Illinois takes gun and weapons cases very seriously. There are a wide range of laws all aimed at preventing the unlawful possession or use of guns and weapons. 

Some gun charges prohibit possession of certain types of guns or weapons by certain types of people in all circumstances. For example, in Illinois fully automatic weapons or other weapons such as brass knuckles or a spring activated switchblade knife are illegal in any circumstance. 

Other times, possession of guns or other weapons becomes illegal in certain situations. For example, a person who has previously been convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing any firearm. A conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon is a serious offense and carries a mandatory prison sentence. A person may not receive probation for a conviction of this offense. Additionally, lawful possession of a firearm may become unlawful if the person is not in possession of an Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification card.

Additionally, even otherwise lawful possession of a legal firearm can be the basis of a criminal charge if it is used unlawfully. Drug possession while in possession of a firearm, using a firearm during a battery, theft, burglary or other offense can drastically increase the range of penalties a person faces

• Aggravated robbery
  
• Armed robbery
  
• Aggravated vehicular hijacking
  
• Home invasion
  
• Unlawful use of weapons
  

• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
  
• Unlawful possession of weapons by felons
  
• Aggravated discharge of a firearm
  
• Reckless discharge of a firearm
  
• Armed habitual criminal
  

• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member
  
• Unlawful possession of firearms and firearm ammunition
  
• Defacing identification marks of a firearm
  
• Possession of a stolen firearm