Since Illinois legalized recreational cannabis on Jan. 1, 2020, the industry has been booming. In fact, the state earned approximately $52 million in tax revenue in the first six months. Since then, more than 50 marijuana recreational and medicinal dispensaries have popped up across the state. The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act is still a relatively new law that some people may find confusing. If you live in Illinois, it is important to know the laws regarding the purchase, use, and transportation of marijuana. Violating cannabis-related laws can lead to drug charges. 

Cannabis Laws in Illinois

In some ways, cannabis laws parallel alcohol laws in Illinois. You have to be a certain age to possess and use marijuana. You cannot smoke or consume marijuana while operating a vehicle and driving under the influence of marijuana can lead to DUI charges. With that said, let’s get into specifics. 

If you are an Illinois resident and are 21 years of age or older, you can buy cannabis and cannabis products from a licensed seller. However, there are limitations to how much cannabis you can have. You may possess up to 30 grams of marijuana flower, which is about two handfuls, 5 grams of concentrated cannabis, or edibles infused with 500 milligrams of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If you are a 21-year-old non-Illinois resident, the numbers for possession change. You can have 15-grams of marijuana flower, 25 milligrams of THC-infused products, or 2.5 grams of cannabis concentrate. 

With the new school year just around the corner, police will be on the lookout for speeders and other dangerous behavior on the roadway. It is not only a way to keep school zones safe, but also a way to raise awareness of traffic laws in general. Perhaps, one of the most common traffic violations you may encounter is speeding. The consequences of speeding in a school zone can be particularly harsh.

Speeding In A School Zone

Under Illinois law, you could be ticketed for driving faster than 20 miles per hour through a school zone during a school day. The law is fairly straightforward, but like most things, the devil is in the details. 

According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, a school is defined as a public or private building meant for primary, secondary, or nursery school. However, there must also be signage posted to designate the area around the school as a school zone. 

If you have been charged with sexual assault, you are likely dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety. These charges and the effect they can have on your freedom and future can be frightening. Sexual assault carries severe penalties in Illinois. A first-time offender faces a Class 1 felony offense, which is punishable with a prison term of four to 15 years. Those with a prior sexual assault conviction will face a Class X felony, which carries between six and 30 years in prison. Getting convicted of this crime can also have a detrimental effect on your professional and personal relationships.

Steps to Take If Charged with Sexual Assault

If you are facing a sexual assault charge in Illinois, it is important to take quick action. The steps you take immediately afterward can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case:

• Do not speak to the police. Once you have been charged with sexual assault, the police may want to ask you questions about your case. However, you are under no obligation to talk to any law enforcement official. In fact, speaking to the police could make things worse for you. They may try to use what you said against you in court. Instead, tell the police that you do not want to speak to them without a lawyer.
• Gather evidence. Having the proper evidence may help your attorney build a defense against these charges. Begin collecting as much information as you can that relates to the case, such as text messages, emails, receipts, and other records that can show where you were at the time of the incident. If you have any witnesses who can verify you were at a different location when the alleged crime took place, obtain their names and contact information.
• Hire a lawyer. A sexual assault charge is not something you want to go through on your own. It carries severe consequences that can negatively affect your life for many years. It is important to hire a criminal lawyer who specializes in defending those accused of sexual assault. The attorney can help you build a strong defense, protect your rights, and improve your chance of a favorable outcome.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Criminal Lawyer

If you are facing a sexual assault charge, a dedicated Rolling Meadows, IL criminal attorney can help. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law has more than 20 years of experience defending people in legal trouble and is here to assist you. Call 847-253-3400 to schedule a free consultation.

Getting charged with drug possession in Illinois is bad enough. Depending on the type of drugs that are in your possession, you may face jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, if your drug possession charges get elevated to possession with intent to deliver, you face even harsher consequences. If you are currently in this situation, it is critical to avoid talking to the police and consult a skilled lawyer promptly.

Drug Possession Charges with an Intent to Deliver

In some cases, the police may decide to raise a regular drug possession charge to possession with intent to deliver charge. Here are a few types of evidence the police can use to prove that you intended to deliver a controlled substance:

• The drugs are in bags
• You have items frequently used to sell drugs in your possession, such as scales
• You have a large amount of drugs in your possession
• You have large amounts of cash lying around

A criminal lawyer may be able to come up with several defenses to fight your charges. For instance, you may have not known you had the drugs in your possession or the evidence against you was obtained through an illegal search.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), the prosecuting attorney may offer you a plea deal. A plea deal involves pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for lighter penalties. For example, you may be able to plead guilty to reckless driving and avoid a drunk driving conviction. A conviction for DUI carries penalties that you may be able to avoid by pleading guilty to a lesser criminal offense, however, it is ultimately up to the prosecutor’s discretion to offer a plea deal or plea bargain. An experienced DUI defense attorney can help you understand all of your legal options and choose the course of action that is most likely to reduce the penalties you face.

Things to Think About Before Taking a Plea Deal

If you have been accused of drinking and driving, you may be tempted to accept the prosecutor’s plea deal to resolve your case as quickly as possible and get on with your life. However, it is important to remember that:

• Your auto insurance company may raise your premiums. If you accept a plea bargain for a DUI, there is still a good chance your insurance company may increase your car insurance payments. Having a reckless driving conviction on your record can cause your payments to increase significantly.
• If you failed a breathalyzer, your license will still be suspended even if you avoid conviction. Illinois imposes automatic administrative penalties when a driver fails a chemical blood alcohol test such as a breathalyzer. So, you may lose your license even if you avoid conviction for DUI. Losing your driving privileges can make it nearly impossible to get to work and fulfill other important responsibilities. You may have to depend on your family members and friends to drive you places until your license suspension ends.
• You may still have a conviction on your record. Even if a prosecutor allows you to plead down to a lesser charge, a criminal conviction may still show up on background checks. This can make it more difficult to get a job or secure housing in the future.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL DUI Attorney

If you are facing a DUI charge, consider speaking to a Rolling Meadows, IL DUI lawyer for legal guidance. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law has extensive experience handling DUI cases and may review your case and advise you on the best way to proceed. To schedule a free consultation, call 847-253-3400.