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posted on 7/13/15

Gun owners’ rights have long been a controversial topic in Illinois. In fact, Illinois was the last state in the entire country to allow gun owners to carry weapons in public. In 2013, state law expanded to allow not only public carry, but concealed carry as well. However, the same law restricts where a state resident can carry his or her concealed weapon in public. Every gun owner should be aware of these restrictions, and potential legal consequences of violating this law.

Where Can I Carry a Concealed Gun?

After a contentious legal battle, the state legislature finally passed a law permitting concealed carry for Illinois residents. This law, which took effect in 2014, specified numerous locations where concealed carry is forbidden. The law expressly forbids concealed carry at the following locations:

  • Educational and child care facilities;
  • Government buildings, including courts;
  • Airports;
  • Public libraries;
  • All forms of public transportation;
  • Correctional institutions;
  • Hospitals, mental health facilities, and nursing homes;
  • Museums, zoos, and amusement parks;
  • Public playgrounds, parks and athletic facilities;
  • Establishments that make more than half their sales from alcohol;
  • Locations that have been issued special liquor licenses;
  • Casinos and other gaming institutions;
  • Anywhere within the Cook County Forest Preserve;
  • Any public gathering or event that requires a government permit; and
  • Nuclear facilities.

Federal law also prohibit concealed carry in certain locations. Such federal laws apply to residents in every state, including Illinois.

In additional to these locations, gun owners cannot carry concealed weapons on private properties that expressly forbid it. For example, if a restaurant posts signs clearly and conspicuously forbidding concealed carry, a gun owner must comply.

It may seem that with such a long list of places where you cannot carry a concealed weapon, there is not a lot of freedom for public concealed carry. However, the law does allow owners with a concealed carry license to keep their weapons inside their vehicles, even in the parking lot of most prohibited locations. As such, if you have your concealed weapon with you when you arrive at the zoo, library, or other prohibited location, you can leave your gun in a locked case inside car without violating the law. This exception does not apply to nuclear facilities or places where concealed carry is prohibited by federal law.

What Happens if I Violate the Law?

If you knowingly carry a concealed weapon at a prohibited location, you can be criminally charged. If you break this law while under the influence or drugs or alcohol, you could face a Class A misdemeanor. Otherwise, you could face a Class B misdemeanor for violating the law while sober. The severity of the charge can increase with subsequent violations. If convicted, the state may suspend your license and fine you $150. The consequences imposed by the state licensing board, however, do not include the penalties the state court can impose for violation of the Class A or Class B misdemeanor. Once charged, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Call Our Schaumburg Weapons Crime Defense Firm

If you are facing a criminal charge for carrying a concealed weapon, contact our firm today. Our skilled Schaumburg criminal defense lawyers can help you fight these charges, and defend your rights in court. Call our Schaumburg office at 847.577.8700 to schedule your free consultation.