08/00/2024

6 minutes of reading

In the state of Illinois, the ownership of firearms is managed by the FOID card system. This is the identification card that shows who in that state is authorized to own a firearm and firearm ammunition. A violation of FOID card requirements can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, the revocation of your card, and even criminal charges.

Whether it's unintentional non-compliance or a more serious offense, it's crucial to understand the nuances of FOID card laws to protect your rights and avoid severe penalties. Our Chicago weapons attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to ensure your rights are protected and to guide you through the legal process. Call us at (312) 756-8652 to schedule a free consultation and let us help you navigate these challenging legal waters.

Importance of Abiding by FOID Card Regulations

If you have a FOID card, you must abide by its regulations. If you do not, you run the risk of having your FOID and any other licenses, like a concealed carry license, revoked. Once these licenses are revoked, they can be extremely difficult to get back.

What Would Disqualify Me From Getting a FOID Card?

When it is time to apply for a FOID card, you will notice that there is a whole list of factors that can disqualify you from getting one. Here are some of the most common factors that can disqualify you:

Felony gun convictions
Stays in a mental institution
Violent felony offenses
Weapons offenses
Documented dangerous mental illness
Diagnosed mental defective

This is only a small list of the factors that can disqualify you. The rest of the factors can be found in the FOID application portal.

Common FOID Card Violations

In Chicago, some FOID violations are the most common. Here are the ones that you should look out for:

Possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card
Providing false information on a FOID application
Failure to renew or update FOID information
Unauthorized transfer or sale of firearms
Possession of a weapon by a felon

The more subsequent violations that you receive, the more likely it is that you will receive a revocation notice and lose your right to possess a firearm.

Consequences of Violating FOID Card Regulations

If you violate the FOID regulations there are different consequences depending on the severity of the violation. If you commit a crime using your firearm, you will be subject to prosecution to the full extent of the law as you normally would. Depending on the nature of the charge, this could lead to anything from misdemeanor to felony charges. These criminal charges often come with jail time and hefty fines.

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor violation or felony gun charge, you can get a FOID card revocation. If you lie during the application process and it is found out, your FOID will also be revoked. An example of this is if you say that you don't have any previous convictions and then they figure out that you do have past criminal convictions.

How to Keep a FOID Act Violation Conviction Off Your Record?

The best way to keep a FOID card violation conviction off your record is to make sure you are aware of all the regulations and ensure that you are following them.

If you break one of the rules and are facing charges, you must work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They will be able to argue your case and reduce the charges or get them dismissed. This is especially important if you were charged with a gun possession charge or other gun-related crime and want to be able to apply for a FOID identification card again in the future.

A good criminal defense lawyer is especially important if you think you are being wrongly charged. If you choose not to work with a criminal defense attorney, you will have to navigate the legal system alone and may not get the results that you desire.

Conclusion

As long as you keep your information up to date and don't violate any of the firearm identification card regulations, you will be able to be a legal firearm owner in the state of Illinois.

If you find yourself in a situation where your possession of firearms is being challenged you will want to look for a lawyer with criminal law experience.

Here at Ktenas Law, we have years of experience working with our clients to ensure that they can keep their right to firearm ownership. Contact us today at (312) 756-8652 to schedule a free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers today.