Chicago Gun Crime Attorneys
Lawyers in Cook County for Gun Crimes and Weapons Offenses
Despite the recent enactment of several relatively permissive measures regarding the private ownership of firearms, Illinois is home to some of the strictest gun and weapons laws in the nation. A weapons offense is a serious allegation, and a conviction can lead to substantial penalties and a criminal record that cannot be erased. If you are facing charges related to the possession or use of a firearm or other illegal weapon, you need help. The experienced Chicago gun crime attorneys at Luisi Legal Group understands the law, but we also know that you have rights. We work hard to protect those rights while helping you avoid a conviction whenever possible.
Illegal Firearms Defense Lawyers
To legally own and carry a firearm in Illinois, you must first obtain a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card through the Illinois State Police. If you wish to carry a concealed firearm, an additional Concealed Carry License (CCL) is required. Neither permit, however, grants unlimited rights to carry any weapon whenever or wherever you please. It is still a violation of the law to carry a weapon in the following circumstances:
- Without a valid FOID card and CCL on your person;
- In a school, library, or child care facility;
- In a government building, courthouse, or correctional facility;
- In a hospital, health facility, or nursing home;
- On a bus, train, or other mode of public transit;
- In a bar or other location with a special liquor license;
- At a public gathering;
- In a public park, playground, or athletic facility;
- In a casino;
- At an airport; or
- In an amusement park, zoo, or museum.
Of course, if you have not been issued a FOID card, or your card has been revoked by a prior felony conviction, the possession of any firearm is a crime. Most offenses related to illegal possession or use of a firearm are prosecuted as felonies. A conviction carries not only serious criminal penalties but could also affect the offender's immigration status. The process can be overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys can help you find a favorable resolution.
Other Weapons Charges in Cook County
Weapons charges are not always related to guns and firearms. It is also against the law to possess, or possess with intent to use, these weapons:
- Switchblades;
- Brass knuckles,
- Throwing stars;
- Black jacks;
- Bludgeons;
- Sand shots;
- Daggers;
- Dirks;
- Ballistic knives;
- Razor stilettos; and
- Tear gas.
At Luisi Legal Group, we realize that, in most cases, the weapon itself is the most important piece of evidence against you. This means that if the weapon was seized in an improper or illegal search, our attorneys might be able to get the charges against you dismissed completely. Our Chicago gun crime attorneys will investigate the circumstances of your case to find any piece of information that may be helpful in your defense. Then we will advocate on your behalf as we fight to protect your rights.
Experienced Lawyers You Can Trust
For more than 15 years, our firm has been helping clients facing a wide variety of weapons charges. In that time, we have earned many favorable verdicts and other positive outcomes. When you work with our firm, you will quickly realize that we not only handle cases just like yours, we know how to win cases just like yours.
If you have been charged with any weapons offense, contact our office right away. Call 773-276-5541 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We are proud to serve clients throughout Chicago, including the neighborhoods of Bucktown, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and Humboldt Park.