Orland Park Illegal Firearm Purchase Attorney

Tinley Park Gun Crimes Lawyer for Unlawful Purchase of a Firearm

The state of Illinois has multiple laws in place to regulate firearms. Certain people are prohibited from possessing firearms, and they could face charges of unlawful possession of a firearm if they are found in possession of guns or ammunition. Unlawful use of a weapon charges may apply in other situations, such as when a person carries a concealed weapon without a permit or possesses a firearm in a location such as a school or courthouse. While these charges may address the purchase or transfer of possession of firearms in violation of the law, a separate offense addresses unique situations in which people purchase guns illegally.

Understanding the laws that may affect weapons charges in Illinois can be difficult, and some people may face criminal charges even if they did not realize that they had done anything wrong. At Issa Law, LLC, we work to help our clients address charges related to firearms or other weapons, ensuring that they can take steps to defend against convictions. We will examine the facts of a case to determine what options may be available, and we will work to negotiate agreements with prosecutors to reduce the charges against a person or determine if a case can be dismissed. However, we can also provide representation during criminal trials when necessary, and we will fight to protect our clients' rights and help them resolve their cases successfully.

When Can a Person Face Criminal Charges for Purchasing a Firearm?

The offense of unlawful purchase of a firearm addresses two specific situations. The first has to do with what are known as "straw purchases." In these situations, a person who is lawfully entitled to purchase and possess a firearm may purchase a gun on behalf of a person who is prohibited from possessing firearms by law. For example, a convicted felon may give someone else money to purchase a firearm for them, and that person will then transfer the gun to the felon. While the person prohibited from possessing a firearm may face charges in this situation, the person who made the purchase may be charged with a criminal offense as well.

A person may also face criminal charges if they intentionally provide misleading or false statements on certain forms associated with the purchase of a firearm. Even simple, apparently innocuous information can lead to criminal charges if the person knew that it was false when they submitted this information to government organizations. For instance, knowingly supplying a false place of birth on one of these forms can constitute unlawful purchase of a firearm, even if the person was entitled to purchase or possess a firearm and did not provide any other false information.

While most felonies can only be prosecuted within three years after a person engaged in illegal activities. Illinois law allows a person to be prosecuted within six years after the commission of an offense that constitutes unlawful purchase of a firearm. This extended statute of limitations also applies for other firearm offenses in Illinois.

The sentence a person may face if they are convicted of unlawful purchase of a firearm will depend on the number of guns they allegedly purchased illegally. Purchasing or attempting to purchase one firearm is a Class 2 felony, which may result in a prison sentence between three and seven years. Purchasing or attempting to purchase between two and five firearms, either in a single transaction or in separate transactions taking place over the course of one year, is a Class 1 felony. A person convicted of this offense could be sentenced to between four and 15 years in a state prison. Cases involving the illegal purchase of six or more firearms within two years may result in Class X felony charges, which carry a potential sentence of six to 30 years. Felony offenses may also carry maximum fines of $25,000. Probation may be possible if a person is charged with a Class 1 or Class 2 felony.

Contact Our Will County Unlawful Gun Purchase Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with unlawful purchase of a firearm, contact us at 708-966-2408 to set up a consultation.