An “unlawful use of a weapon” charge is very serious. By going over what this charge means and what situations it applies to while speaking with a Schaumburg weapons charge defense lawyer, you will be able to protect your innocence.
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What Is Unlawful Use Of A Weapon?
“Unlawful use of a weapon” is a term that refers to a wide variety of situations, circumstances, and acts. And with that fact in mind, some of these situations, circumstances, and acts are as follows:
- If someone possesses or uses a firearm or some other item with the intent of harming someone, then they can be charged with unlawful use of a weapon.
- If someone threatens another person with a firearm or some other item, then they can be charged with unlawful use of a weapon as well as other charges. This is an Agg Assault firearm.
- If someone accidentally discharges their weapon in a manner that is unauthorized, then they can be charged with unlawful use of a weapon. This is an Agg Discharge.
- If someone brings a firearm onto public property or school grounds without permission to do so, they can be charged with unlawful use of a weapon.
- If someone possesses a firearm that has had its serial numbers altered or removed, then they can be charged with unlawful use of a weapon. This is Possession of a defaced firearm. Separate charge.
- If someone knowingly possesses, sells, distributes, purchases, or carries a weapon of any sort without the proper registration, they can be charged with unlawful use of a weapon. These are different charges altogether.
Outside of the consequences that have been outlined above, it is worth noting that a wide variety of different items can be, and are, considered weapons. And with that in mind, some of these items are as follows:
- A broken bottle.
- A stun gun.
- A black-jack.
- A sung-shot.
- A switch-blade knife.
- A dagger.
- A razor.
- A sand-club.
Many other items are considered weapons. The above are just a few examples.
What Happens If You Are Convicted Of Unlawful Use Of A Weapon?
On its own, an unlawful use of a weapon will, generally speaking, may come with misdemeanor penalties:
- A period of one year or less in prison.
- A maximum fine of $2,500.
None of these consequences are pleasant, and many believe that they are unnecessary, especially if this charge is due to, say, carrying a weapon without the appropriate FOID card.
If an unlawful use of a weapon conviction comes with circumstances that aggravate the initial charge, then things become even less pleasant.
Just as an example, if someone is convicted of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon – they threatened someone, for example – then they can be sentenced to a period of one to three years in prison.
The same basic fact applies to other charges. Someone who is charged with the aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, as well as some form of assault – this is just an example – will face even more severe penalties.
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If you need representation for a domestic battery charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
Our team has helped thousands of people who have been charged with crimes in Illinois. When we take cases, we do so to win. This means we take cases to trial. We don’t arrange plea bargains unless it is in the best interest of our clients. As proactive lawyers, we fight aggressively and support our clients throughout their entire case up to and including appeals. Protecting your life and freedom is always the goal, and with our decades of experience practicing law, we know how to get results. This is why we are regularly invited to appear as a legal contributor on popular radio and news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox NEWS.
When you need an attorney, experience matters. Speak with a Chicago defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.