Local authorities charged a teenager from Grafton, Illinois as an adult for the felony of aggravated possession of 25 stolen firearms, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
Reports indicate that this teenager faces criminal charges in two separate cases. In addition to the aggravated possession of stolen firearms charge, this individual also faces felony charges for burglary and criminal damage to property.
At this juncture, the teenager in question remains in police custody and awaits further legal proceedings. In the meantime, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois laws against and penalties for aggravated possession of stolen firearms.
Illinois Laws Against Aggravated Possession of Stolen Firearms
The Illinois laws against aggravated possession of stolen firearms appear at 720 ILCS 5/24-3.9. Under this section, it is unlawful to possess stolen or converted firearms without authorization, knowing that the firearms were stolen or converted. More specifically, this section prohibits the possession of the following:
- Between two and five stolen firearms within a one-year period;
- Between six and 10 stolen firearms within a two-year period;
- Between 11 and 20 stolen firearms within a three-year period;
- Between 21 and 30 stolen firearms within a four-year period; or
- More than 30 stolen firearms within a five-year period.
Section 24-3.9 clarifies that a jury or judge may infer knowledge that a firearm was stolen or converted under certain circumstances. In this context, it is possible to infer this type of knowledge when any person possesses a firearm with a removed or altered serial number.
Illinois Laws Against Aggravated Possession of Stolen Firearms
The Illinois penalties for aggravated possession of stolen firearms also appear under Section 24-3.9. Though the penalties and charges fluctuate based on the number of stolen firearms in question. Aggravated possession of:
- 2-5 stolen firearms — Charged as a Class 1 felony and punishable by four to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines;
- 6-10 stolen firearms — Charged as a Class X felony and punishable by six to 30 years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines;
- 11-20 stolen firearms — Charged as a Class X felony and punishable by six to 40 years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines;
- 21-30 stolen firearms — Charged as a Class X felony and punishable by six to 50 years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines; or
- 31+ stolen firearms — Charged as a Class X felony and punishable by six to 60 years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense is, all charges are serious. A sound strategy and an aggressive defense are essential for a positive outcome. To protect your rights in such situations, it is highly advisable to retain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Prior Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois, has proven experience in matters of criminal defense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com, or by completing an online form.