Arrested on a Gun Charge in Illinois?
Illinois has some of the most complex and aggressively enforced gun laws in the country. Even law-abiding gun owners can find themselves facing serious felony charges due to misunderstandings about FOID requirements, transport laws, or where a weapon can be carried.
A weapons conviction can result in prison, loss of firearm rights, a permanent felony record, and immigration consequences. If you’ve been arrested on a gun or weapons charge, don’t take chances — you need an experienced defense attorney immediately.
Common Gun and Weapons Charges in Illinois
We defend against all types of firearms and weapons-related charges, including:
Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful use of a weapon is a broad charge that covers many alleged violations, including:
Possessing or carrying a firearm without a valid FOID card
Possessing a firearm in a prohibited place (e.g., school zone, courthouse, bar)
Possessing a weapon in a vehicle without proper transport under Illinois law
Carrying a weapon while masked or in public with intent to use unlawfully
Carrying stun guns, brass knuckles, or switchblades
Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
This is one of the most frequently charged gun crimes in Illinois. Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon is typically a Class 4 felony and involves:
Carrying a loaded, accessible firearm without a valid concealed carry license
Possessing a firearm while underage
Carrying in prohibited locations or in connection with other offenses
Having a prior felony or domestic violence conviction
Conviction carries 1–3 years in prison, but enhancements or multiple charges can result in much more severe penalties.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
This charge applies when a person with a prior felony is found in possession of any firearm or ammunition. It is typically a Class 2 felony, punishable by 3–7 years in prison, with no probation available in many cases.
FOID Card Violations
You can be charged for:
Possessing a firearm without a valid FOID
Failing to surrender your FOID after revocation
Selling or transferring a firearm without verifying the buyer’s FOID status
These charges may be filed as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the situation.
Concealed Carry Issues
Even with a valid FOID or Concealed Carry License (CCL), Illinois imposes strict location-based and transport restrictions. You may be charged if you:
Carry a firearm into a prohibited location (e.g., school, government building, bar)
Have a loaded firearm within reach in a vehicle
Fail to properly secure your firearm during transport
Carry while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis
Many concealed carry holders face charges due to minor misunderstandings — we fight to protect your rights and your record.
Defense Strategies for Gun & Weapons Charges
Good attorneys challenge charges with a focus on protecting your constitutional rights. We investigate things such as:
Unlawful search and seizure — Was the weapon discovered illegally?
Vehicle stop legality — Was the stop pretextual?
Weapon possession — Were you in actual control of the weapon?
FOID or CCL status — Were you lawfully licensed at the time?
Constructive possession — Was the gun truly in your possession, or just nearby?
We file motions to suppress, challenge prosecution evidence, and pursue dismissal, reduced charges, or probation where appropriate.
217 Law Attorneys
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Courtney Anderson
Courtney practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Never shy of a difficult or high-profile case, she has won numerous awards for her advocacy, including recently being selected as a finalist for top lawyer in Macon County.
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Fallon Conner
Fallon practices criminal defense and family law. As a former prosecutor, she has unique insight into the criminal justice system. She enjoys being in the courtroom and has a great track record of success in bench and jury trials.
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Zach Anderson
Zach focuses on helping injured clients with workers compensation, personal injury, and products liability claims. He has successfully resolved multiple single-party injury cases for over $1 million, and has helped recover millions for users of bad products.
We want to work with you.
Phone:
217-217-0217
Address:
132 S. Water St., Suite 628. Decatur, IL 62523
Email:
info@217law.com
Where We Work:
We help clients throughout the 217 area code with injury claims and general civil litigation. We practice criminal defense and family law in Macon and surrounding counties.
