If you have been charged for the first time in Illinois with gun charges and have a clean criminal record then you could be eligible for probation if you have a good criminal defense attorney representing you. Many gun charges in Chicago and the surrounding counties are felony criminal charges. Hiring an experienced gun lawyer can help you get those charges dropped to a misdemeanor under the right circumstances.

If you are caught in possession of a loaded gun and have no FOID card or Conceal and Carry License (CCL) then you could be facing 1-3 years in prison even if you have no prior convictions. If you have the required permits, you could still be facing criminal charges if you violated location based firearms restrictions. Not knowing the law will not excuse you from facing criminal gun charges. In Illinois, gun laws are extremely strict so if you are facing first time gun charges then you will need an aggressive criminal defense attorney representing you.

Types of Gun Charges We Defend

  • Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
  • Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm
  • Reckless Discharge of a Weapon
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm
  • Possession of a Deadly Weapon
  • Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
  • Unlawful Use of a Weapon
  • Armed Robbery
  • Unlawful Sale of a Firearm or Weapon
  • Assault with a Firearm or Weapon
  • Armed Habitual Criminal
  • …and more

What happens if you get caught with illegal gun possession in Illinois?

You could be facing a felony charge even if you have no criminal record. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing 1 year in county jail, 1 – 4 years in prison, or 3-7 years in prison.

First time gun offender program in Illinois

Illinois does offer a first time gun offender program that can prevent you from being convicted on gun charges or serving jail time for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon. You have to meet the following requirements in order to qualify for this program:

  • Have no prior convictions for a violent crime
  • Violence was not a factor in your circumstances of the crime committed
  • You are 20 years old or younger
  • Have no order of protection against you
  • Have never completed the first time gun offender program prior

What are the penalties for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Illinois?

  • If you have a valid FOID card – Up to 1 year in jail
  • If you do not have a FOID card and the gun was loaded – 1 – 3 years in prison
  • If the gun was unloaded  – Probation or 1 – 3 years in prison