Are Unlawful Use of Weapons (UUW) Laws in Illinois Unconstitutional?

A rumor exists that the Unlawful Use of Weapons (UUW) law in Illinois has been declared unconstitutional and that everyone can walk around Illinois carrying a gun.

This rumor is false.

What is true is that specific sections of the Unlawful Use of Weapons statute have been struck down, while most of the law has been upheld.

For example, in People v. Chairez, 104 N,E,3d 1158, 423 Ill. Dec. 69 (2018), the Illinois Supreme Court held that the Class 3 felony of UUW in violation of section 24-1(a)(4), (c)(1.5) within 1000 feet of a public park, was unconstitutional.

Other sections have been upheld as constitutional. In People v. Bell, 107 N.E.3d 1047, 424 Ill. Dec. 328 (1st Dist. 2018), by the appellate court upheld a challenge to the provision making it illegal to possess a handgun in a public park.

If you are charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon or any other firearms offense, you need to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney like Attorney Steven R. Hunter, who can explain all possible defenses to you and who is aware of, and fully understands, all recent court rulings that might help you win your case.