Violations of Illinois Weapons Law
An unlawful use of a weapon conviction potentially wreaks havoc on the future of an individual. Many wrongfully believe that the improper use and ownership of a firearm is the only misbehavior resulting in weapons charges. There is an extensive list of prohibited weapons unrelated to firearms that earn the same charges. Penalties are harsh if convicted of either a UUW or an aggravated UUW. Having aggressive and efficient legal counsel is often the best course of action for navigating this legal area.
Prohibited Weapons List
With a firearm, there are prerequisites to fulfill before being able to legally own a gun. Alternatively, some weapons are prohibited regardless of your background or ability to possess a firearm. Unless you are on a short list of authorized individuals, the following weapons are banned from possession and ownership in the state of Illinois:
- Bombs,
- Grenades,
- Machine guns,
- Explosive bullets,
- Silencers,
- Tear gas,
- Poison gas,
- Switchblades,
- Ballistic knives except for certain bows,
- Throwing stars,
- Metal knuckles,
- Sand clubs,
- Blackjacks, and
- Bludgeons.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon Penalties
If the prosecution can prove the sale, manufacture, purchase, possession or carrying of any of the above listed forbidden weapons, harsh penalties can ensue. Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the cases in which the surrounding circumstances affect the severity of the punishment. Based on the situation in which the incident occurred, the outcome can range from a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of $2,500.00 to a Class X felony which has penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.00. Situations that may result in a more severe outcome include the location of the incident. Courts more harshly punish weapons holders discovered at:
- A school or university,
- A courthouse,
- A public housing development,
- A municipal park, or
- A public bus or school bus.
Let Us Fight for You
If officers discovered a prohibited weapon on your body, in your car, or anywhere other than a fixed location in which you own, you face serious potential consequences. With the assistance of a skilled and proven attorney, beneficial evidence can be used to lessen or, in some cases, dismiss the charges. If you are interested in discussing the best possible outcome and finding out how to achieve these goals, contact a Lombard, IL weapons charges defense attorney by calling Stringini & Garvey, P.C. today at 630-834-9595. We utilize over 65 years of experience to defend our clients in Maywood, Glendale Heights, Lombard, Bloomingdale, and all surrounding Chicagoland areas.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K24-1.6
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K24-1
