You Must Register Your Assault Weapons In Illinois

On January 1st, 2024, everyone who lives in the state of Illinois and owns at least one assault weapon must have registered that weapon. 

If that weapon is not registered by January 1st of, 2024, there could be legal consequences.

Going over the complexities of this new law and speaking with a Chicago criminal defense attorney at Glasgow & Olsson will arm you with the protection you need from any potential legal consequences that may arise. Due to the new law changes, you may want to have experienced counsel on retainer to avoid issues with law enforcement when the law goes into effect.

Why Do You Need To Register Your Assault Weapons In Illinois?

On the 10th of January, in 2023, the “Protect Illinois Communities Act” was signed into law by current Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker. 

Right within the Act are rules and regulations regarding the sale of guns and other weaponry. 

One of the most notable sets of rules and regulations found within the Act is that the sale and distribution of assault weapons, switches, and high-capacity magazines is no longer legal.

If you currently own an assault weapon, then you can keep it. But, if you don’t, you can no longer possess it. The law prohibits buying or distributing one in Illinois.

To further protect the communities that comprise the state of Illinois, if you own an assault weapon, then you must register it with the Illinois State Police.

Even if you purchased your gun legally, and even if you are a responsible gun owner, you must register your assault weapons with the State Police.

If you forget to register your assault weapons before January 1st, 2024, there is a possibility that you could be charged with a felony. 

Despite these facts, though, there is a chance that you could be treated as a criminal if you do not register your assault weapons before the beginning of 2024. 

Outside of the above, if you sell or distribute an assault weapon after January 1st, 2024, then you could be charged with a felony.

What Types Of Weapons Must Be Registered?

A wide variety of assault weapons, assault weapon parts, pistols, and shotguns must be registered before January 1st, 2024.

Some examples of the assault weapons, parts, pistols, and shotguns that must be registered are as follows:

• All AK rifles.
• All AK pistols.
• All AR rifles.
• All Thompson rifles.
• Calico pistols.
• The Encom MP-9.
• The DERYA Anakon MC-1980 shotgun.

You can find the full list of what is banned right here.

Outside of the above, the following individuals are exempt from the bans clarified within the “Protect Illinois Communities Act”:

• Peace officers.
• Qualified law enforcement officers.
• Qualified retired law enforcement officers.
• Wardens and superintendents of prisons, penitentiaries, and jails.
• Private security contractors licensed under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004.
• Armed security officers employed by the state of Illinois who work at nuclear energy, storage, weapons, or development sites or facilities.
• Members who belong to the Armed Services or Reserve Forces of the United States or the Illinois National Guard

If you are one of those individuals, then you can legally purchase and possess the weapons outlined within the list above and within the “Protect Illinois Community Act.”

How Can You Register Your Assault Weapon Before January 1st?

To register your assault weapon, you must possess a Firearms Owners Identification card – or “FOID card,” for short – and an online account related to your FOID card.

You can access your FOID card account through the Illinois State Police’s Firearm Services Bureau website. Right after doing so, you can submit a sworn statement – or “affidavit” -that clarifies your ownership of an assault weapon.

Your statement must include the following information:

• Your name.
• Your date of birth.
• Your FOID card number.
• The make and model of each assault weapon.
• The caliber of each assault weapon.
• The serial number of each assault weapon.

Outside of the above, you must also make a statement testifying that you own a locking mechanism for every assault weapon that you own.

Obtain Qualified Legal Help Today

You are not a criminal. But, if your assault weapons aren’t registered with the Illinois State Police by January 1st of, 2024, the legal system can treat you like one. 

If you need representation for a criminal charge in Cook County, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help. When you need an attorney experience matters, contact our Chicago criminal defense law firm today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.