Facing Weapons Charges? Ms. Williams Will Fight to Protect Your Rights and Your Freedom.
Illinois has some of the strictest firearms laws in the country. A weapons charge can result from something as simple as an expired FOID card, a firearm stored in the wrong location, or carrying in a prohibited area—even if you are otherwise a law-abiding gun owner. And the penalties are severe: mandatory minimum sentences, felony convictions, and the permanent loss of firearms rights.
Updated September 2026
With over 33 years of legal experience, Ms. Williams has defended clients facing weapons charges throughout Central Illinois. She understands the complexity of Illinois firearms law and fights aggressively to challenge the evidence, the legality of the search, and the circumstances that led to the charges.
◆ Illinois Law
Illinois requires a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card to possess firearms or ammunition, under 430 ILCS 65/2. Unlawful Use of a Weapon (UUW) offenses are governed by 720 ILCS 5/24-1, covering prohibited weapons, prohibited carry, and aggravated circumstances. Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (AUUW) under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6 — which includes carrying without a FOID card or in a vehicle — is a Class 4 felony for a first offense and escalates with prior convictions.
Sources: 430 ILCS 65/2 — Firearm Owners Identification Card Act; 720 ILCS 5/24-1 — Unlawful Use of Weapons; 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6 — Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
What happens when a FOID card is revoked — the 48-hour surrender rule, the Firearm Disposition Record, and the appeal routes — is covered on the FOID card revocation page.
What Is at Stake with Weapons Charges
Weapons offenses carry some of the harshest penalties in Illinois criminal law. Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon can carry mandatory prison time. Armed habitual criminal charges result in 6-30 years. And any weapons conviction triggers the permanent loss of your FOID card and firearms rights under both state and federal law.
Beyond prison time, a felony weapons conviction affects employment, housing, professional licensing, and—for non-citizens—immigration status. The collateral consequences extend far beyond the sentence itself.
How Ms. Williams Defends Weapons Cases
Many weapons cases begin with a traffic stop or a search. Ms. Williams immediately examines whether law enforcement had legal justification for the stop, the search, and the seizure of the weapon. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, the weapon may be suppressed as evidence—and without the weapon, the case often cannot proceed.
She also challenges the prosecution's proof of possession and knowledge. Was the weapon found in a shared vehicle or residence? Did you know it was there? Were you in actual or constructive possession? These are questions the prosecution must answer beyond a reasonable doubt, and Ms. Williams holds them to that burden.
For FOID-related charges, she examines whether your card was genuinely expired, revoked, or never issued, and whether administrative remedies may resolve the situation. For concealed carry violations, she reviews whether you were in a prohibited location and whether the law was properly applied to your circumstances.
Weapons Charges Ms. Williams Defends
Carrying or possessing firearms in prohibited circumstances including without a FOID card, in a vehicle without proper storage, or in prohibited locations. Penalties range from Class A misdemeanor to Class 4 felony depending on the specific violation.
Unlawful use of weapons with aggravating factors such as a loaded and accessible firearm without a concealed carry license, possession in certain locations, or prior convictions. A Class 4 to Class 2 felony, some forms carrying mandatory minimum sentences.
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person with a prior felony conviction. A Class 3 felony (2-5 years) or Class 2 felony (3-7 years). Armed habitual criminal charges for repeat offenders carry 6-30 years. These are among the most serious weapons charges.
Possessing firearms or ammunition without a valid FOID card, failure to surrender firearms after FOID revocation, and related administrative violations. Ms. Williams defends these charges and helps clients navigate the FOID restoration process when appropriate.
Illinois Firearms Law
Illinois requires a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card to legally possess firearms or ammunition. A separate Concealed Carry License (CCL) is required to carry a concealed firearm in public. Both are issued by the Illinois State Police and can be revoked for various reasons including criminal charges, orders of protection, and mental health adjudications.
Unlawful use of weapons (720 ILCS 5/24-1) and aggravated unlawful use of weapons (720 ILCS 5/24-1.6) cover a wide range of prohibited conduct. The statutes are detailed and technical—the specific circumstances of possession, the type of weapon, the location, and the defendant's background all determine the severity of the charge. Under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6, a second or later offense (subsection (d)(1)) and a prior felony (subsection (d)(3)) are each a Class 2 felony with 3 to 7 years.
Federal law also applies. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), persons convicted of felonies, subject to certain domestic violence orders, or convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing firearms. Federal weapons charges can be prosecuted in addition to state charges, compounding the penalties significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions: Weapons Charges Defense
What is unlawful use of weapons in Illinois?
UUW covers carrying or possessing weapons in prohibited ways—without a FOID card, without proper storage in a vehicle, in prohibited locations, or carrying certain types of weapons like short-barreled rifles or suppressors. The specific subsection violated determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.
What are the penalties for aggravated UUW?
Aggravated UUW is typically a Class 4 felony (1-3 years) but can be a Class 2 felony (3-7 years) with aggravating factors. Some forms—particularly involving loaded, accessible firearms without a CCL—have carried mandatory minimum sentences, though recent court decisions have affected enforcement. Ms. Williams stays current on these evolving legal developments.
Can a convicted felon ever possess a firearm again?
In limited circumstances, a person with a prior felony may petition for restoration of firearm rights and FOID eligibility. The process involves the Illinois State Police and the circuit court. Not all felony convictions are eligible. Ms. Williams can advise on whether restoration may be possible in your situation.
What if the search was illegal?
If law enforcement conducted an illegal stop, search, or seizure, the weapon found may be inadmissible as evidence. Ms. Williams files motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment and challenges the legality of the search at every stage.
Do I need a FOID card?
Yes. Illinois requires a valid FOID card to possess firearms or ammunition. Possessing either without a valid FOID card is a criminal offense. If your FOID card has been revoked or has expired, contact Ms. Williams to discuss both the criminal defense and the administrative restoration process.
Do you handle weapons charges in Peoria IL?
Yes. Ms. Williams defends weapons charges in Peoria and throughout Peoria County in the 10th Judicial Circuit. Weapons cases in Peoria range from unlawful use of weapons and aggravated UUW to felon in possession and FOID violations. Cases are heard at the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main Street. Call (309) 999-1177 to schedule a consultation.
What is the best weapons charge lawyer in Peoria?
Ms. Williams defends weapons charges in Peoria courts, practicing criminal defense exclusively, and has over 33 years of legal experience. She challenges the legality of searches, the chain of custody for evidence, and every element of the prosecution's case — from the traffic stop that led to the discovery of the weapon to the specifics of the UUW or AUUW statute applied.
What is 720 ILCS 5/24-1 in Illinois?
720 ILCS 5/24-1 is the Illinois Unlawful Use of Weapons (UUW) statute. It prohibits carrying or possessing certain weapons in defined circumstances, including carrying a concealed firearm without a valid license, possessing prohibited items such as a machine gun, silencer, or short-barreled rifle or shotgun, and carrying a firearm into a location licensed to sell alcohol. Depending on the subsection charged, a first UUW offense can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony. Ms. Williams reviews exactly which subsection the State has charged and whether the search and seizure were lawful.
What is 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6 in Illinois?
720 ILCS 5/24-1.6 is the Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (AUUW) statute. It generally applies when a person carries an uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible firearm, or carries a firearm without a valid FOID card or concealed carry license, on a public street or in a vehicle. A first AUUW offense is a Class 4 felony. Under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6, a second or later offense (subsection (d)(1)) and a prior felony (subsection (d)(3)) are each a Class 2 felony with 3 to 7 years. Ms. Williams challenges the stop, the search, and the State's proof of possession and knowledge at every stage. For a section-by-section breakdown, see our 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6 aggravated UUW explained page.
Ms. Williams defends weapons cases throughout Central Illinois including Peoria County, McLean County, Tazewell County, LaSalle County, and Macon County. She also handles drug crimes, assault and battery, domestic violence, and all other criminal defense matters.