Are Ghost Guns Legal to Own?

 Posted on December 13, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Ghost guns have become a subject of much discussion after it was discovered that the gun used to shoot the CEO of United Healthcare had no serial number and may have been made with a 3D printer.  It is likely that a lot of gun crime in the Chicago area involves "ghost guns" that were not produced or sold through legitimate channels. In Illinois, it is illegal to own a ghost gun that has no serial number and was not purchased lawfully. It is also illegal to create these guns at home. Illinois has fairly strict firearms laws that require all gun owners to have a Firearm Owners Identification card. If you are facing firearms charges for owning or creating a ghost gun, you need an experienced Will County, IL gun crime attorney to help you.

What Is a Ghost Gun? 

A ghost gun is a firearm without a serial number. Most ghost guns are produced at home, often through the use of 3D printing technology. Ghost guns can also be built from a kit, the idea being that a bag of firearm parts can be sold in situations where a fully assembled and ready-to-shoot gun could not. Most people who produce ghost guns in their homes are trying to circumvent Illinois’ firearms regulations.

The problem with these guns is that they are untraceable, making it much more difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects after a shooting. These guns are also easier to conceal from law enforcement, as there is rarely any discussion of registering them at the point of sale. Most people who want to own a gun for self-defense rather than as a tool to commit crimes purchase their guns through legitimate channels, like a registered firearms dealer. Most ghost guns in existence are in the hands of people who plan to use them for illegal purposes or people who are barred from owning firearms in Illinois and cannot acquire a gun from a licensed dealer. Ghost guns are also attractive to young people because they cost less than a typical firearm.

What Happens if I Get Caught with a Ghost Gun in Illinois? 

You can be arrested and charged with a firearms offense for owning, possessing, selling, or creating a ghost gun in Illinois. Many people who are arrested for having a ghost gun are also charged with other offenses, such as drug offenses, making terroristic threats, or felon in possession of a gun.

Contact a Will County, IL Gun Crime Attorney

McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC is committed to providing the best representation possible to people facing weapons charges. Our experienced Joliet, IL defense lawyers will do all we can to build the strongest defense possible. Contact us at 815-727-0100 for a complimentary consultation.