li>The drug isn\u2019t a controlled substance<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ilga.gov\/legislation\/publicacts\/fulltext.asp?Name=097-0678\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Good Samaritan exemption<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>The defendant has a valid prescription for the medication\/drug (oxycodone\/codeine)<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical use exemption (cannabis\/marijuana)<\/li>\r\n<li>Infancy (for persons under 13 years old)<\/li>\r\n<li>Insanity<\/li>\r\n<li>Duress or compulsion<\/li>\r\n<li>Entrapment<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer:<\/b> Illinois laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/illinois\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>criminal defense attorney<\/i><\/a><i> or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Get Professional Help With Your Drug Possession Case<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>As you can see from Illinois&#8217; drug possession laws, you\u2019ll face severe penalties if the police catch you with any amount. The laws are particular, which means that one gram of a controlled substance could mean the difference between eight years and 50 years in prison. You also might run afoul of federal laws.<\/p>\r\n<p>Contact a skilled <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/illinois\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense lawyer<\/a> at a law office near you if you&#8217;re facing drug charges. Your drug crime lawyer can help fight your felony charges and work hard to get an acquittal or negotiate a favorable plea.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Related Resources for Illinois Drug Possession Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-charges.html\">Drug Charges<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-drug-distribution-laws.html\">Illinois Drug Distribution Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-drug-manufacturing-laws.html\">Illinois Drug Manufacturing Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Illinois Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            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1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span 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<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Drug possession laws often focus on the amount the accused was carrying and if that could be considered as intent to sell. 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