Orland Park Weapons Crimes Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Charges Related to Possession or Use of Firearms in Orland Park, IL

Recent years have seen a significant push for stricter gun laws both nationwide and in Illinois. With gun violence being an ongoing issue, legislators and the public alike have been advocating for more stringent measures to reduce violent incidents. Because of this, prosecutors in Illinois are very strict when it comes to the prosecution of gun crimes. It is critical for anyone facing weapons charges to understand the potential consequences they may face and take steps to defend against a conviction with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Types of Weapons Charges in Illinois

Weapons offenses in Illinois may include a wide range of charges, and they can lead to severe penalties that can impact both your personal and professional life. A conviction for a gun crime will not only jeopardize your freedom, but it will also leave a lasting mark on your criminal record, which can limit your future employment opportunities. Additionally, a gun crime conviction on your record may serve as an alert and warning to police who stop you for even a minor traffic violation, and it could potentially lead to more serious issues and criminal charges. For instance, if the police know that you have been convicted of a weapons offense, that knowledge could justify a search of your person for the safety of the officer. Any time the police are allowed to search a person, the potential for being charged with a crime increases.

A gun crime can be a misdemeanor – where the maximum sentence of incarceration is 364 days in county jail – or a felony – where, if a person is sentenced to jail time, the minimum jail sentence is one year in the state penitentiary. No matter what the charge, it is important that you have an experienced attorney representing you when you are charged with a gun crime. At Issa Law, LLC, we can assist with charges including:

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW): This charge can arise in various circumstances, including carrying a firearm without a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card or carrying a concealed weapon without the proper concealed carry license. The penalties for UUW can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense, such as the location of the offense (e.g., on school grounds), the presence of any prior convictions, and whether the weapon was loaded.
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: These charges may arise when a person is found in possession of a firearm when they are prohibited from doing so. Possession of a firearm by a felon is a serious offense and is typically charged as a felony. Other related charges may include possession of a stolen firearm or possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number.
• Unlawful Purchase of a Firearm: This charge may apply in situations where a person attempts to buy a firearm without the necessary legal qualifications or uses fraudulent means to obtain a firearm. This includes purchasing a firearm on behalf of someone who is prohibited from owning one, often referred to as a "straw purchase." Illinois law imposes strict regulations on firearm transactions, and violating these laws can result in serious criminal charges.
• Unlawful Sale or Delivery of a Firearm: This offense involves selling or transferring a firearm to someone who is not legally allowed to possess it. This charge is serious and can apply to both private individuals and licensed firearm dealers who fail to comply with state and federal regulations. In Illinois, sellers must ensure that buyers have a valid FOID card and must also adhere to waiting periods and background check requirements.
• Reckless Discharge: If a person fires a gun in a manner that endangers the safety of others, they may face criminal charges. This can occur in various scenarios, such as firing a gun in a public place, during a confrontation, or even in a celebratory manner without regard for public safety. Reckless discharge is taken very seriously in Illinois, as it poses a direct threat to the lives of others.

For those who face weapons charges, our firm can help determine whether they qualify for the First Time Weapon Offender Program. This program may allow a person to avoid a conviction by completing a period of probation and meeting other legal requirements.

Contact Our Will County Weapons Charges Attorney

If you are facing charges related to the possession of firearms or the use of a weapon, Issa Law, LLC can help you defend against a conviction. Contact us at 708-966-2408 for a consultation.