4 Things You Need to Know About Illinois Gun Laws

 Posted on April 24, 2019 in Weapons Charges

The United States has a long history with firearms: for as long as we have been a country, firearms have been present. The U.S. Constitution specifically guarantees citizens the right to bear arms, though that right can be restricted if states deem it necessary. 

Illinois has some of the most strict gun laws in the country. The city of Chicago did not even allow residents to own firearms until 2010, and it was not until 2013 that the state began allowing residents to carry concealed weapons. Violating Illinois weapons laws can come with serious consequences. 

Here are a few things you may not have known about Illinois gun laws:

1, You Must Have a FOID Card to Legally Possess a Firearm

The state of Illinois requires you to apply for and receive a firearm owner identification (FOID) card before you are legally able to purchase or possess a firearm. If you possess a firearm without also possessing a valid FOID card, you can face up to five years in state prison. To obtain a FOID card, you must also meet certain criteria, including not having been convicted of a felony, not being addicted to narcotics and not having been admitted to a mental facility in the past five years.

2. You Can Have Your FOID Card Revoked

Receiving a FOID card does not mean you will forever have a FOID card. In certain situations, your FOID card can be revoked. In these situations, the FOID card holder has typically violated the requirements for legally obtaining a FOID card. For example, if you successfully and lawfully obtained a FOID card, but then you were convicted of a felony, your FOID card would be revoked.

3. You Must Have a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon

Similar to FOID cards, you must also apply and receive a concealed carry license before you are legally permitted to carry a concealed weapon. Concealed carry licenses also come with certain requirements. To receive a concealed carry license, you must have a valid Illinois FOID card, you must not have been convicted of any crime involving the use or threat of force in the past five years or two or more violations of driving under the influence.

4. You Can Face Serious Consequences for Violations -- a DuPage County Weapons Charges Attorney Can Help

If you have been accused of violating Illinois’ firearm laws, you need immediate help from a trusted Wheaton, IL gun charges lawyer. At the Davi Law Group, LLC, we can help you defend against any type of weapons charge you may be facing. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-580-6373.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1657&ChapterID=39

https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Faq.aspx