Common Weapons-Related Charges

Weapons offenses are serious criminal charges that can lead to serious possible criminal penalties and consequences. Because individuals accused of committing weapons crimes can face the potential loss of their freedom, fines and other possible penalties and consequences, they should be familiar with how to protect themselves from these charges.

The most common types of weapons offenses include:

• Discharging a firearm during the commission of an aggravated battery
• Possession a firearm during the commission of an aggravated battery
• Using a weapon in an unlawful manner
• Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
• Armed robbery
• Armed habitual criminal charges
• Possession of a stolen weapon
• Possession of a weapon as a convicted felon

There are several categories of individuals who are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms which can result in weapons charges if they are alleged to possess or own a weapon. These categories include convicted felons; those convicted of a crime with a firearm over the past 5 years; individuals under the age of 21; those addicted to narcotics; patients in a mental hospital over the past 5 years; patients in a mental hospital more than 5 years prior unless they have a mental health certificate; individuals with an intellectual disability or developmental disability; prisoners; any individual under a protection order; individuals convicted of domestic abuse; individuals dishonorably discharged from the military; juveniles facing criminal charges that would have been a felony if they were tried as an adult; and illegal immigrants.

It is important for accused individuals who are facing weapons charges to understand how they can potentially challenge the alleged evidence against them and develop a criminal defense to protect themselves against the charges they are facing.