Bolingbrook Gun Crimes Defense Attorney

Illinois has some of the strictest gun control measures in the country. If you don’t legally own a gun, and you are caught with a firearm, you will likely face felony charges. However, even if you legally own one, you may face charges if you carry it in the wrong place or in the wrong way. That means you should be as familiar as possible with the rules of possession. This will make a big difference if you are arrested for a gun crime in the state. However, even if you know the laws, that isn’t always enough. Once you have been arrested, you can benefit from hiring a Bolingbrook gun crimes defense attorney to protect your rights.

Gun Crimes in Illinois

Illinois Gun Laws Explained by a Bolingbrook Gun Crimes Defense Attorney

The strict gun laws in Illinois equate to many different gun crimes. Except for simple possession without a license, which is a misdemeanor in Illinois, nearly all gun crimes are charged as felonies. If you own a gun or want to own a gun in Illinois, these are the regulations you need to be aware of.

No Constitutional Carry

You must have a permit to carry a gun in Illinois. Illinois is not one of the states that recognize the concept of constitutional carry.

No Open Carry

While most people in Illinois understand that they need a license to legally own a firearm, many may not be aware that the only type of license the state of Illinois allows is a concealed carry license. Only police officers, active military members, and a few other professions are excluded from this rule. This means that, except at times when you are legally brandishing or using your weapon, you are excluded from carrying it visibly.

Violation of this rule can result in a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by up to one year in jail. However, if it is a first-time offense, you are more likely to receive a fine and probation, particularly if you have the assistance of an experienced gun crimes defense attorney.

Informing the Police

If the police inquire about whether you are legally carrying a concealed weapon or not, you are required to show the police your concealed carry license and be truthful about whether you are currently armed. However, you are not required to share this information without being requested.

Limited Reciprocity

Almost 20 states refuse to honor concealed carry permits issued by Illinois. Conversely, Illinois doesn’t honor the concealed carry permits issued by any state. This means that if you are not an Illinois resident, you have few legal ways to carry a gun within the state.

If you have a concealed carry permit issued in Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, or Virginia, you can request a non-resident concealed carry license from Illinois. With this license, you have the right to carry a concealed firearm in Illinois, following the same regulations that in-state license holders follow.

Alternatively, if you have a valid concealed carry license from any other state, you may transport concealed handguns in your car. That handgun should not be removed from the car while it is in the state. But you don’t need a special non-resident license to take advantage of this privilege.

Enforcement of “No Weapons” Signs

In some states, signs that prohibit weapons are not enforced by law. That means, in those states, if someone places a “No Weapons” sign, and you walk in carrying a weapon anyway, the only crime you are guilty of is trespassing. However, Illinois is different. In Illinois, if you see that sign and still walk into the establishment while carrying a weapon, you are committing a separate crime that will be penalized more severely than simple trespassing. Depending on your actions, you could even potentially be charged with both crimes.

Government Buildings and Public Places

Illinois has a curious restriction on concealed carry in public places and government buildings. If there is no cost to enter the location, you may carry a weapon. However, if there is any admission cost, the weapon is restricted. This also applies if portions of a public area or building require admission. For example, a public park may be free to enter, but it might also have a pool area that requires admission. You could walk around the park with a concealed firearm freely but could not bring it into the swimming pool area.

Were you arrested for an alleged violation of gun laws in Bolingbrook, Illinois? Call our Bolingbrook gun crimes defense lawyers right away at 630-305-0222 to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose Us?

How Our Illinois Gun Crimes Lawyers Can Help

Gun crimes are taken seriously in Illinois. Even the lowest-level felonies can result in between one and three years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The most serious felonies could result in decades in prison. If you are charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, you should contact Wolfe & Stec Ltd. immediately.

Our legal team has decades of experience handling criminal gun charges. We know how to get charges dropped or reduced. While Illinois laws are strict, prosecutors don’t always go for blood, especially when someone with a legal permit makes a mistake in good faith. Just because you were arrested for carrying an illegal weapon, that doesn’t mean you are guilty of a crime. And even if you did technically break the law, your motives for your actions may deserve reduced penalties.

At Wolfe & Stec Ltd., we look into these considerations and will defend your rights under the Second Amendment. If you want Bolingbrook gun crimes defense lawyers who will never back down, our law firm is the right choice for you.

FAQ

If you are arrested for gun possession or use in Illinois, we want to help you avoid the worst consequences of that arrest. However, our gun crimes defense attorneys in Bolingbrook can’t do it without your cooperation. We need your help, which means you need to understand your rights and options. These are some of the most common questions we receive from potential clients.

Can I carry a gun into an establishment where alcohol is sold?

Maybe. Illinois allows you to legally carry a licensed weapon into an establishment that sells alcohol as long as the business makes less than half of its money from the sale of alcohol. How can you tell whether that is true? That is a tricky question. You should assume that any place that bills itself as a bar or nightclub is off-limits. For restaurants, you should probably ask if it is legal to bring in a gun before entering.

Are gun silencers legal in Illinois?

No. Possessing a gun silencer, even if it isn’t on a weapon, is a class 3 felony in Illinois. You could be punished with between two and five years in prison for this offense and will receive at least one year of parole.

Can I bring a concealed carry gun onto school grounds?

No. Schools are federally protected areas. You may not bring a gun onto school grounds or close to the school unless that gun is in a vehicle or your home. Since this is a federal rule, you could potentially face federal charges if you violate this regulation.

Do repeat offenses come with more serious penalties?

Yes. If you are a repeat offender, you could be charged with a class 2 felony. This level of felony can potentially result in up to seven years in prison. You should take particular care to avoid repeat offenses. While we can often get first-time offenses reduced or dismissed, it is a lot harder to get repeat offenses reduced, because that shows that you didn’t learn from your original conviction.

When should you contact a gun crimes lawyer in Bolingbrook?

The best time to contact our law firm is as soon as you are arrested. You should tell the arresting officer that you wish to speak to a lawyer and refuse to answer any questions until your attorney from Wolfe & Stec Ltd. is present. The earlier we start representing you, the better we can help you avoid prison time.

Will my gun be confiscated?

If your gun is not legally owned, it will almost certainly be confiscated. However, if you legally own it and can prove that, the police typically only have the right to temporarily confiscate it. The gun should be returned to you once your case is complete, assuming you still have a legal permit at the end of the case.

If there are any more questions you have, feel free to ask our Illinois gun crimes lawyers during your free consultation.

Contact Wolfe & Stec Ltd. Today

Were you arrested for gun charges in Illinois? Contact an experienced Bolingbrook gun crimes defense lawyer at 630-305-0222 as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation.