New Chicago Gun Law
As of Monday, July 12, 2010, Chicago's 28 year long ban on guns has changed. Residents of Chicago are now allowed to own guns, but are only allowed to possess them within their homes.
The change in Chicago's gun law is due to a recent Supreme Court decision that declared the city-wide ban on firearms was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court said that the Second Amendment, which states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed," protects citizen's rights to possess firearms. The decision, however, also stated that the Second Amendment was intended for militias and home protection. The court did not rule that citizens had the right to possess guns outside of their homes.
In Chicago, the law restricts gun owners from possessing their weapons anywhere but inside the home. Porches and garages do not apply. There are very strict restrictions on gun ownership, and you can easily be charged with a weapons offense if you break any of them. In addition to the legal permit, you are only allowed to have one gun that is not contained in a lock box, and only one is allowed to be loaded. You can only purchase one gun per month, and certain types of guns are prohibited.
If you are a Chicago resident and have been charged with a weapons offense, a criminal defense attorney at Acosta, Batrovski & Schmiege can represent your case. Contact a Chicago Gun Offenses Lawyer at our firm today.