Weapons Charges Attorney
in Cook County
Gun charges are among the most common serious criminal cases moving through Cook County courts right now — and the consequences of a conviction, particularly for Agg UUW, can follow you permanently.
Available 24/7
For Criminal Defense Emergencies
Former Cook County Prosecutor
Solo Practice: Clients Work Directly with Steven
Free Consultation, No Time Limit
What a Weapons Charge in Illinois Actually Means for You
The range of outcomes in a weapons case is wider than most people realize at the time of arrest. A Agg UUW charge is generally a Class A misdemeanor. Agg UUW — Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon — is a Class 4 felony under Illinois law, carrying prison time of 1–3 years and fines up to $25,000. A single location factor, such as carrying within 1,000 feet of a school, can convert a misdemeanor into a felony.
That range matters because the defense strategy depends on the specific charge, the circumstances of the stop, and what the prosecution actually has.
The Charges You're Most Likely Facing
Agg UUW: Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Agg UUW is the dominant weapons charge in Cook County. It is a Class 4 felony — and a conviction means a permanent felony record, potential prison time, fines up to $25,000, and the loss of your right to own a firearm. The charge applies when a person carries a firearm without a valid FOID card, without a concealed carry license, or in a prohibited location. These cases are prosecuted aggressively, and the stakes are real.
FOID Card Violations
Illinois law requires a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card to legally possess a firearm. Being found with a weapon while your FOID is expired, revoked, or was never obtained is a factor in the charge — but it is not an automatic conviction. The circumstances of the stop, your knowledge of your FOID status, and how law enforcement conducted the investigation all affect how the case develops.
How the Police Found the Weapon Is Often the Heart of the Defense
This is where many weapons cases are actually decided.
If law enforcement stopped your vehicle or searched your person without legal justification — no probable cause, no valid consent, no warrant — any evidence found during that search may be subject to suppression. If the weapon is suppressed, the prosecution may have no case to bring.
An unconstitutional traffic stop is one of the most effective defense arguments available in a weapons case. Before advising on your options, we look closely at exactly how the arrest happened.
Steven Skinner is a criminal defense attorney licensed in Illinois with 20 years of experience and a background as a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney. Skinner Law Firm, P.C. handles weapons charges, AUUW defense, UUW cases, and FOID violations in courts across Cook County, including Bridgeview and Markham. The firm holds a 4.9-star Google rating (28 reviews) and a 5.0 Avvo rating (18 reviews). Learn more about his background on the About page.
Illinois Firearms Law Is More Complex Than It Appears
A significant number of people facing weapons charges did not believe they were doing anything illegal. Illinois has specific rules about where you can carry, how a firearm must be transported, and what documentation you are required to have — and those rules change depending on proximity to schools, parks, and other restricted zones.
Your intent matters. What you understood about the law at the time matters. These are legitimate legal defenses, not technicalities, and we have raised them in Cook County courts.
What We Bring to a Weapons Case
Before founding Skinner Law Firm, Steven Skinner served as an Assistant State's Attorney in Cook County, where he prosecuted weapons cases. That experience informs how we approach defense — we know how these cases are built from the prosecution's side, and we know where they're vulnerable.
Our practice is anchored in Cook County. We handle weapons charges in courts throughout the county, including the Bridgeview courthouse serving the 5th Municipal District and the Markham courthouse serving the south Cook County criminal courts.
20 years of criminal defense experience in Cook County
Former Cook County Assistant State's Attorney — prosecuted DUI, domestic battery, misdemeanor and felony cases
Agg UUW FOID violation, and gun charge defense
You work directly with Steven, not an associate, from day one
Available by phone or text after hours and on weekends
Illinois Firearms Law Is More Complex Than It Appears
A significant number of people facing weapons charges did not believe they were doing anything illegal. Illinois has specific rules about where you can carry, how a firearm must be transported, and what documentation you are required to have — and those rules change depending on proximity to schools, parks, and other restricted zones.
Your intent matters. What you understood about the law at the time matters. These are legitimate legal defenses, not technicalities, and we have raised them in Cook County courts.
Testimonials
I can’t thank Steve enough for the work he did on my criminal case. From day one, he was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and straightforward about everything. He responded quickly whenever I had questions and always kept me informed about what was going on. Most importantly, he got my case dismissed.
David Cortez
5 stars across the board! Mr. Skinner was a great help, very professional and knowledgeable. He did what he said he would! I would highly recommend him for all of your legal needs!
Jim Marino
Attorney Skinner handled my daughter’s traffic matter wonderfully! He was very professional and helpful throughout the process.
Keri Moritz
Quick and concise service. Applying for law enforcement, needed to clean up my past ASAP, Mr Skinner ensured the job got done in time for the next hiring cycle. A blessing no doubt!! Knowledgeable and professional, well mannered, I recommended highly.
Steven Quiroz
Questions People Ask About Gun Charges in Illinois
What happens if you're charged with gun charges in Illinois?
The consequences depend on the specific charge. UUW is typically a Class A misdemeanor. AUUW is a Class 4 felony — it carries 1–3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. The most important step after an arrest is to speak with a criminal defense attorney before making any statements to law enforcement.
What is AGG UUW and how is it different from a regular weapons charge?
Agg UUW— Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon — is a felony-level weapons charge under Illinois law, as opposed to UUW, which is a misdemeanor. A conviction for Agg UUW can result in prison time, a permanent felony record, and the permanent loss of your right to own a firearm. The difference between the two often comes down to specific factors like FOID card status, firearm type, and location.
Can gun charges be dismissed in Cook County?
Yes. If the stop or search that produced the weapon was unconstitutional, the weapon may be suppressed — and without that evidence, the prosecution's case often does not hold. Charges have also been reduced or dismissed based on FOID card ambiguity, lack of knowledge about carry restrictions, and procedural errors made during the arrest.
What happens if I didn't have a valid FOID card when I was arrested?
A FOID card violation is a factor in the charge, not a foregone conclusion. What you knew about your FOID status, the circumstances of the stop, and the conduct of law enforcement during the arrest all matter. These cases require a close look at the facts before drawing any conclusions.
Do I need a gun charges attorney near Bridgeview, IL?
If your case is being heard at the Bridgeview courthouse, having an attorney who regularly appears there is a real advantage. We handle weapons charges at the Bridgeview and Markham courthouses routinely and know how these cases move through those courts.
A Weapons Charge Is Not a Conviction
There is a real difference between being charged and being convicted, and that difference comes down to how the case is handled from the start. How law enforcement conducted the stop, what the evidence actually shows, and what you understood about the law — all of it matters.
We offer free consultations with no time limit. If you have been arrested or charged with a weapons offense in Cook County, call or text us at 312-852-9937. We are available after hours and on weekends for criminal emergencies.