Illinois Criminal Defense Team
You have the right to bear arms, but there are laws regarding the possession and use of guns and other weapons. Whether you simply forgot to renew your FOID card, were caught in possession of a martial arts throwing star or had a firearm in violation of parole/probation, you could be facing a state or federal offense that will land you in jail.
Keeping you out of prison is our job. If you have been charged with or arrested for a weapons violation, call the Edwardsville, Illinois, Polinske & Associates, P.C. at 618-505-4213 (877-632-3089 toll-free). As former prosecutors, we are well versed in both the statutes regarding weapons and how to present a case in your defense.
Weapons Charges and Penalties
The complex weapons laws in Illinois offer a good reason why you need experienced criminal defense attorneys on your side if you have been charged with a weapons violation. Weapons violations may include:
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Illegal possession of a firearm under Illinois law (regardless of the law in your home state)
- Illegal possession of weapons, including martial arts weapons, Tasers, etc.
- Possession of a firearm following a felony/ domestic battery conviction
- Use or possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime
- Illegal possession of an assault weapon
Weapons charges can range from a Class A Misdemeanor (carrying a switchblade, for instance) to a Class X Felony (possession of a loaded assault weapon/machine gun), which can carry a life sentence for certain offenders. The state is serious about convicting those in violation of weapons laws. Make sure you're serious by choosing a lawyer with vast experience in criminal defense against weapons charges.
What Are You Waiting For?
If you are facing firearm possession or other weapons charges and need skilled legal help from a veteran team of trial attorneys, contact us by e-mail or call us at 618-505-4213 (877-632-3089 toll-free). A free initial consultation is available when and where you need it.
April 2012 - Mr. Pansa was charged with Unlawful Use of Weapons after having left a 9 mm on the bartop counter at a local tavern. We negotiated the charge so it will result in a misdemeanor after he completes probation.
April 2011 - Our client was charged with a weapons violation. We were able to negotiate a dismissal of the charges as the initial stop was unconstitutional.
March 2011 - Unlawful Use of Weapons - Our client, an armed security officer in Missouri, was arrested while visiting his relative in Madison, Illinois. His brother called the police and stated that he discharged his weapon inside the house. My client vehemently denied doing such. We were able to convince the prosecutor that they would lose the case at trial. The cases were fully dismissed.
Felony Aggravated Discharge of Weapons January 2011 - My client was identified by four separate people as the person who shot a firearm thereby striking the victim in the leg. I investigated the matter extensively and discovered that there were many other witnesses who gave completely differing descriptions. I obtained there statements and presented them to the State. We were able to resolve all matters for a low level (class 4 felony) Reckless Discharge conviction and two years probation. My client was looking at 30 years with no possibility for probation when he was charged. He was also charged on another occasion of shooting a gun. That charge was dismissed per negotiations.
December 2010 - My client was charged with Felony Unlawful Use of Weapons after a traffic stop on his vehicle resulted in the discovery of a loaded .38 caliber inside his car. The State had weak probable cause for the initial stop. Further the search of the car was suspect. We were able to negotiate a reduced misdemeanor charge with no probation or fine.
(October 2010) - Our client was charged with possession of a Glock .40 uncased and loaded in his vehicle. We were able to negotiate a dismissal of the felony charge. This was necessary as he was authorized as an armed security guard and would be unable to continue to work in his field with any type of a felony on his record.
2009 - Our client, an armed security guard, was charged by a police officer with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (felony). We eventually won the case. However, he lost his job. We sued the police and a jury awarded him almost $120,000 in damages.
Brian Polinske is the contributing author to this content.
