There are very specific laws in Illinois that govern the possession of a firearm, including requirements involving a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. However, obtaining a FOID card is just the first step to gun ownership. It is possible for your FOID card to expire, be revoked, or become invalid, and if so, then possessing a firearm can present legal consequences for you. Depending on the circumstances, firearm possession may lead to criminal allegations.
If you are facing a FOID-related firearm charge, the outcome of your case will be based on the applicable law and facts surrounding your specific situation. Understanding your rights and available legal options is essential. That is why the quality of the legal representation you have makes a big difference.
The Schaumburg weapons defense lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson have a deep understanding of the gun laws in Illinois and can provide you with the strongest legal defense.
Understanding FOID Cards
The Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card Act generally requires eligible people in Illinois to have a FOID card to acquire or possess firearms and ammunition. FOID cards can, though, expire, be revoked, or be suspended.
Expired FOID Cards
A FOID card that has passed its expiration date.
Revoked FOID Cards
A FOID card that the Illinois State Police has invalidated under certain legal provisions.
Suspended FOID Cards
A FOID card that is suspended or otherwise restricted can affect your ability to possess firearms, depending on the governing law and circumstances.
The way that a case is evaluated for people who find themselves in legal dilemmas where they have firearms and also have expired, revoked, or suspended FOID cards can vary widely. Some of the elements that will be looked at include:
- The reason for the card’s status
- The person’s eligibility
- Any applicable statutory protections or exceptions
Legal Consequences For Having A Firearm Without The Required Valid FOID Authorization
Not having the required valid FOID authorization and also possessing a firearm can result in legal consequences. Still, simply having an expired or revoked card does not automatically mean that a criminal offense took place. The details surrounding the possession make a difference here, and also speak to the importance of having an attorney representing your interests.
For cases where an individual does face criminal consequences, any of the following can happen:
- Criminal fines
- Probation
- Incarceration
- Lasting implications for employment, housing, and other opportunities
- Issues related to future firearm rights
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.