An Illinois man faces criminal charges for cannabis delivery after a sting operation by the Bloomington Police Department, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
Prosecutors indicated that a police informant visited the Illinois man with the intention of purchasing several pounds of cannabis. But this transaction took a wrong turn when the Illinois man became aggressive and restrained the informant in his basement.
As a result of this transaction, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the Illinois man’s home. During the ensuing search, law enforcement confiscated approximately two pounds of cannabis, including:
- 725 grams of edible cannabis;
- 150 grams of flower cannabis; and
- 101 cartridges of cannabis.
At this point, the Illinois man faces criminal charges for several offenses, including the unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Although this case will continue to develop, it seems appropriate to review Illinois laws against and penalties for the delivery of cannabis.
Unlawful Delivery of Cannabis in Illinois
720 ILCS 550/5 describes the Illinois laws against the delivery of cannabis. Unless otherwise authorized by law, Illinois prohibits the delivery or manufacture of cannabis. Similarly, Illinois prohibits the possession of cannabis with intent to deliver or manufacture.
Penalties for Unlawful Delivery of Cannabis in Illinois
Section 5 also outlines the Illinois penalties for the unlawful delivery of cannabis. Any person who violates Section 5 with respect to:
- Up to 2.5 grams of cannabis — Will likely face Class B misdemeanor charges and a potential penalty of six months in jail and up to $1,500 in criminal fines;
- Between 2.5 and 10 grams of cannabis — Will likely face Class A misdemeanor charges and a potential penalty of 12 months in jail and up to $2,500 in criminal fines;
- Between 10 and 30 grams of cannabis — Will likely face Class 4 felony charges and a potential penalty of 12 to 36 months in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines;
- Between 30 and 500 grams of cannabis — Will likely face Class 3 felony charges and a potential penalty of 24 to 60 months in prison and up to $50,000 in criminal fines;
- Between 500 and 2,000 grams of cannabis — Will likely face Class 2 felony charges and a potential penalty of 36 to 84 months in prison and up to $100,000 in criminal fines;
- Between 2,000 and 5,000 grams of cannabis — Will likely face Class 1 felony charges and a potential penalty of 48 months to 15 years in prison and up to $150,000 in criminal fines; or
- More than 5,000 grams of cannabis — Will likely face Class X felony charges and a potential penalty of 72 months to 30 years in prison and up to $200,000 in criminal fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense, all charges are serious. A sound strategy and an aggressive defense are essential for a positive outcome. To protect your rights in such situations, it is highly advisable to retain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Prior Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois, has proven experience in matters of criminal defense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com or by completing an online form.