Busted - Class B Misdemeanor

I'm over 21 and was recently busted. I ran from the cops too, which was stupid. They caught me with 2.5 grams and an open bottle of liquor(which I wasn't charged). The cops were laughing and joking the whole time and just seemed bored. I was asked a bunch of questions, not just name and address, but they never read me my Miranda Rights. While I was being booked however, the booking officer said my case will probably be dismissed since it was my first offense and I'm 'clean cut' looking. He even said herbals should be legal. I've only been in Illinois for a few months, and was planning to leave soon for school. However, booking officer also told me if I bone out of Chicago, they won't really give a crap since it's just a misdemeanor. But I've heard misdemeanors coming back to haunt people years later, plus I want the misdemeanor off my record just in case. I'm a broke student relying on financial aid, FAFSA asks you if you've been convicted of possession. Anyone saavy on Illinois cannabis laws and lawyers? Any info will be cool.

Possession of 2.5 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. Possession of greater than 2.5 grams is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. Possession of greater than 10 grams is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

All possession of greater than 30 grams is considered a felony. Possession of greater than 30 grams is punishable by 1 - 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. For a subsequent conviction, the penalty increases to 2 - 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. For possession of greater than 500 grams, the penalty is 2 - 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. For possession of greater than 2,000 grams the penalty is 3 - 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. For any possession of an amount greater than 5,000 grams the penalty is 4 - 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

The cultivation of no more than five marijuana plants is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Cultivation of more than five plants is a felony, punishable by 1 - 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Cultivation of more than 20 plants is punishable by 2 - 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. The penalty for cultivation of more than 50 plants is 3 - 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Casual delivery of marijuana is treated as possession.....more