In the state of Illinois, weapons and gun charges can result in severe penalties upon conviction. This is particularly true if the person facing these charges has a criminal record or if the weapons charges are coupled with other types of criminal offenses, such as drug charges, robbery, carjacking, etc. At Okabe & Haushalter, our attorneys are here to help if you need a Chicago weapons possession attorney by your side. We have extensive experience handling these types of criminal charges, and we know what it takes to stand up to aggressive prosecutors to help you through this.

Types of weapons charges in Chicago

At Okabe & Haushalter, our attorneys have experience helping clients who are facing a wide range of weapons charges in and around the Chicago area. We want to share some of the most common laws and statutes as well as a brief definition of each.

  • Unlawful Use of Weapons / UUW (720 ILCS 5/24-1): This charge is used for a wide variety of weapons offenses throughout Illinois. Typically, this will be applied when there is simply a mere unlawful possession of a weapon and not the actual “use” of the weapon. This could lead to either a misdemeanor or felony charge that could result in up to 30 years in prison. 
  • Unlawful Use of Weapons by Felon / UUW by Felon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.1): This charge is very similar to the one mentioned above, except that the person facing the charge must be a convicted felon at the time of their arrest. A convicted felon is not allowed to have a gun on their person, so they could face severe consequences as a result of these charges. 
  • Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon / Agg UUW (720 ILCS 5/24-1.6): This is a charge that will commonly be used for a person that possesses a firearm on a sidewalk, in a car, or on a public street. If the prosecutors can show that the gun was loaded, uncased, and immediately accessible, a person convicted of this offense could serve anywhere from one to three years in prison, regardless of their past criminal history or the circumstances of the arrest.
  • Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (720 ILCS 5/24-1.5): This charge will be applied anytime a person discharges a firearm in a reckless manner that endangers the bodily safety of other individuals. This will be considered a Class 4 felony that is punishable by one to three years in prison. Probation is allowed in this situation.
  • Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (720 ILCS 5/24-1.2): This is a much more serious charge that is applied when a person knowingly or intentionally fires a gun in the direction of another individual or into a vehicle or building that is known to be occupied. This is generally going to be a Class 1 felony offense punishable anywhere from 4 to 15 years in prison.
  • Attempted First Degree Murder (720 ILCS 5/8-4(a) (720 5/9-1(a)(1)): This is the charge applied when a person is thought to have attempted (but not succeeded) to kill another person with a firearm. A conviction of this charge could result in lengthy prison sentences, which are enhanced due to the use of a gun.

Call our Chicago weapons possession attorney immediately

If you or somebody you love is facing a weapons charge in or around the Chicago area, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Okabe & Haushalter, our team has the resources necessary to handle every aspect of your case. We will conduct an independent investigation into the charges against you, handle any communication and negotiations with prosecutors, and vigorously defend you in court if necessary. When you need a Chicago weapons possession attorney, you can contact us today by clicking here or calling 312-767-3869 for a free consultation.

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