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3rd September 2009, 13:59
The Chicago City Council Police and Fire Committee today will consider an ordinance to impose mandatory jail time for those caught toting unauthorized guns.
Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th) and three other aldermen who each represent parts of the Austin neighborhood say their proposal is a response to recent West Side shootings.
Too often gang members caught carrying handguns go to court, get sentenced to supervision and walk, he said.
“We are trying to send a message to tell people, don’t carry a weapon in Chicago illegally,” said Carothers, who is continuing to serve as police committee chairman after his federal corruption indictment this year.
Police officers, jail guards and others authorized by state law to carry guns would be exempt. The measure also would apply to people who sell, have or carry assault weapons or ammunition, as well as a variety of other dangerous weapons, including switchblades and metal knuckles.
Handgun possession is generally illegal in Chicago, but this newly-proposed ordinance would only apply to those violating carry and conceal provisions of city law.
A first offense would carry a minimum five-day jail sentence. Second offenses would trigger a minimum 15-day sentence, and a third or subsequent offense would carry a minimum 30 days. The maximum penalty would be six months. Fines for toting handguns would increase to $300 from $200.
County prosecutors, meanwhile, would like to know more about the proposal, said Sally Daly, spokeswoman for Cook County State’s Atty. Anita Alvarez.
The city clearly has authority to mandate jail sentences, Daly said. Police also have the option of leveling charges under city ordinances instead of state law, but there is some question about how that decision might be made, Daly said.
Link to article (http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/09/aldermen-to-consider-mandatory-jail-time-for-those-caught-carrying-unauthorized-guns.html)
Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th) and three other aldermen who each represent parts of the Austin neighborhood say their proposal is a response to recent West Side shootings.
Too often gang members caught carrying handguns go to court, get sentenced to supervision and walk, he said.
“We are trying to send a message to tell people, don’t carry a weapon in Chicago illegally,” said Carothers, who is continuing to serve as police committee chairman after his federal corruption indictment this year.
Police officers, jail guards and others authorized by state law to carry guns would be exempt. The measure also would apply to people who sell, have or carry assault weapons or ammunition, as well as a variety of other dangerous weapons, including switchblades and metal knuckles.
Handgun possession is generally illegal in Chicago, but this newly-proposed ordinance would only apply to those violating carry and conceal provisions of city law.
A first offense would carry a minimum five-day jail sentence. Second offenses would trigger a minimum 15-day sentence, and a third or subsequent offense would carry a minimum 30 days. The maximum penalty would be six months. Fines for toting handguns would increase to $300 from $200.
County prosecutors, meanwhile, would like to know more about the proposal, said Sally Daly, spokeswoman for Cook County State’s Atty. Anita Alvarez.
The city clearly has authority to mandate jail sentences, Daly said. Police also have the option of leveling charges under city ordinances instead of state law, but there is some question about how that decision might be made, Daly said.
Link to article (http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/09/aldermen-to-consider-mandatory-jail-time-for-those-caught-carrying-unauthorized-guns.html)