Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Illinois makes it illegal to own automatic weapons in the state. While in other states, you can own certain classes of automatic weapons, Illinois is not among the states that allow such a weapon within its borders. Further, you cannot take a handgun and then refurbish it to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. Lastly, you cannot own a weapon if you have been convicted of certain felonies.
Now, one man is accused of breaking all three laws after selling a modified Glock to an informant. He has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, modifying a Glock, and illegal possession of a weapon in the State of Illinois.
To be certain, a modified Glock capable of shooting multiple rounds with a single trigger depression is not legal anywhere in the United States, including Texas where automatic weapons can be owned and purchased so long as they meet specific criteria.
Modifying Your Glock
It is illegal, so don’t do it, but Glock switches have been known to pop up on eBay and Amazon, so such switches are accessible. In certain states, you can apply for a special license to purchase and sell a special class of weapons known as NFA firearms. These are regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934 and The Gun Control Act of 1968.
NFA firearms include silencers, fully-automatic machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. They also include grenades. Those who want to sell any of the aforementioned weapons have to apply for a special federal gun license called an SOT license. However, modifying legal weapons to become automatic weapons is not within the purview of an SOT holder. They can, however, legally deal in automatic weapons, but the process is cumbersome. The ATF must oversee the transfer. These weapons are usually used on private ranges, and folks set up YouTube channels to show off their weapons. This is all legal.
Owning NFA Firearms in Illinois
NFA firearms, as stated earlier, include suppressors (silencers), short-barreled weapons, and automatic weapons. They are controlled under the National Firearms Act and federal authorities track both the weapons and the dealers who sell them. The ATF generally handles these transactions. The State of Illinois has moved to make possession of NFA weapons entirely illegal. In other words, the weapons cannot enter the state.
However, that does not strictly mean that you cannot own them. You simply have to own them in a state where possession of the weapons is legal. You must also apply for a special class of license to purchase these weapons and the ATF will review the purchase to ensure you are an upstanding citizen. Just don’t bring the weapon into Illinois, and you should be fine.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Jammed-up on weapons charges? Call Chicago criminal defense attorney David Freidberg today at (312) 560-7100 and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
