Right now, in the state of Illinois, you cannot purchase assault weapons. You can, however, purchase and own handguns, rifles, or shotguns. If you want to own any of these weapons, you must have a FOID card.
Going over what can happen if you own a handgun but don’t have a FOID card and speaking with a Schaumburg weapons charge defense lawyer will allow you to protect your rights.
Watch Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow discuss handgun ownership in Illinois on YouTube and TikTok.
Are Handguns Banned In Illinois?
The answer to the question outlined above is, “No, handguns are not banned in Illinois.”
On the other hand, though, assault weapons are banned. You cannot purchase any assault weapons in the state of Illinois, although you can own them if you purchased them before January of 2023.
To own a handgun in the state of Illinois, you must obtain a FOID card. By obtaining a FOID card, you can legally possess a handgun.
If you own a handgun but do not have a FOID card, you can get into serious legal trouble. This legal trouble can occur even if you do not use or carry the weapon in any way.
Regardless of the facts outlined above, there is one more thing to remember: you have a legal right to bear arms and protect yourself in your home on a federal level. This doesn’t include assault weapons, but it does include handguns.
You can learn more about this right and what it means for handgun ownership by clicking on the video found at this link.
What Happens If You Don’t Have A FOID Card?
If you own a handgun but don’t have a FOID card, then you can be charged with the unlawful use of a weapon.
The above can occur even if you have not used your weapon. Or, for that matter, even if you never take your weapon off of your property.
Just as a general rule, an unlawful use of a weapon charge is a felony that can lead to the following:
- A prison sentence of no more than one year.
- A fine of no more than $2,500.
Outside of the above, a number of other equally notable legal problems can arise. These are dependent on the facts of your case and the circumstances that led to you being charged with the unlawful use of a weapon.
If you have been charged with the unlawful use of a weapon as a result of not having a FOID card, then you must obtain legal help. By doing so, you can protect your rights, as well as your innocence.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you need representation for an unlawful use of a weapon 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.