Marijuana might be legal for recreational purposes in Colorado, but it certainly is not in Illinois. One tobacco shop owner recently got in trouble with the law for allegedly violating our state’s marijuana regulations. Undercover police have accused him and another man of selling pot out of his store.
The smoke shop owner, a 24-year-old man, was arrested charged with possessing and delivering marijuana. According to the sheriff’s office in McHenry County, the owner of the shop and another person sold 28 grams of pot to undercover police on Dec. 22, 2015.
The drug bust was the culmination of a month-long investigation. During the operation, police claim they seized approximately 56 grams of marijuana, alleged drug packing materials, drug paraphernalia, a vehicle, $286 in cash and a digital scale.
The other man, also 24 years of age, was arrested and charged as well. His charges were drug paraphernalia possession, cannabis possession and cannabis delivery.
Both of the accused men were in court on Tuesday to face their charges. One had his bond set to $10,000 and the other to $20,000.
Marijuana delivery and possession charges can result in a serious prison term if individuals accused of the offenses are convicted. However, conviction and punishment will not occur until — and only if — the accused persons are proved to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Until that moment, Illinois residents charged with crimes will have the ability to pursue various criminal defense strategies during their court proceedings.
Although it is possible to represent yourself in a criminal action, it may be preferable to employ the services of a qualified criminal defense attorney. An attorney will know what defense tactics will be most appropriate to employ in your particular case.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Suburban smoke shop owner charged with selling marijuana: police,” Jan. 06, 2016
