Joliet Gun & Weapons Charges Lawyer

Gun Crime Defense Attorney in Will County

Illinois laws affecting a citizen’s right to bear arms are constantly changing. If you have been charged with a gun or weapons crime it is important to find an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you.

Illinois Gun Possession Charges

Unlawful gun possession charges are covered under 720 ILCS 24-1. The law states that a person commits unlawful possession of firearms when he or she is in possession of a firearm and;

  • Is under 18 years old
  • Is under 21 years old and has been convicted of a misdemeanor other than a traffic violation
  • Is a narcotics addict
  • Has been a patient in a mental institution in the last 5 years
  • Has been diagnosed as someone with an intellectual disability
  • Is in possession of any explosive bullet
  • Has been convicted of a felony

Unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition is a serious crime as the person in possession of such weapon may harm someone. Illegal possession of a handgun, pistol, stun gun or other similar firearm can be charged as Class A misdemeanor. Subsequent offense is charged as a Class 3 felony, which is punishable by 2 – 5 years in prison.

  • Possession of a firearm within 1000 feet of a school, public housing project, park or courthouse is a Class 3 felony
  • Possession of a firearm while masked, hooded or robed or inside an establishment that sells alcohol is a class 4 felony
  • Possession of a machine gun is a Class 2 felony. If the gun is loaded it becomes a Class X felony
  • Possession of a bomb, grenade, rifle or shotgun is a Class 3 felony

In Illinois, illegal possession of a firearm is frequently called unlawful use of weapon, or UUW.

We can help you with these gun, firearm, or weapon charges:

  • Concealed weapons charges
  • Defacing a Firearm
  • Federal weapons charges
  • Felon in possession of a firearm
  • Illegal importation or distribution of guns
  • Illegal possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a deadly weapon, including knives and other deadly weapons
  • Possession of Firearm with Barrel Length Shorter than 16″
  • Possession of a firearm without an FOID card
  • Possession of Machine Gun
  • Possession of Silencer
  • Possession of a weapon in the commission of a crime
  • Transportation of guns across state lines
  • Unlawful discharge of a weapon
  • Unlawful Use of Weapon / UUW
  • Unlawful Use of Weapon by Felon
  • UUW Felon

Federal Gun Charges

Federal gun charges are brought against individuals improperly buying, selling, possessing or using firearms when the sale or transport of those firearms cross state lines. These are some of the most common federal firearm charges that are brought against individuals by federal prosecutors.

  • THE SALE OF FIREARMS WITHOUT A LICENSE
  • THE SALE OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS
  • MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS WHEN PURCHASING A GUN
  • ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM
  • CONVICTED FELON POSSESSING A FIREARM
  • POSSESSING OR USING A GUN IN A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME OR OTHER VIOLENT CRIME

Common Gun Charges in Illinois

  • Unlawful Use of a Weapon 
  • Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
  • Aggravated Discharge of a Weapon
  • Reckless Discharge of a Weapon

If you’ve been charged with a gun or weapons crime, it is important that you seek experienced legal counsel. Attorney Neil Patel has the experience and knowledge to help you protect your rights and interests. Having dealt with thousands of cases, he has the resources and experience to best represent you for your gun or weapons charge. Call The Law Offices of Neil Patel TODAY for a free consultation!

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