Understanding Gun Crimes In Illinois
A conviction for gun crimes can result in prison time and the long-term loss of certain rights. Therefore, it is important to know that you have options after being arrested. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated by law enforcement officers, your case could be dismissed due to search and seizures issues. Depending on how the evidence was obtained, a dismissal could also occur if an arrest was made without probable cause.
The use of a gun while committing other offenses may elevate the charges from a misdemeanor to a felony and the consequences become significantly more serious. Common charges that are elevated due to gun possession are:
- Assault
- Battery
- Sexual Assault
- Drug Crimes
- Robbery
- Burglary
Possession of a gun by a felon can lead to federal charges which are much more stringent than the severe penalties under Illinois law.
Find a Lawyer Immediately After Being Charged
After being charged with a gun crime, it is crucial for you to retain counsel immediately. Your attorney needs to begin a fact-finding mission to thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and begin building a defense suited to your circumstances.