Lake County UUW Attorney in Illinois

Legal Guidance for Weapon Charges in Waukegan and Surrounding Cities

In Illinois, there are a variety of actions that can lead to criminal charges related to the use of weapons. The unlawful use of weapons (UUW) statute covers a wide range of weapons-related offenses, from carrying a concealed weapon without a license to selling certain types of illegal weapons. These weapons charges are serious offenses that can lead to stiff penalties, including large fines and prison time. In addition, a weapons conviction will go on your permanent record, which can make it difficult to find employment or housing in the future.

If you have been charged with a crime involving a weapon, it is important to seek experienced legal help as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we have extensive experience handling multiple types of criminal cases, including those involving weapons charges. We will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

What Is Unlawful Use of a Weapon?

When most people think of criminal charges related to weapons, they expect that these cases will address guns. While the offense of unlawful use of weapons does address firearms, it may also apply in situations involving other types of deadly weapons, including:

• Bludgeons or clubs
• Blackjacks
• Sand-clubs or sand-bags
• Slung-shots
• Brass knuckles or other knuckle weapons
• Switchblade knives
• Daggers or stilettos
• Throwing stars
• Ballistic knives that use springs, elastic, or compressed gas to propel a bladed projectile
• Other dangerous knives
• Broken bottles or other broken glass
• Tasers and stun guns
• Tear gas guns or bombs (other than non-lethal substances such as pepper spray that are carried by people over the age of 18 and used for personal defense)

Generally, a person may be charged with unlawful use of weapons if they buy, sell, manufacture, or possess any of the above weapons or carry them with the intent of using them against someone else unlawfully. This offense is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor, and a person who is convicted may be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined up to $2,500.

UUW charges may also apply for certain types of firearms or related weapons that are illegal in Illinois. These include:

• Machine guns, including devices such as "bump stocks" that can convert other types of firearms into automatic weapons
• Rifles with barrels less than 16 inches in length
• Shotguns with one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length
• Rifles or shotguns that have been modified to have a total length of less than 26 inches
• Bombs, grenades, or other containers with at least one fourth of an ounce of an explosive substance, including black powder bombs and Molotov cocktails
• Silencers

UUW offenses involving the firearms listed above are typically charged as Class 3 felonies, and a person who is convicted may be sentenced to two to five years in prison. UUW offenses involving machine guns may be charged as Class 2 felonies, and a conviction may result in a prison sentence of three to seven years. A person convicted of a felony may also be fined up to $25,000.

A person may also be charged with unlawful use of weapons in some situations involving firearms that are otherwise legal. Carrying a pistol, revolver, or other firearm is illegal except in certain specific circumstances, including when a person has a valid concealed carry license or has a Firearm Owners ID Card and is carrying an unloaded weapon in a box, case, or other firearm carrying container. If a person does not meet these requirements, UUW charges may apply unless they can show that a weapon is broken down and non-functional or is otherwise inaccessible. This type of UUW offense is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

The severity of UUW charges may also be based on the location where an offense occurred. Carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon in a school, public park, courthouse, church, mosque, or synagogue will typically result in felony charges.

Contact Our Waukegan Unlawful Use of Weapons Lawyer

If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Illinois, it is important to understand the potential consequences and take action to protect your rights. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., our experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can maximize your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case. To set up a free consultation, contact us today at 847-239-4703.