Mundelein cuts drug fine

Mundelein officials have reduced the fine for people convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia. The new ordinance, approved by the village board Monday, states that "a person who knowingly possesses an item of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it ... is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor" and will be fined a minimum of $100 for a first-time offender, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third or subsequent offense. Before the change, Mundelein's fines mirrored the state law and charged a minimum of $750 for possession of drug paraphernalia. Officials said they felt that fine was too high compared to the $100 fine for minimal possession of marijuana charged by the village. "It was out of balance so we brought the paraphernalia line closer to the drug possession line," assistant village administrator Mike Flynn said. "It brought the two in line with the severity of the charge."