Urbana Weapons Offenses Lawyer
Most adults in the United States have the right to bear arms, or own and use firearms and different weapons. However, the right is not unlimited. There are many laws outlining who is allowed to possess a firearm and when they are allowed to use them. Violating these laws can come with very serious consequences, including long prison terms and high fines. If you have been charged with a gun crime, our Urbana weapons offenses lawyer has the necessary experience to build an effective defense.
State Weapons Laws
Although the U.S. Constitution enshrines the right for people to own firearms and other weapons, state law does place limitations on the firearms and other weapons a person may carry. Individuals in Illinois have been allowed to carry concealed weapons since 2013, but they must obtain a proper license to do so. Individuals who have a prior felony conviction are not allowed to obtain a concealed carry permit or a firearm. Certain other individuals are also not allowed to carry a concealed weapon, and they are as follows:
- People under the age of 21 who do not have guardian consent to own a firearm, or who have been convicted of any misdemeanor other than a traffic offense
- Individuals who are addicted to narcotics
- Individuals who suffer from a mental condition that poses a danger to themselves or others
- People who have an intellectual disability
- Individuals who have previously been dishonest on the application for the Firearm Owner’s Identification Card
- Anyone who is in the country illegally
Types of Weapons Offenses
Weapon offenses generally fall into one of two categories. The first type is possession, which refers to the act of owning or being in control of certain types of weapons. An injury does not have to occur for unlawful possession of a weapon charge to apply.
For example, throughout Illinois, it is illegal to buy, use, or own brass knuckles. Violating that law can result in serious charges, even if you did not use them and no one was injured. Other possession charges involve a prohibited person from owning a legal weapon. For example, convicted felons are prohibited from owning weapons.
Other weapons offenses are based on use, as there are times when it is against the law to use a weapon, even if the user is legally allowed to own the weapon. For example, a person cannot walk down the street and fire a gun for no reason. Using a firearm during the commission of another crime can also result in a weapons offense charge. The crime of assault, for example, occurs when one person threatens another with bodily harm. If a fireman is used, the offense would be upgraded to aggravated assault.
Our Weapons Offenses Lawyer in Urbana Can Provide the Best Defense
If you have been charged with a crime, you need the help of an Urbana weapons offenses lawyer. At Patel Law, PC, our seasoned attorney is knowledgeable about all state and federal weapons laws and has the necessary experience to help with your case. Call us now at 217.384.1111 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.
