Update on Illinois Gang Gun Law

The Chicago Tribune has filed another piece on the Illinois gang gun law and frankly we’re both pleased and confused that his law didn’t exist previously. The paper reports:

“Gang members caught with loaded guns would face mandatory prison time under a new law signed Thursday by Gov. Pat Quinn and hailed by Chicago authorities as a unique tool for fighting street crime.

“The statute sets a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 10 years behind bars for unlawful use of a weapon by a gang member; under previous law such an offense was punishable by probation. Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, who pushed for the measure, said she believes it is the first state law to include gang membership as an element of the criminal offense.”

While normal law abiding citizens in Chicago have had to jump through hoops to obtain a gun permit, gang members only faced probation for violating the law. Does that make any sense, even in Chicago?

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