Elmhurst Weapons Charges Defense Lawyer

Attorneys Defending DuPage County Clients in Unlawful Firearm Possession Cases

Since 1968, a strict state law requires Illinois residents to have a valid Firearm Owners Identification card (FOID card) to purchase or possess firearms or ammunition. If you are arrested for carrying a weapon in any public place, you could face serious weapons charges, including jail time and heavy fines, even if it is your first offense.

The criminal defense attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. have decades of experience successfully resolving cases for clients who face lifestyle-altering weapons charges. We are known and respected in courtrooms throughout the Chicago area for our diligent advocacy for our clients.

Weapons Charges in Illinois

To have a legal right to carry own firearms and ammunition in Illinois, you must have your FOID card, and your weapon must be registered. A FOID limits weapons possession to your own land, your place of dwelling, or your place of business. However, people who have obtained an Illinois concealed weapons permit may carry loaded or unloaded weapons on their person or in their vehicle, as long as they are concealed. Carrying firearms in the open is generally illegal, except when hunting, or in a fixed place of business, such as a firing range or gun store, with the owner's permission.

Many people are ineligible for a FOID card. You will be denied the FOID card if you:

• Have been convicted of a felony or an act of domestic violence.
• Are the subject of an order of protection.
• Have been convicted of assault or battery within 5 years of application.
• Have been a patient in a mental institution within 5 years of application.
• Have been adjudicated as a mental defective.
• Are an illegal immigrant.

There are additional requirements under FOID for applicants under the age of 21. In addition to Illinois State law, you are also subject to gun laws in Chicago and other local governments, which often have more restrictive provisions than state law. These laws address the type of weapons and munitions you can own and carry, such as:

• Automatic firearms (such as machine guns).
• Short-barreled shotguns.
• Silencers.
• Large-bore destructive devices.
• Artillery projectiles.
• Shells or grenades with over 1/4 ounce of explosive.
• Air guns that are larger than .18 calibers (with muzzled velocity greater than 700 feet per second).

Contact a DuPage County Weapon Charge Defense Attorney

The diligent, resourceful attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. know the laws governing weapons possession and how to defend against a wide range of weapons charges. Learn how we can bring you the results you deserve and work to get charges against you dismissed or reduced. We may also assist in having your record expunged so you can face the future with confidence.

Contact our Oak Brook criminal defense attorneys right away at 630-472-9700 to discuss your case, hear about our affordable rates, and experience our outstanding service in a free initial consultation. We provide legal representation for clients in Wheaton, Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Lombard, Hinsdale, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, and surrounding areas.