Illinois Gun Control Laws

Firearms laws in the state of Illinois are extremely tight. An individual must obtain a FOID before being able to do anything related to firearms, including the purchase ammunition. A FOID is a Firearm's Identification card. Even with a FOID, it is completely illegal to carry a handgun of any sort concealed or not. Other specifications to firearms laws may differ from city to city within Illinois. The state of Illinois does not restrict the lower levels of government from creating their own laws for guns.

 For example, all firearms in the city of Chicago must be registered with the Chicago Police department. In addition, the city of Chicago does not allow the registration of handguns whatsoever. Consulting with your municipal laws regarding firearms laws is important, especially in the state of Illinois. Individuals with a FOID may only keep their firearm in their place of living. Carrying a firearm concealed or not may only be done in order to transport to a place of firearms repair, target range, or place of hunting for those with a hunting license. While carrying, the firearm must be unloaded and carried in a case designed for the firearm.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

• Misdemeanors are given to those found in possession of a firearm with and expired FOID.
• It is a class 3 felony to possess any firearm without a FOID.
• Any second possession offense is a class 4 felony.

Requirements:

Illinois Gun Purchasing Laws

In order to purchase any form of firearms in Illinois, one must first get a FOID. Once obtained, the delivery of any handgun sold will be delayed no less than 72 hours by law. The delivery of any rifle or shotgun must be delayed no less than 24 hours by law. The seller is required by law to retain the full description of the sale for 10 years following.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Gun Purchases

• Any person 18 years of age or older, but less than 21 years of age may purchase a firearm only with written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
• Using false information to obtain a FOID is a class 2 felony in Illinois.
• A background check is required before the purchase of a firearm even for individuals with a quality FOID. 

Requirements:

Firing Handguns and Self Defense

According to Illinois state law, use of lethal force by means of a firearm is legal, but only in the defender's home or on his or her private property. Any other uses such as the following are illegal:

• Use of firearm in any public place other than firing range or hunting grounds
• Firing of a firearm that crosses a roadway or railroad
• Unwarranted use of firearm in self-defense (when one could use other means, or retreat)
• Discharge or use when and where carry is prohibited, whether concealed or otherwise

Legal Help

With such strict laws in Illinois, firearm charges are very common. Charges in self-defense cases are inevitable even for clear-cut cases. All gun charges are serious and should be defended with the help of an attorney. Some commonly filed gun charges include things such as:

• Felon in possession of firearm
• Possession of firearm by person without a proper FOID
• Discharge of firearms in any manner outside of what is legally specified