Unlawful Use of a Weapon Charge in Illinois

If you’ve been arrested for the unlawful use of a weapon (UUW), you might be worried about what that means for your future. You might also be concerned about avoiding a conviction and the harsh penalties that could follow if you don’t fight back. 

Fortunately, if you’re facing an unlawful use of a weapon charge in Illinois, your lawyer from Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ can help you face those charges. Reach out for help if you’re trying to build a defense and protect yourself from these weapon-related accusations. 

What Your UUW Illinois Charges Mean

When you’re accused of the unlawful use of a weapon, what does that mean, and what’s included in these charges? 

Typically, this means that you’re being accused of having, making, or selling deadly weapons that are illegal in your state. For example, a UUW Illinois charge might include owning metal knuckles, selling an automatic weapon, or making a ballistics knife. 

If you’ve been charged, there’s a chance the police believe they found one of these weapons in your possession. Otherwise, you might be suspected for this crime, and a warrant was served for your arrest

Penalties for Illinois Convictions 

Unfortunately, the penalties for a UUW conviction can be severe. A first-time offense could be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which could mean up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. Unfortunately, these charges could be more serious, which means you could easily be facing a felony, That could mean years behind bars and much higher fines. 

Those fines don’t include the social penalties you’ll face, either. A felony or misdemeanor conviction means that you have a criminal record now. That can be found in your background check, which means that you could lose job and housing opportunities if you have a UUW Illinois conviction. 

Fighting Back in Illinois

Luckily, you don’t have to accept the costs of a conviction related to the unlawful use of a weapon. You have the chance to defend yourself when you’re accused of a crime, which is something an Illinois attorney can help with. It’s a matter of finding the defense that best fits your needs

For example, the weapon may not have belonged to you. Your roommate or a family member might have owned the deadly weapon, and you didn’t know about it. 

Every case is different, so be sure to review the details of your case with a lawyer. They have the knowledge and experience to help you build your Illinois defense case. 

Talk to an Unlawful Use of a Weapon Lawyer in Illinois

Criminal charges can affect your life for years to come, but you don’t have to accept a conviction without a fight. An unlawful use of a weapon charge in Illinois is not the end of your life when you have a lawyer from Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ to help you. 

If you’re not sure how to defend yourself in the courtroom and avoid those charges, get started with a lawyer’s help during a consultation. Take advantage of our services by calling 312-519-3171 or by filling out the online form below.