Illinois has notoriously strict and complex gun laws. Even firearm owners who mean to comply with the law can find themselves in legal trouble due to an unfamiliar ruling or misunderstood law. If you are a gun owner or intend to purchase a firearm and have questions regarding the law in Illinois you should consult with an experienced attorney to be certain you are not breaking any laws.
In order to purchase a gun in Illinois you are required to possess a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID). You must keep this card on your person when transporting a firearm in your vehicle, and the weapon must be unloaded and stored in a closed case. Violating these and other Illinois gun laws can result in misdemeanor or even felony criminal charges depending on the severity of the crime.
If you are facing charges for a weapons offense in Illinois you will need the help of a knowledgeable Naperville gun charge lawyer. A conviction for even a single criminal charge can result in severe penalties including steep fines and jail time. Work with an experienced Naperville criminal defense attorney at our firm to ensure you have the best possible defense and your rights are protected throughout your case. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation!
What Are Naperville's Gun Laws?
Illinois has earned a reputation nationwide for its strict gun control laws. Even following the dissolution of its firearms ban in 2010, Illinois is extremely restrictive compared to most other states. You will need to be particularly careful if you are licensed to carry, as the state prohibits the possession of firearms on a number of types of property.
If you are caught carrying a gun in a government building, school, airport, bus, or large public gathering you will face criminal charges. Our attorneys at Naperville DUI Lawyer are equipped to help in these circumstances.
Following gun laws in Illinois means being aware of not only state-level regulations but also federal law. As a general rule, federal law establishes which firearms are legal to own, and state law regulates the purchase and possession more closely.
In Illinois, this means that fully automatic firearms, armor-piercing ammunition, and suppressors are illegal. You will be required to complete a 72 hour waiting period when purchasing a handgun, and 24 hour waiting period for a shotgun or rifle. Sellers are also required to perform a background check on prospective buyers to ensure they are permitted to own the weapon.
Penalties for Gun Charges
Penalties for weapons charges can vary widely depending on the specifics of your case. On the low end of the spectrum is a Class A misdemeanor charge. This can result in under a year of jail time and a maximum of $2,500 in fines not including court costs. On the more severe side is the Class X felony charge. A conviction on this count carries between 6 and 30 years in prison with no chance of probation, along with fines of up to $25,000, and parole terms for at least 3 years following your release.
What to Do if You Are Facing a Gun Charge
Gun charges of any type are an extremely serious offense in Illinois. They carry severe and life-changing penalties including substantial fines and prison sentences. In fact, many weapons charges in Illinois have a mandatory minimum prison term on conviction. A number of charges, including armed robbery and home invasion, can also receive harsher penalties if a firearm was involved in the initial crime.
At Naperville DUI Lawyers, we know that every case has a unique set of circumstances, and every case deserves tailor-made legal solutions to get the best possible result. From simple FOID card violations, and unlawful possession, to aggravated discharge of a firearm, weapons charges can take many different forms and each will require a different approach in order to keep a conviction from your criminal record.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will know the ins and outs of both state and federal level law regarding firearm possession, as well as what approach will be best for your particular case. A talented criminal defense lawyer from Naperville DUI Lawyers will be able to provide you with aggressive defense representation throughout your case. Call us today or schedule an appointment online for a free initial consultation to see how we can help.