How Does the State of Illinois Regulate Firearms Dealers?

 Posted on September 16, 2020 in Weapon Crime

Although firearms dealers must abide by federal regulations, Illinois recently implemented legislation that requires dealers to attain licensing through the State of Illinois. If you own weapons, you should stay up-to-date on any changes in gun laws so that you avoid any charges for unlawful possession or use of a gun in the future. If you do face weapons charges, whatever the circumstances, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected.

2019 Illinois Firearms Dealers Licensing Legislation

Only a few days into J.B. Pritzker’s tenure as governor, he and his administration passed legislation that would require weapons dealers and retailers to attain additional licensing and certification from the State of Illinois. Governor Pritzker expressed a wish that this legislation would be the first in an ongoing campaign to establish stricter gun control in Illinois. 

Although some supporters of gun control suggested this law in the past, others viewed it just as unnecessary bureaucracy that would not affect gun violence in Illinois. However, Pritzker’s administration passed it because many people agree that federal regulators do not have the resources to keep tabs on every firearms dealer in the country as much as they wish they could. With State licensing, Illinois agencies can fill in some gaps and keep a closer eye on firearms dealers to prevent illegal sales and straw man purchases. The latter involves when someone who can legally purchase a firearm does so for someone who cannot. This is a significant cause for illegal possession and use of guns.

For firearms dealers to get the necessary State certifications, they must first be licensed by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This was always the case, but now, dealers must submit a copy of this license to the Illinois State Police and pay no more than $1,500 for certification. To qualify for a State certification, retailers must equip their store with anti-theft measures, surveillance equipment, and an electronic inventory to help track purchases.

Contact a Will County Criminal Defense Lawyer

The penalties for unlawful possession or use of a weapon are strict in Illinois. For that reason, you need to prepare a rigorous defense to contest these serious charges. At the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C., we have years of experience representing clients in Illinois, and we will aggressively fight to have your charges diminished or eliminated altogether. To schedule a free consultation with our accomplished Joliet, IL criminal defense attorney, call our office today at 815-666-1285.

Source:  

https://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/tns-firearms-dealers-illinois-pritzker.html