Gun Violence in Chicago

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Chicago criminal defense lawyer

Regardless of your opinion of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s recent gun control proposal, it cannot be denied that gun violence is still a problem in Chicago. Just recently, guns injured four people at three separate shooting sites around the city. Although all of the victims are still alive, no one is in custody for any of the incidents. These acts are among the many reasons the United States Attorney’s Office in Chicago announced this summer that a new Violent Crimes unit would be added to the department list. This is a step in the right direction, but there is still significant work to be done.

Our lawmakers, communities, and politicians continue fighting the battle against gun violence in Chicago, but the crimes nonetheless go on. The Chicago Tribune has an informative infographic that displays crime patterns over the past decade and a half, showing the tremendous impact gun violence has in our communities. The west and south side areas of Chicago are disproportionately affected by gun violence, as demonstrated in a special report on Chicago shooting victims. Young people, even children and teenagers, are also disproportionately affected by gun violence in Chicago as well.

The swiftest proposals to lessen gun violence in our city came from the concealed carry ban. A tried and failed attempt at preventing concealed weapons in Chicago was the most notable of recent efforts. People who are eligible to obtain a concealed carry permit must apply, obtain a license, be fingerprinted, and go through a host of processes before they can bear arms in public. One of the most troubling effects of this legislation, though, is the amount of unregistered guns used in our streets. Some critics speculate that the stricter the gun laws get, the more gun violence there actually is. With the amount of unregistered weapons increasing, statistics become more difficult to keep up with, making reports inaccurate or incomplete.

Whether guns are registered does not change the fact that people who cannot possess guns still have them and people who have them still use them. Gun control changes have not, and will not, come overnight. Chicago constantly struggles with crime rates, but our communities are cognizant of the issues and can work together to implement positive change.

Gun Crimes and You

Gun violence is a sensitive issue that hits the core of our fundamental right to bare arms. The city has increased punishments for gun crimes in hopes of deterring individuals from participating in such crimes. Despite significant efforts, we still have a long way to go.

If you have questions about your rights as a gun owner, we can help you answer them. If you have been convicted of a gun-related crime, we may be able to help you remove it from your criminal record. Our experienced, professional staff at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. is ready to commit to helping you through your legal issues. If you or anyone you know has been affected by gun violence, contact our knowledgeable DuPage County criminal defense attorneys today at 630-472-9700.