Weapon & Gun Charges Lawyer

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Chicago boasts moderate gun-ownership law, and this holds especially true when compared with laws in other states around the country. The right of individual citizens to bear arms is, in fact, an important part of the Illinois state constitution. With that said, it should not be assumed that abusing the right to bear arms will be met with no consequences. In fact, Chicago is home to some rather stringent punishments against individuals who abuse or misuse their arms, be it a gun or another type of weapon, in any way. And should you find yourself charged with a crime related to weapons in Illinois, you need to understand that you could be facing steep fines, serious jail time, and even a lifetime with a criminal record.

 

If the above worries you, as it rightly should, then it’s time to reach out to an experienced attorney. The Law Firm of Dan Florey offers his clients over 20 years of experience in fighting for the rights of individuals in the court and legal systems. He understands Chicago law and will stop at nothing to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.

 

Weapons and Gun Charges Attorney

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What exactly is considered a “weapon” under Chicago law? Well, there are several examples. The state of Illinois, for example, defines a deadly weapon as an object that could potentially be used in a way that might cause death, or an object that is specifically qualified by the law as being a deadly weapon, including:

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• Knife

• Firearm

• Poison

 

This means that in addition to the three weapons explicitly listed above, a wide variety of things could be considered a deadly weapon under the right circumstances. A broken bottle, pipe, or rock, for example, could all be defined as deadly weapons depending upon their use.

 

Now that you better understand exactly what is considered a weapon under Illinois law, we can take a moment to discuss one of the more expansive weapon-related law in Illinois – the Unlawful Use of Weapons. This statute does not only pertain to the literal use of a weapon but also extends to its possession.

 

You could find yourself facing unlawful use of a weapon charges in Illinois if you do the following while in possession of a weapon:

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• Have been convicted of a felony

• Don’t have a FOIC – Firearm Ownership Identification Card

• Could immediately access a loaded weapon in your vehicle

• Could immediately access ammunition and an unloaded weapon in your vehicle

• Are convicted of a violent misdemeanor

• Are convicted of a misdemeanor drug crime

• Are under the age of 21 (the legal age you must be to own a firearm)

• Engage in gang-related activity

• Violate a protective order

 

Penalties for Weapons and Gun Crimes

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The penalties for gun and weapon crimes in Illinois can range from more lenient sentences like probation to more serious sentences of imprisonment. The exact penalty you face depends heavily upon your criminal history, the exact nature of the charges being brought against you, and the severity of any harm or injuries inflicted upon another person. In order to help avoid these punishments and perhaps end up with a permanent criminal record, it is important to reach out to a skilled lawyer.

 

Contact an experienced weapon & gun charges attorney today!

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If you are facing weapon and gun charges, you owe it to yourself to reach out to an experienced attorney for help. They can help ensure that you do not end up sacrificing your future over a defendable mistake. Take the time to contact The Law Firm of Dan Florey today and ask how he can help represent you and uphold your rights.