Springfield Firearms Charge Lawyer
You Need an Experienced Weapons Lawyer to Fight Your Weapons’ Charge
Americans are fortunate to live in a country where the right to bear arms is constitutionally guaranteed. Exercising this right, however, can be difficult in the state of Illinois due to stringent gun laws. Despite Second Amendment rights, Illinois law requires that gun owners must follow strict rules for possessing, carrying, and using firearms.
Illinois mandates that anyone who desires to buy, possess or use any kind of firearm, or to purchase ammunition must first obtain from the Illinois State Police a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card, known as a FOID card.
Firearms’ crimes are treated seriously and sentenced severely in Central Illinois. Someone charged with such a crime needs a firearms’ attorney like Marcus Schantz who is a US Army infantry veteran and strong supporter of Second and Fourth Amendment rights; and has extensive experience representing clients charged with these crimes.
Common Firearms Crimes
- Possession Without a FOID Card – Illinois law requires a FOID card to buy, possess or use a firearm and ammunition. This is a Class 4 felony and is probation eligible.
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon – Convicted felons cannot obtain FOID cards and are thus not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. This is a Class 2 offense and is not probation eligible.
- Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm – Aggravated discharge of a firearm is shooting at an occupied building or vehicle or in the direction of another person. This is normally a Class 1 felony but can be Class X in some circumstances, such as, for example, shooting at a police car or ambulance. Prison sentences for this crime are served at 85%.
- Aggravated Battery with a Firearm – this crime is charged when a victim is shot with a firearm and is a Class X felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison and served at 85%.
Contact Marcus at (217) 572-1559 so you can ask questions about your firearms charge in Illinois.
Powerful Defense for Your Case
There are defenses to weapons’ charges, such as self-dense or unknowing possession.
Past Case Example
The house of a former client who was on parole was searched. Found in the heavily cluttered basement was a bag of old shotgun shells. The client was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. At trial, the jury heard testimony that the house previously belonged to the client’s grandmother who was a hoarder and had recently died. The basement had not yet been cleaned. Photographic evidence of the basement showed an immense amount of various and random junk objects collected through many years by the client’s grandmother. The jury was able to touch and smell the old, moldy bag in which the shotgun shells were found. The client was found not guilty based on lack of knowledge the shells were in the house.
Attorney Marcus Schantz will examine and investigate your firearms’ case; he will, when possible, create a defense and then seek evidence supporting your defense. Weapons crimes are serious. You need a tough, experienced attorney to defend you. You need Lawyer Marcus Schantz on your side.
Call Marcus Schantz today at (217) 572-1559 or contact online fora free consultation.
