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The Second Amendment guarantees that every American citizen has the right to bear arms. However, that right has its limits. In Illinois, state laws govern which kinds of weapons – such as guns – can be carried, where they are carried, and by whom. Due to the complexities of these laws, law-abiding citizens may find themselves facing weapons charges they didn't commit.
If you were recently arrested for weapons charges in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs and counties, Chiapelli Law Offices is committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom from criminal prosecution. Our attorneys have the extensive knowledge of Illinois weapon laws to determine all of your available legal options and obtain the most favorable outcome possible.
Penalties for Unlawful Use of Weapons
In Illinois, an individual commits the crime of unlawful use of weapons (UUW) when he or she possesses a switchblade, ballistic knife, blackjack, bludgeon, brass knuckles, taser, or even broken bottle. A person can also be charged with UUW if he or she carries a pistol, revolver or any other firearm if he or she doesn't possess the proper license or when he or she is not at home or in a place of business. These offenses are considered Class A misdemeanors, punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year and a fine of up to $2,500.
Alas, the state laws regarding guns and firearms are quite complicated. UUW becomes a Class 4 felony if a deadly weapon is possessed in a bar or while wearing a mask or a hood. A Class 4 felony is punishable by a prison sentence of one to three years.
If you possess a gun with a silencer or a shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches long, it becomes a Class 3 felony that is punishable by a prison sentence of two to five years. If you possess a machine gun, it is considered a Class 2 felony that is punishable by a prison sentence of three to seven years. An individual who possesses a machine gun in a motor vehicle commits a Class X felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence of six to 30 years.
Have a Former Prosecutor Help You Today
At Chiapelli Law Offices, we are ready to fight for you in order to get your life back on track. As a former prosecutor, our Chicago criminal defense lawyer can anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case, giving you the upper-hand in the courtroom.