O’Fallon Weapons Trafficking & Possession of Altered Firearm Lawyer

Weapons Trafficking & Possession of Altered Firearm Attorney in O’Fallon, IL

Weapons trafficking refers to the illegal movement or sale of firearms and other weapons, and it’s a serious crime in Illinois, as is possession of altered firearms. If you’ve been accused of either of these crimes, contact an O’Fallon weapons trafficking & possession of altered firearm lawyer right away.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, our team has the knowledge and experience you can count on when you need it the most. Attorney Jessica Koester has passionately served her clients for decades. In that time, she developed a keen understanding of weapons-related laws and criminal charges. If you want to avoid the worst potential possession of altered firearm penalties, trust us to provide a robust defense throughout the legal process ahead.

Weapons Trafficking Problems

Trafficked guns are often used in violent crimes. According to one ATF study, around 28% of firearms trafficking investigations involve guns that were used in furtherance of drug offenses, while another 19% were used in the commission of aggravated assaults, and 11% were used in homicides. Overall, 1 in 2 crime guns originates from out of State.

Weapons Trafficking in Illinois

Illinois law 720 ILCS 5/24-3B defines weapons trafficking as the bringing of a firearm or ammunition into the State for the purposes of transferring it to another person without a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card.

If you’re caught trafficking firearms in Illinois, you’ll be charged with a Class 1 felony. The potential penalties include imprisonment for between four and 20 years. If you’ve previously been convicted of firearms trafficking or another related offense, you’ll be charged with a Class X felony.

Altered Firearms in Illinois

Illinois law 720 ILCS 5/24-5 makes it illegal to knowingly alter or remove the importer’s or manufacturer’s serial number of a firearm. This crime can be charged as a Class 2 felony, while possession of altered firearm is a Class 3 felony.

You can be tried for these crimes at the St. Clair County Circuit Court. Your O’Fallon weapons trafficking & possession of altered firearm lawyer can explain the nature of the charges being brought against you and help you come up with an effective defense strategy.

Hire a Weapons Trafficking & Possession of Altered Firearm Lawyer

Finding the right defense strategy requires a careful analysis of your case. Depending on the specifics, your lawyer might suggest any one of these defenses:

• Lack of possession
• Lack of intent
• Insufficient evidence
• Illegal search and seizure
• Entrapment

In some cases, your lawyer may be able to get the charges dropped. In others, they may be able to help you arrange a favorable plea bargain.

O’Fallon Weapons Trafficking & Possession of Altered Firearm Lawyer

If you’ve been caught in possession of altered firearm in O’Fallon, you could face serious penalties. Hiring an O’Fallon weapons trafficking & possession of altered firearm lawyer can improve your chances of obtaining a positive outcome in your case. The team at The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, has handled many weapons trafficking cases and altered firearm cases. We know what it takes to get real results. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.