Weapon-related criminal charges can be a serious problem, particularly if you are convicted. That mark will remain on your record and could affect everything from your chances of employment to the places you are allowed to live. Yet you can get into trouble even if you did not harm or even intend to harm anyone with your weapon.
This is because there are strict rules throughout the U.S. on the types of weapons that are permitted in each state, how they must be stored and how they may be transported. These vary from state to state, so it is vital to be aware of local legislation if you want to avoid breaking the law. As is explained on the Illinois State Police website, if you are transporting a firearm in Illinois, it must be stored in a gun case. Furthermore, it must be kept unloaded and you must be in possession of a Firearm Owners Identification card and it must be valid.
If you accidentally leave a properly secured firearm in your vehicle and allow someone without an FOID card to drive the vehicle, they run the risk of a police investigation if they are stopped. However, as long as they are unaware of the presence of the firearm, they are not breaking the law. Even so, it is best to remove the weapon from your vehicle to be on the safe side.
It is always worth double-checking legislation before going anywhere with your gun. If you do find yourself under investigation, an attorney could be invaluable. He or she can explain the charges against you and may be able to assist you in ensuring that your side of the story is heard.