I must say again that I understand the suggestions of not moving to Chicago, commuting into the city, etc. but it is NOT going to happen. I will be living and working downtown, period. Deanimator, we must be hanging out with different crowds because honestly I love Chicago and have met many very friendly people there. Sure the gun laws are terrible but that's what I'm trying to get over right now with this thread.
Ilbob, thanks for confirming my checklist. I will make sure to get my bearings first when I actually move to the city.
Are there any other weapon restrictions such as the California-style assault weapons criteria? How about restrictions on portable defensive tools like tasers and pepper spray?
Thanks,
NoirFan,
First, here is the Illinois State Police FOID page:
http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/
You’ll probably need a state ID or driver’s liscense before you can apply.
You will find the application, a FAQ, transportation laws, and other official documents on the page. Of specific interest to you will be the municipal ordinances located at,
http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/ordinances.cfm Chicago will be listed on the right side. I don’t live in the city so I can’t help you much there.
Don’t forget to check Cook county
http://www.municode.com/Resources/gateway.asp?pid=13805&sid=13 , as some regulations may apply to you if you cross into county land while going to a range or hunting site.
My understanding as far as
tasers go is that you need a FOID card to
possess one. You may
not conceal or open carry unless you are law enforcement.
Pepper spray is mostly legal. These guys
http://www.projectpurplechicago.com were promoting pepperspray in Chicago a few years ago with some form of official approval. I think it is okay to carry this around as long as you do not conceal it in a threatening manner, which could result in a disturbing the peace charge:
8-4-010 Disorderly conduct.
A person commits disorderly conduct when he knowingly:
………….
(h) Carries in a threatening or menacing manner, without authority of law, any pistol, revolver, dagger, razor, dangerous knife, stiletto, knuckles, slingshot, an object containing noxious or deleterious liquid, gas or substance or other dangerous weapon, or conceals said weapon on or about the person or vehicle; or
A person convicted of disorderly conduct shall be fined not more than $500.00 for each offense.
However, try not to use it in a enclosed area (Like a train):
8-24-045 Noxious gas or liquid.
(a) No person shall use any device to discharge a noxious gas or liquid in an enclosed room in any Class C-1 or Class C-2 Assembly Unit, as defined in Chapter 13-56 of this Code, or in an enclosed room in any restaurant, bar or tavern that is a Class F Assembly Unit as defined in that chapter, if more than 20 persons are present in that room, unless the person is a peace officer, as defined in Section 8-20-30* of this Code, engaged in law enforcement activity. As used in this section, “noxious gas or liquid” means mace, pepper spray or any other substance that is intended or designed to cause irritation to the eyes, nose or mouth, or to cause nausea.
* Editor’s note – As set forth in Coun. J. 4-9-03, p. 106797, § 1; correct cite appears to be § 8-20-030.
(b) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine $500.00, or 30 days imprisonment, or both, for each offense.
(Added Coun. J. 4-9-03, p. 106979, § 1)
Finally, you don’t say how old you are, but if you are in your 20’s you’ll have a fine time. If you are in your 30’s or later, Chicago will test your patience.
