Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Being one of the most populous cities in the United States, Chicago is home to some of the worst crime rates in the nation. Over the years, the crime rate has not shown any sign of diminishing. Instead, the steady increase has many lawmakers concerned. The recent passing of a bill to curb repeat offenders in Chicago is a stellar example. With this bill, harsher penalties are in store for repeat offenders.
Tougher Sentencing to Curb Violence
In the past two decades alone, Illinois has raised the gun offense penalty six times. This makes it a state with the harshest penalty in the country. In spite of this, the weapon offenders’ count in Illinois is much higher now than ever before.
The bill pushed by Senator Kwame Raoul is active beginning January 1, 2018. According to the bill, repeat offenders will receive higher sentences. The bill also includes expansive diversion programs for first time offenders of non-violent nature.
Repeat Offenders Targeted
Repeat offenders are prone to committing harm and violence in Chicago. Hence stricter sentences pave a way to target them. This specific targeting helps to safeguard law abiding people in the region from those who are possible shooters. The new law helps identify first-time gun offenders. These may include previous victims. The diversion program helps such individuals by preventing them from repeating the offense.
Know Your Rights as an Offender
As an Illinois resident, firearm possession without the FOID (Firearm Owner’s Identification Card) is a felony even now. Even if you own a permit for carrying a firearm, the state police can be antagonistic. They can stop you and question you about the firearm. Moreover, they get a reward for confiscating the firearm.
Possession of ammunition too can attract a weapons charge. There are other charges related to weapon possession, such as reckless firearm discharge and illegal possession. Having a gun with the specific intent to commit a crime or harm others is also an offense.
If you own any type of weapon such as a handgun, you should know about the recent changes. Ignorance can land you in serious trouble. The sentence can be quite serious if you are caught with a weapon under suspicious circumstances.
It is not always reasonable for every citizen to know about the recent changes in laws regarding ownership of firearms. For instance, probation is not possible now. This is true even if you are committing the offense for the first time. You may be let free if you own a valid FOID. The probation is also possible for a person, if he or she is under 18 years of age.
Legal Assistance From the Best
New laws are being introduced in Illinois all the time, and changes occur to the existing laws. In such a situation, you need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. An expert attorney will be aware of the updated legalities that pertain to your charges.
Unlawful use of weapon (UUW) in the state of Illinois is a serious offense now. You will not get probation for it. In fact Illinois is the only US state to ban carrying of concealed firearms. Even if an appeal has been made, it is to change yet. To be on the safer side, you need the best counsel when you are caught with a firearm. A reliable and dedicated criminal lawyer like David.L.Freidberg can provide the help you need.
With in-depth knowledge about the legal process in Chicago, the team at the law offices of David L. Freidberg will extend the needed support for your case. Law enforcement can turn against you in their zeal to uphold the law. You may be caught in the crossfire.
Many instances of charges on weapon possession occur due to illegal searches by police. This can happen when you are at home or work. It can also happen when you are driving. By availing the services of David. L.Freidberg, you can get such charges nullified. The expert team of lawyers will help obtain the evidence necessary to assist you. Contact the law offices of David L. Freidberg for a free consulting by calling 312-560-7100.
(image courtesy of Javier Villaraco)
