Naperville Weapons Charge Attorney

Exploring Your Options When Facing a Weapons Charge

The laws that govern who can have a gun and how they can possess it are often misunderstood by people. Many fail to realize that they are putting themselves in a position where they can be at risk of facing a weapons charge.

There are several types of weapons-related criminal charges that individuals can be charged with:

• Unlawful use of a weapon — There are laws that control how and where you can be in possession of a firearm. Having a loaded weapon in your car, for example, may be a violation of the law. Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid concealed carry license may result in criminal charges. You could also face charges for possessing, selling, or distributing certain types of illegal weapons, such as machine guns, switchblade knives, or brass knuckles. Unlawful use of a weapon is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor. However, felony charges may apply in certain situations, such as if you are accused of carrying a gun in a school.
• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon — Individuals who have been convicted of a felony are barred from possessing firearms. Most convicted felons understand that they cannot possess a gun. However, few are familiar with the concept of constructive possession. Simply having a gun in the house that you could have taken control of may be a sufficient basis for a conviction. This offense is typically charged as a felony. Factors such as the type of gun and where it is found may affect the severity of the charges.
• Illegal discharge of a firearm - If you are accused of firing a gun in a way that endangers someone else's safety, you may be charged with reckless discharge of a firearm. Aggravated discharge of a firearm charges may apply if you are accused of firing a gun toward an occupied building or vehicle or in the direction of a police officer, firefighter, EMT, or a teacher working at a school. These offenses are charged as felonies.

At the Law Office of Philip R. Nathe, our Naperville weapons charges lawyer has more than three decades of experience in the DuPage County criminal courts. Beginning his career as a clerk, he then became a probation officer and lastly an assistant state's attorney before entering private practice in 1990. Let us use our extensive experience to help you create the defense you deserve against weapons charges.

Contact Our DuPage County Weapons Charges Defense Lawyer

If you are facing weapons charges, do not take them lightly. Prison is a real possibility with these types of charges. Turn to the Law Office of Philip R. Nathe. Our decades of experience allow us to provide our clients with an aggressive and effective defense. To schedule a free initial consultation with our lawyer, call 630-416-7600, toll free at 888-583-6197, or simply contact us online.

We accept credit cards for our clients' convenience.