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Unlawful Use of a Weapon in Illinois

Unlawful use of a weapon in Chicago is most often charged as a felony, but can be charged as a misdemeanor in some circumstances.Call on Chicago UUW lawyers Fagan, Fagan & Davis now if you've been arrested.

Referred to as UUW in Illinois, the law deals with unlawful discharge of a firearm, unauthorized sale or distribution, and possession of a weapon or ammunition without an FOID. Prosecutors, particularly in Chicago criminal courts, often take a zero tolerance approach to pursuing conviction for UUW and related crimes.

The serious nature of UUW and crimes involving guns or other weapons in Illinois law means you must be represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney well versed in criminal trial defense. A skilled Chicago criminal lawyer can take advantage of opportunities to protect your freedom and your future.

Types of Illinois criminal weapons offenses

Illinois law criminalizes the use of guns and other weapons in a broad variety of offenses, including:

  • Unlawful possession of a weapon (UUW)
  • Unlawful sale or distribution of a weapon
  • Defacing identification marks of firearms (altering or obscuring serial numbers)
  • Possession of a weapon without a FOID
  • Possession of ammunition without a FOID
  • Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
  • Aggravated discharge of a firearm
  • Carrying a concealed weapon without a license
  • Armed robbery
  • Armed habitual criminal
  • Reckless discharge of a firearm

The benefit of representation by an experienced Illinois criminal lawyer

Illinois has the strictest laws in the nation when it comes to the use or possession of a gun or firearm or other weapon. A knowledgable criminal defense lawyer can analyze possible defenses that aren't immediately obvious, including issues that involve the analysis of probable cause for arrest and forensic evidence.

Conviction for unlawful use of a weapon and other charges can result in serious penalties that can permanently change your life. Prison, loss of the right to own or possess a weapon, and a permanent felony record are just some of the consequences defendants face in Illinois courts.

The Illinois criminal defense lawyers of Fagan, Fagan & Davis have decades of experience defending clients against charges involving guns, and are skilled in effective defense strategies for defending weapons charges. With more than 100 years of combined experience in criminal law, we have a national reputation as the premier Chicago criminal defense law firm for defense when faced with tough prosecution in Cook county, DuPage county or Lake county Illinois trial courts.

Fill out the form on this page of call now for a free consultation with our law firm.

Where do we appear in court?

We regularly appear for Illinois Criminal defense, DUI defense and Traffic violations throughout the Chicago area including Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane and Will county courts, Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Bridgeview, Markham, Maywood, Waukegan, Wheaton, Naperville, Elgin, St. Charles and more.

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