Karina’s Law: Strengthening Gun Enforcement in Illinois Domestic Violence Cases
Karina’s Law: Strengthening Gun Enforcement in Illinois Domestic Violence Cases
By the Criminal Law Team
Illinois has taken a significant step toward protecting victims of domestic violence with the passage of Karina’s Law, which was signed into effect by Governor J.B. Pritzker in February 2025. This new law mandates that law enforcement immediately remove firearms from individuals whose Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) cards have been revoked due to an order of protection.
Why Karina’s Law Matters
The law is named in honor of Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter Daniela, who were tragically killed in 2023 by Karina’s estranged husband—despite Karina having an active order of protection against him. The tragedy highlighted a dangerous gap in Illinois law: even when a protective order is issued and a FOID card is revoked, guns often remain in the hands of potentially dangerous individuals.
What’s Changed?
Before Karina’s Law, there was no strict mechanism to enforce the surrender or seizure of firearms from individuals under protective orders. Now, law enforcement is required to:
- Confiscate guns immediately upon FOID revocation due to an order of protection.
- Coordinate with the courts to ensure compliance.
- Hold individuals accountable for possessing firearms in violation of court orders.
The Impact on Gun Enforcement
Karina’s Law gives teeth to firearm restrictions already on the books but rarely enforced in real-time. It sends a clear message: protective orders must be taken seriously, and violations will have real consequences. For individuals with criminal histories or prior domestic violence charges, the law will make it tougher to retain access to firearms once an order of protection is in place.
A Step Forward in Victim Safety
This law marks a shift in how Illinois balances Second Amendment rights with public safety. It empowers law enforcement and the courts to act swiftly to prevent future tragedies while reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence.
For legal guidance on this and other criminal matters, contact the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. today at 815-666-1285
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