Federal Weapons Offenses

Chicago Gun Lawyer – Federal & State Law

Weapons Offenses in Illinois

Josh Adams is a Chicago criminal lawyer who has successfully defended individuals charged with state and federal crimes in the Illinois area. Serious offenses, such as weapons and gun offenses need a serious and experienced Chicago criminal lawyer, like Joshua Adams.  \

Contact the Chicago law firm today for help with your gun and weapons offense. Call us at 312-566-9173 or fill out the FREE Case Evaluation.

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The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but that right is not unlimited. In Illinois, state laws govern what sorts of weapons, including guns, can be carried, by whom, and where. Compared to many other states, Illinois has fairly restrictive gun laws.

Gun Permits and Licenses to Carry

In Illinois, you must have a license, known as a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card, in order to purchase a gun. Until 2012, state law prohibited carrying a gun (openly or concealed)outside of one’s home, but a federal appellate court decided that the law violated the Second Amendment and struck it down. (Moore v. Madigan, 702 F.3d 933 (7th Cir. 2012).) In 2013, Illinois enacted a new law permitting people to carry concealed weapons with a license. (430 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 66/1 et seq.)

Convicted Felons

In Illinois, people who have been convicted of felonies are barred from obtaining a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card, and without this card, a person cannot obtain a concealed weapon permit or carry a weapon. (430 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 65/8, 66/25.)

Prohibited Weapons

Illinois law prohibits a number of weapons, including:

  • bludgeons

  • blackjacks

  • slungshots

  • sand clubs and sand bags

  • metal knuckles

  • throwing stars

  • switchblades and ballistic knives

  • tear gas and poison gas (except pepper spray)

  • silencers

  • explosive bullets

  • machine guns

  • sawed-off shotguns, and

  • bombs and grenades.

There are exceptions for hunting, trapping, and target shooting, and for law enforcement officers, correctional officers, military personnel, security guards, private detectives, and probation officers. (720 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/20-2, 5/24-1, 5/24-2.)

Bars and What Not To Wear

It is a crime in Illinois to possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a place that sells alcoholic beverages or to carry a gun, ballistic knife, or stun gun while hooded or masked. (720 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/24-1.)

Punishment

Depending on the circumstances, possession of a prohibited weapon may be anything from a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500) to a Class X felony (punishable by six to 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000). The crime is punished more severely if the weapon is possessed in a school (including a university), courthouse, public housing development, or park; or on a public bus or school bus.

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Contact a Chicago Gun Criminal Attorney

Law Offices of Joshua Adams

53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 1651
Chicago, IL 60604
312-566-9173