In Chicago, gun violence is an epidemic that takes innocent lives every day. To stem the tide of these tragedies, police, and prosecutors aggressively enforce Illinois’ firearms laws, which are some of the strictest in the nation. A conviction for unlawful possession, use, purchase, or sale of firearms or any related offenses can put you behind bars for years and cause problems for you long after you’ve served your time.
If you have been charged with an Illinois firearms offense, you need to take it as seriously as prosecutors do. You need a Chicago defense attorney experienced in Illinois firearms offenses who can vigorously defend your rights, challenge the charges at every turn, and implement a strategy that can get you the best possible outcome.
At Wigell Law Group, we have successfully defended clients against firearms charges for over 40 years. Even if you think your case is hopeless, do not say anything to prosecutors or enter a plea agreement until you’ve spoken with us at your free initial consultation. It could make all the difference to your future.
Possessing a Firearm Is Illegal in Illinois Without a Permit
You cannot legally purchase, own, or possess a firearm in Illinois unless you have a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID). Even if you hold a FOID card, there are limits on how and where you can have a firearm, and it can be easy to inadvertently violate the law when you legally possess a gun. For example, you may have a legal right as a FOID holder to keep a gun in your car, but the law also requires that it be properly encased. If you are pulled over with a legally owned pistol on your passenger seat, uncased and loaded, you will be charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) and face the possibility of jail time and hefty fines.
While some UUW charges are prosecuted as misdemeanors, a conviction can still put you in jail for up to a year. The vast majority of Illinois firearms offenses are felonies that can result in even more time in state prison.
Aggressive Defense Against All Chicago Firearms Charges
Several different statutes apply to firearms in Illinois, and the potential penalties you face will depend on a number of factors and circumstances. These laws are complicated and detailed, and prosecutors may bring more serious charges against you that are unwarranted by the facts of your case. As experienced firearms defense lawyers, we understand the law, know how prosecutors work, and will give you the best chance of defeating or reducing the charges against you.
We aggressively defend our clients against all Illinois firearms crimes including:
- Unlawful use of a weapon
- Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
- Unlawful use of a weapon by a felon
- Aggravated assault with a weapon
- Aggravated discharge of a firearm
- Defacing a weapon (removing serial number)
- Improperly modifying a firearm
Call Wigell Law Group Today for Help With Your Chicago Firearms Charges
For over four decades, individuals charged with Chicago firearms offenses have turned to attorney Raymond Wigell and his dedicated team of legal professionals to protect their rights and their futures. We know how frightening it can be to face the prospect of incarceration and a future burdened by a weapons conviction. That is why we fight so hard for every client we have the privilege to represent.
To schedule your free and confidential initial consultation to discuss your firearms charges, please call us today at 312-548-9250 or use our online contact form.
