June 27, 2021
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How Much Jail Time Will I Face for a Gun Charge?

Gun-related offenses can impact your future for some time. Guns are deadly weapons, and misusing them or owning one without taking the right steps can come with harsh legal penalties. 

Because of that, you may already be facing jail time and worse if you’ve been accused of a gun-related offense. But that doesn’t mean you’re already out of options. If you’ve been accused of a crime, speak with your Chicago criminal defense lawyer about your opportunities to take action. Your lawyer can help you get answers and avoid harsh penalties when you’re accused of breaking Illinois gun laws

Misdemeanor Charges 

If you’re facing misdemeanor penalties, the jail time you may face may not be as harsh, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek a defense. Misdemeanors are punishable with up to one year in jail. 

A year may not seem like a long time, but that time can add up and impact your life. If you’re a parent, that’s a year without seeing your children. A college student may lose their scholarships over that time. Your apartment, car, and family may also be impacted by your time in jail. Because of this, it’s important to defend your case and avoid these charges. 

Felony Charges May Mean Years in Prison 

Some gun convictions come with felony penalties, and some may even be punished on the federal level. In these cases, your prison time may grow. In some cases, you may face decades in prison if you don’t seek a strong defense. 

Those decades can impact you more seriously than other penalties. Those decades in prison may mean serious debts, ones that you may struggle to pay off because of the gap in your employment history. That time in prison can leave you struggling to get your life back on track. 

Long-Term Impacts of a Gun Charge 

But even a misdemeanor can come with severe penalties. Even after serving your sentence, you may face long-term consequences that impact your quality of life. Your criminal record is public, which means others can see it through background checks

That may mean getting denied for a lease, a job, a bank loan, or even child custody. That can leave you struggling to maintain the quality of life you once did before the conviction. Because of this, it’s important to seek help, no matter what charges you’re facing. 

Learn How Your Lawyer Can Defend You From Gun Charges

If you’ve been charged with a gun-related crime, you may need help avoiding the penalties and protecting your record. But identifying the best defense for your case without help can be daunting. Luckily, that’s what the lawyers at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ are here for. 

When you’re facing a criminal conviction, you may need a lawyer’s help avoiding the harsh penalties for gun charges. Your lawyer can review your case, gather evidence in your favor, and help you defend your case in court. When you’re ready, reach out by calling 312-519-3171 or by completing the online contact form below.