Drug Possession

If you are facing Narcotic Drug Possession Offenses in Illinois, you probably already know that you are facing a serious criminal offense that could result in jail time. Illinois drug laws are very tough, and judges are not often sympathetic.

Please contact our defense attorneys now for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal defense options.

(For Marijuana possession charges, please see my marijuana laws and penalties page.)

Drug Possession – Laws & Penalties

It is illegal to possess any amount of Heroin, Cocaine, Morphine, or LSD in Illinois. As the amount increases, so does the severity of the crime, and the possible sentence. With the exception of the smallest possession amount, all crimes are Class 1 Felonies. The statute, however, sets out its own sentencing guidelines. See details below.

It is unlawful for any person knowingly to possess narcotics without a prescription under Illinois criminal statute 720 ILCS 570/402 . The penalties are as follows:

Possession of  Heroin, Cocaine, and Morphine – Penalties

(A)   Less than 15 grams = Class 4 Felony

(B)   Not less than 15 grams, but less than 100 grams = not less than 4 years and not more than 15 years;

(C)   Not less than 100 grams, but less than 400 grams = not less than 6 years and not more than 30 years;

(D)   Not less than 400 grams, but less than 900 grams = not less than 8 years and not more than 40 years;

(E)    Not less than 900 grams = not less than 10 years and not more than 50 years.

* In addition, you may be fined for the street value of the drugs found, or up to $200,000.

Possession of LSD – Penalties

(A)  Not less than 15 grams, but less than 100 grams, or between 15 and 199 pieces/tabs of LSD = not less than 4 years and not more than 15 years;

(B)   Not less than 100 grams, but less than 400 grams, or between 200 and 599 pieces/tabs of LSD = not less than 6 years and not more than 30 years;

(C)  Not less than 400 grams, but less than 900 grams, or between 600 and 1499 pieces/tabs of LSD = not less than 8 years and not more than 40 years;

(D)  Not less than 900 grams, or 1500 or more pieces/tabs of LSD = not less than 10 years and not more than 50 years.

Possession of Anabolic Steroids -Penalties

Illinois law is tough on steroid possession which is an increasingly common charge. Use of anabolic steroids has skyrocketed among everyone from high school athletes and fitness buffs, to those who just want to look their best.

If you made a mistake and got involved with steroids, that doesn’t mean you deserve to be punished with a criminal record. A record will show up on common background checks, and affect future school and career opportunities.

Our defense attorneys can fight to get the charges reduced, and keep your record clean.

If you are convicted of illegal steroid possession, you are facing a Class C misdemeanor charge on a first offense. That could result in a maximum of 30 days in jail and fines of $1500.

If you are facing a second offense possession of steroids charge within 2 years of prior conviction, the penalty is increased to a Class B misdemeanor.

For information on Marijuana charges, please see my marijuana laws and penalties page.