Illinois Police to Enforce Gun Laws Regardless of Gun Sanctuaries

 Posted on June 16, 2018 in Uncategorized

Gun regulation has become a hot topic in recent years following the multiple mass shootings that have occurred in the United States, such as the Las Vegas shooting, the Sandy Hook shooting, and the Parkland shooting. Many states have taken action to reform current gun laws, especially those regarding assault-style weapons. In response to these changes, many areas are proposing “gun sanctuaries,” or areas where certain gun laws don’t apply.

Illinois Gun Sanctuaries

According to an Illinois news station, four counties (Jefferson, Saline, Perry, and Iroquois Counties, which are all located in southern Illinois) have passed resolutions that declare the counties to be “gun sanctuaries.” These counties have declared four Illinois House bills and one Illinois Senate bill unconstitutional, saying that these bills infringe on their Second Amendment rights.

In the resolutions, the counties state that they will not enforce these laws, meaning that if someone in these counties is in possession of a firearm or accessory banned by the laws, local police will not be able to bring charges under local law.

The Laws

The Illinois House and Senate Bills that are being opposed are:

• HB1465: This bill states that nobody under the age of 21 can own or possess assault weapons, assault weapon attachments, or .50 caliber rifles or cartridges. The bill also says that anyone under the age of 21 who does not give up their banned weapons and accessories 90 days after the effective date of the bill will face possible charges.
• HB1467: This bill prohibits the ownership of bump stocks and trigger cranks, both of which modify guns to enable them to increase the rate of fire.
• HB1468: This bill states that a person unlawfully sells firearms when he or she knowingly delivers any assault weapon without a mandatory 72 hour waiting period. The bill also states that a violation of this law is a Class 4 felony.
• HB1469: This bill deals with the delivery and sale of any large capacity ammunition feeding device, such as magazines, belts, feed strips, or similar devices that hold more than 10 rounds. The bill prohibits the sale and possession of these devices.
• SB1657: This bill creates the Gun Dealer Licensing Act, which would provide that a person cannot sell, lease, or transfer firearms without a license issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The bill also creates the Gun Dealer Licensing Board, which consists of five members appointed by the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. These members would recommend policies, procedures, and rules relevant to the act.

State Police Response

In response to these proposed gun sanctuaries, the Illinois State Police have responded by saying that they will continue to enforce all state laws that pertain to the possession, sale, and transfer of firearms. According to the Illinois State Police Public Information Office, if you are charged with wrongful possession of a firearm or accessory in a county that has declared itself a gun sanctuary, the case will go to the county’s State’s Attorney, who will make the final decision regarding charges and sentencing.

Contact a Joliet Weapons Charges Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm or accessory, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. can help protect your rights and give you the representation you deserve in court. Contact a Will County weapons charges defense lawyer at 815-740-4025 to schedule a free consultation.