Chicago has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, however there is no shortage of guns in the area because Illinois is surrounded by states who have fewer restrictions. Most guns seized by the Chicago Police Department are originally purchased out of state from places like Indiana and Wisconsin, where guns change hands from a legal buyers to gun traffickers with an eye on the Chicagoland market.
In the U.S., federal data shows that about 50,000 guns are found to be diverted to criminals across state lines every year, and many more are likely to cross state lines undetected. However, because the chain of ownership is difficult to establish and the fact that there is no federal gun trafficking statute, traffickers are rarely arrested or prosecuted for gun trafficking. Instead, the vast majority of defendants are charged with illegal gun possession, which is far easier to establish. The most common charge: being a felon in possession of a firearm, which accounts for 73 percent of all gun charges in 2017. The others: using a gun in connection with drug trafficking (17 percent); selling guns without a license (8 percent); and making a false statement in a gun purchase (2 percent).
Purchasing guns in Wisconsin may not be as strict as Illinois, however, there are stiff consequences for breaking the law. You may face charges for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a prohibited person, conceal carry violations, unlicensed distribution, possessing an illegal deadly weapon, intoxicated possession of a firearm, endangering safety by negligent use of a firearm (such as pointing a gun at someone) or even carrying a firearm into a prohibited zone.
Decades of Experience With Wisconsin Weapons Violation Charges
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Help
If you have been arrested and charged with a Wisconsin weapons violation, it is in your best interest to seek the help of an experienced Wisconsin weapons violation lawyer. The Waukesha criminal defense attorneys of Andrew C. Ladd will aggressively fight against the charges you face to secure a dismissal when possible or a reduction in charges, perhaps down from a felony to a misdemeanor, in order to reduce your sentencing. Our goal is to pursue the absolute best outcome for our clients when they are facing Wisconsin weapons violation charges. Contact us as soon as possible for a free and confidential consultation of your matter at 262-542-3900.
