Weapons Charges Defense
New significant changes to Illinois law have granted citizens the Right to Carry with a valid Firearms Owner’s Identification Card. Unfortunately, the passage of the new laws has brought confusion in regarding when and where you are allowed to carry a firearm in Illinois. If you are facing weapons charges, you need an experienced criminal attorney that understands the new laws and how to defend your case.
Mr. Zinger has defended many hundreds if not thousands of gun cases during his career and has vast experience in illegal search and seizure motions.
Elliot R. Zinger, P.C. represents clients faced with weapons charges and has for over 30 years. They are experienced at defending their clients Constitutional Rights. Elliot R. Zinger, P.C. will fight for you at every step of the proceeding, from negotiation through trial, to exonerating you of the charge.
Illinois Weapons Attorneys
In Illinois, guns, certain types of knives, razors and clubs can all be considered weapons. Whether an object is classified as a weapon depends on both the purpose for manufacturing the object and the intention of the person in possession of it. Weapons charges may take-on a variety of forms, including:
- Unlawful Possession
- Unlawful Carrying
- Unlawful Manufacturing
- Unlawful Selling
To lawfully possess and carry a firearm, a citizen must be in compliance with the Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Act. To own a firearm, citizens must have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card issued by the Illinois State Police. It is unlawful to carry or possess any firearm in a car or on you, except on your own land or business, unless you have an Illinois Concealed Carry License. The Illinois State Police processes applications and issues Concealed Carry Licenses under the new Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act. While gun owners now enjoy more freedom to carry their firearms, there are several restrictions that may cause them to break the law.
Including Carrying a Firearm In:
- Public Parks
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Government Buildings
- Events with Large Crowds
Weapons violations can bring a wide range of penalties, ranging from a misdemeanor offense of possession of a firearm without a FOID to a misdemeanor or felony offense of unlawful use of a weapon, through a Class X enhanced sentencing offense of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. Due to the nuances of the Illinois weapon’s laws, your criminal defense may start with a constitutional challenge to the very statute you are charged with violating.
Contact Elliot R. Zinger, P.C. today for an experienced attorney on your side that understands the new law changes in our state firearms laws and can construct a strong defense on your behalf.