Under Illinois statute, certain crimes have enhancements if they involve firearms. Enhancements mean that in addition to the punishment for the underlying crime, a certain number of years are added to the sentence because of the presence or use of a firearm. Which Crimes Have Enhancement Clauses? Under current statutes, the firearm enhancement punishments apply to the following crimes: Armed robbery Read More

Domestic violence in Illinois is a major problem. It has been exacerbated by a state budget crisis that has hit the agencies meant to provide support for victims. The scale of the problem was highlighted recently by Peoria Public Radio. The article pointed out the state entered its 22nd month lacking a real budget in April. The services most impacted by the ongoing political battle are agencies that help victims Read More

Chicago law enforcement is aggressively going after citizens with guns.  In order to lawfully carry a firearm in Illinois any place besides one’s home or business, an individual must have both an FOID card as well as a concealed carry license. If law enforcement finds a gun on someone’s person or nearby (e.g., in the glovebox of the car they are driving) and that individual does not have a concealed carry license, Read More