If you’re arrested in Chicago for Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW), you need to understand exactly what you’re up against. Law enforcement will not do you any favors. Prosecutors are trained to treat gun cases seriously. From the moment you’re charged, the system is stacked against you. But this is where we come in. We fight hard for our clients—inside and outside the courtroom. We know when to throw punches and when to make the other side flinch. That’s how we’ve earned a reputation as the defense team prosecutors hate to face.
Under 720 ILCS 5/24-1, Unlawful Use of a Weapon includes several actions—possessing a firearm without a valid FOID card, carrying a concealed firearm without a license, or having a gun in a prohibited location like a school or government building. Even first-time offenders can face serious penalties, including felony charges, mandatory prison time, and permanent criminal records. If you’re a felon or caught with a loaded weapon in public without a concealed carry license, you’re looking at Class 4 or higher felony charges, and the prosecutors will push hard.
The truth is that UUW arrests often come down to technicalities. Maybe the gun wasn’t loaded. Maybe the stop was illegal. Maybe the weapon wasn’t even yours. That’s where we get to work. We hit every weakness in the State’s case. We file motions to suppress if your rights were violated. We challenge illegal searches, sloppy police work, and shady traffic stops. And when the time is right, we force the prosecution to either prove it or back off.
But here’s the other side of our approach—we don’t just fight to fight. We also know when to sit across the table and push for a deal that works in your favor. We’ve resolved cases with reduced charges, probation, and dismissals because we know how to talk to prosecutors and make them see the risks of trial.
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony UUW charge, the worst thing you can do is say too much or wait too long. The sooner we get involved, the better chance we have to control the situation, protect your rights, and keep you out of jail.
Unlawful Use Of A Weapon Charge FAQs
What Is Considered Unlawful Use Of A Weapon In Illinois?
Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) in Illinois covers multiple actions under 720 ILCS 5/24-1, including carrying a firearm without a valid FOID card, possessing a loaded gun in public without a concealed carry license, or having a weapon in a restricted area. Even carrying a knife, brass knuckles, or stun gun in the wrong place can qualify. The law casts a wide net, and prosecutors often try to upgrade charges to felonies depending on the circumstances.
Can I Be Charged With UUW Even If I Have No Criminal Record?
Yes. Many people with clean records are shocked when they’re hit with a felony UUW charge. Illinois law doesn’t go easy on first-time offenders in gun cases. If you don’t have a valid FOID card or concealed carry license, you can still be arrested and charged, especially if the weapon was loaded or accessible during a traffic stop. We fight hard to show the court you’re not a threat and push for reduced or dismissed charges.
What Are The Penalties For UUW In Chicago?
Penalties vary based on the circumstances. A basic UUW charge can be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. But if you’re carrying a loaded gun without a concealed carry license in public, that’s a Class 4 felony with a mandatory prison sentence of 1 to 3 years under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6. The penalties only get worse for repeat offenders or felons in possession of firearms.
What Should I Do If I’m Arrested For UUW?
Say nothing. Do not try to explain or justify anything to the police. Politely ask for an attorney and wait. Then call us. Every word you say can be twisted and used against you. The prosecution builds its case fast, but we build our defense faster. The earlier we get involved, the more power we have to attack weak evidence and force the State to back down.
Can The Police Search My Car Or Home Without A Warrant In A UUW Case?
Only under specific exceptions. If police searched your vehicle or home without a warrant or probable cause, your Fourth Amendment rights may have been violated. If we prove the search was illegal, any evidence they found—like a firearm—could be thrown out. We file aggressive motions to suppress and challenge illegal police conduct at every step.
Can A UUW Charge Be Dropped Or Reduced?
Absolutely. We’ve forced dismissals, plea deals, and charge reductions by catching sloppy police work, challenging the legality of the stop or search, and using our relationships with prosecutors to negotiate better outcomes. Every case is different, but we don’t let up until we’ve pushed every angle to get the best deal—or fight it in court if we have to.
What If The Gun Wasn’t Mine?
It doesn’t matter what the police believe—it matters what they can prove. If the gun was found in a shared vehicle or home, prosecutors have to prove it was under your control. We’ve had cases thrown out because there wasn’t enough proof the gun belonged to our client. Don’t take the blame for something that isn’t yours—let us fight it.
Is UUW A Federal Offense?
Not always. Most UUW charges are handled under Illinois law. But if you’re a felon in possession of a firearm, or if the arrest involved crossing state lines or other federal triggers, federal charges can apply under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Federal gun cases are more serious and carry longer sentences, but we’re ready to fight them just as aggressively.
Can I Still Get A FOID Card Or Concealed Carry License After A UUW Conviction?
A conviction for UUW can bar you from owning or carrying firearms in the future. That’s why we fight to keep a conviction off your record whenever possible. A plea deal, reduction, or dismissal can sometimes preserve your rights. We also handle FOID appeals and firearm rights restoration when the case allows it.
How Long Does A UUW Case Take?
It depends on the facts, the court’s calendar, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take longer. From day one, we move aggressively—filing motions, reviewing police reports, negotiating, and preparing for trial if necessary. We don’t sit back. We take control of the case and make the prosecution respond to us.
Call Our Chicago Weapons Charge Defense Firm For An Aggressive Defense
If you’ve been arrested for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, don’t wait for the system to chew you up. At Edward Johnson & Associates, we defend aggressively, negotiate strategically, and never stop fighting for our clients. We handle UUW cases across the Chicagoland area with one goal—winning.
Contact our Chicago weapon charge defense lawyer at Edward Johnson & Associates P.C. by calling 708-762-8666 to receive your free consultation. Our office is in Chicago, Illinois, and we represent clients throughout the entire metro area. You’ve got a fight on your hands. We’re ready.