If you are facing allegations of carrying a concealed firearm without having a valid and required concealed carry license in Illinois, then this essentially means that you have a gun hidden on your person without the proper legal authorization to carry it concealed. Breaking down each part of this can be helpful to have a greater understanding of what exactly this scenario means:
- Carrying: Having a firearm on you or carrying it with you.
- Concealed Firearm: A gun that is hidden from ordinary view, such as would be the case if you had a gun in your purse or under your shirt.
- CCL: Means Concealed Carry License, which is issued by the Illinois State Police and generally allows an eligible person to carry a concealed handgun in public. A CCL is different from a Firearm Owner’s Identification card (FOID) in that:
- CCL authorizes certain individuals to carry a concealed handgun subject to legal restrictions.
- FOID card typically gives a person the ability to buy firearms or ammunition under state law, not to authorize concealed carry.
- Without A Valid CCL When Required: When you do not have the required permit, or your permit is no longer valid, and no legal exception applies.
How Do You Get An Illinois CCL?
To obtain a CCL in Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid FOID card, complete 16 hours of approved concealed-carry training, and meet other eligibility requirements. Once you have met all of your legal obligations, the Illinois State Police will issue you the license, which is normally valid for a period of five years.
Repercussions of Carrying A Concealed Firearm In Illinois Without a CCL
Knowing Illinois gun laws is essential for all gun owners to safeguard themselves and steer clear of any trouble with the law. This includes being aware of the rules for possessing a firearm and transporting it. Under Illinois law, if you carry a concealed firearm and you do not have a valid CCL when one is required, you could face a felony conviction, imprisonment, and many other consequences that can affect your life in the long term.
This is why, when you have been suspected of carrying a concealed weapon without a CCL in Illinois, you should immediately act and get yourself legal representation. The specific penalties you may face will depend on the circumstances of your case. For example, some aspects that may be explored could include whether you had a valid FOID card, whether your gun was loaded, or whether you have prior felony convictions. Your attorney will be able to review your case and determine the best course of action to protect you from the harshest outcomes.
Do not wait to get legal help when facing a weapons charge in Illinois. Call the experienced Schaumburg weapons defense lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson today.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
Understanding your rights and obtaining legal representation early when you are facing allegations of gun law violations in Illinois best positions you for the most favorable results. For more information, please speak with our Schaumburg criminal defense attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.
Our law firm is widely recognized as a leading authority in criminal law. For this reason, Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow is a trusted legal voice who is regularly invited to appear on major networks, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When your rights and freedoms are on the line, having an attorney on your side with an excellent reputation and unimpeachable experience matters.