Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Fighting Charges for Illegal Sale of Marijuana in DuPage County, Illinois
Illinois has made significant changes to its cannabis laws, but selling marijuana without a license is still a crime. In DuPage County, authorities prosecute unlicensed marijuana sales aggressively, and individuals caught selling cannabis face misdemeanor or felony charges. The penalties for these offenses depend on the amount of marijuana involved and whether aggravating factors, such as selling near a school, are present.
The legal system in Illinois does not take marijuana distribution lightly, and a conviction can have lasting effects. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we represent individuals accused of marijuana-related crimes, working to secure the best possible outcome.
Illinois Laws on Marijuana Sales and Criminal Charges
Illinois law permits the sale of marijuana only by licensed dispensaries, and any unauthorized sale is considered illegal under 720 ILCS 550/5. If an individual is found selling marijuana outside of the state-regulated system, law enforcement can charge them with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the quantity.
For less than 10 grams, the charge is a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential jail time and fines. Sales involving 10-30 grams lead to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.
If the amount sold exceeds 30 grams, felony charges apply. Selling 30-500 grams is classified as a Class 4 felony, resulting in 1 to 3 years in prison. Larger amounts result in more severe charges, with sales of over 5,000 grams leading to 4 to 15 years in prison under a Class 1 felony.
If a person is accused of selling marijuana near a school, public park, or to minors, they face enhanced sentencing under Illinois law. These additional penalties may include extended prison sentences and fines of up to $25,000.
How Law Enforcement Investigates Marijuana Distribution Cases
Law enforcement agencies use multiple tactics to investigate illegal marijuana sales. Undercover police officers often make controlled buys to gather direct evidence of distribution. Informants may provide information, leading to surveillance operations. Phone records, text messages, and social media communications are often reviewed to track potential drug transactions.
Once law enforcement has gathered enough evidence, they may conduct an arrest and seize property they believe is connected to illegal activity. The accused will then face formal charges in court, where the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a sale took place.
Potential Defenses to Illegal Sale of Marijuana Charges
A strong legal defense may focus on constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches or entrapment. Law enforcement must follow strict guidelines when conducting investigations, and any failure to do so can result in evidence being thrown out. In some cases, a defense attorney may argue that there was no intent to sell, or that the marijuana was for personal use rather than distribution.
Fighting an illegal marijuana sale charge is essential to protecting your rights and future. An experienced defense attorney will challenge weak evidence, question law enforcement tactics, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact a DuPage County Underage Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer Today
If you or your child has been charged with underage possession of marijuana in DuPage County, it’s critical to have a strong defense attorney on your side. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Illinois, don’t wait to secure legal representation. We provide personalized attention, aggressive defense strategies, and a commitment to achieving the best possible results. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance through every step of the legal process.
The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg provides aggressive legal representation for those accused of a drug crime in DuPage County and throughout Illinois. We offer free consultations 24/7 to discuss your case and legal options. Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for dedicated defense in DuPage County, Cook County, Will County, Lake County, and the greater Chicago area.
