The Cook County Sheriff’s department recently announced that they have confiscated over 80 guns while searching the homes of suspects who were on electronic monitoring. Electronic monitoring is generally used for individuals who are awaiting trial. Each of these individuals is required to sign a contract stipulating that they do not have any guns or drugs in their residence. Because the individuals are technically in custody, their homes can be searched as part of compliance checks without warning or recourse to their privacy rights.
According to the Cook County Sheriff, the department has conducted 69 compliance checks finding contraband (not always guns) in 60 of them. 39 residences were found to have illegal weapons. The total amount of weapons apprehended was 84.
What Happens if a Person is Found with a Gun While on Electronic Monitoring?
First, let’s just say this. Electronic monitoring is not for everyone. Those who cannot afford to have their domiciles searched periodically by police may choose to await charges in jail. While jail is no picnic, you can be credited for time served if you elect to plead guilty or are convicted at trial. While your jail cell can be searched from time to time, and anything that is found there can be really used against you in a subsequent prosecution.
Those who are caught with weapons in their homes while on electronic monitoring still face charges for the original violation, plus a second violation for the weapons charge. Even those who are lawfully able to possess and carry weapons must surrender them to police while on bond even if they are not on electronic monitoring. In addition, you will be returned to jail to await charges. So, ultimately, those with weapons in their homes need to reconsider accepting electronic monitoring even though it seems like it would always be the better option.
21-Year-Old Charged with Possessing Weapons While on Electronic Monitoring
A 21-year-old who was charged with a weapons offense was nabbed again during a compliance check when authorities found a dozen guns in the man’s bedroom. The man was facing charges for possession of a weapon without a FOID card. For violating the terms of his electronic monitoring, he is facing a class-1 felony charge. For each violation, he faces a term of 4 to 15 years plus the additional penalties of more weapons violations. This is exactly the type of scenario that can land an individual who is not expecting any prison time in prison for more than decade. So, it is well worth knowing the rules when it comes to electronic monitoring. The stakes are high and the penalties are off the charts.
Talk to a Cook County Weapons Violations Attorney Today
If you need representation for a criminal charge in Cook County, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help. When you need an attorney, experience matters. Contact us today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.