The State of Illinois takes gun and weapon cases very seriously. I am experienced in handling these types of cases. If you or someone you know is charged with a gun or weapons crime, call me. I can help.
Listed below are the various gun and weapon crimes and their potential penalty:
1) Possession of a Firearm (§24-1(a)(4)) – you are guilty of this crime if you knowingly carry or possess any pistol, revolver, stun gun, taser or other firearm. This crime is a Class A Misdemeanor. A second offense is a Class 3 Felony. Possession of a firearm within 1000 feet of a school, public housing project, public park, or courthouse is a Class 3 Felony.
a. The following weapons crimes are Class A Misdemeanors:
i. Possession of a switchblade, brass knuckles, throwing star, black jack, bludgeon, or sand shot. (§24-1(a)(1))
ii. Possession with intent to use a dagger, dirk, billy, dangerous knife, razor stiletto, broken bottle or other piece of glass. (§24-1(a)(2))
iii. Possession of a tear gas gun projector or bomb or any other object containing noxious liquid gas or substance. (§24-1(a)(3))
iv. Selling, manufacturing, or purchasing an “explosive bullet.” (§24-1(a)(4))
2) Possession of a Firearm in an Establishment that Sells Alcohol (§24-1(a)(8)) – you are guilty of this crime if you knowingly carry or possess any firearm…in any place which is licensed to sell intoxicating beverages. This crime is a Class 4 Felony.
3) Possession of a Firearm while Hooded, Robed, or Masked (§24-1(a)(9)) – you are guilty of this crime if you knowingly carry or possess any firearm while hooded, robed, or masked in such a manner as to conceal your identity. This crime is a Class 4 Felony.
4) Possession of a Machine Gun (§24-1(a)(7)(i)) – you are guilty of this crime if you knowingly carry or possess any machine gun. This crime is a Class 2 Felony, the penalty of which mandates between 3 and 7 years in jail. If the Machine Gun is loaded, the crime becomes a Class X Felony.
5) Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun (§24-1(a)(7)(ii)) – you are guilty of this crime if you knowingly carry or possess any rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length or a shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches…or any other rifle or shotgun that has an overall length of less than 26 inches. This crime is a Class 3 Felony.
6) Possession of a Bomb, Grenade, Molotov Cocktail, or other container containing an Explosive Substance (§24-1(a)(7)(iii)) – This crime is a Class 3 Felony.
7) Possession of a Silencer (§24-1(a)(6)) – you are guilty of this crime if you knowingly possess any device or attachment…used or intended for use in silencing any firearm. This crime is a Class 3 Felony.