On separate occasions I’ve run into three people this year
sporting IWB holstered handguns in northern Illinois, all at local malls, two
getting out of cars with Wisconsin plates and a third walking out of a store so
I had no idea where he was from. When I
pointed out to all three that their shirts had ridden up over their iron (or
plastic), they each looked nervously indignant and blathered, “It’s okay, I’ve
gots me a permit.” Not wishing to contradict
well-heeled folks, I just smiled, gave a thumbs-up and went about my business.
Unless you happen to be an active or retired peace officer covered by
LEOSA, your Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, or wherever permit does
not mean squat anywhere in Illinois. If caught
and you survive what could be an engaging encounter with our gang-crime-seasoned
constabulary, the initial charge is a Class 4 FELONY. If convicted of a FELONY, you not only stand
to lose your home state permit, you could also lose your right to own firearms
altogether. CLICK HERE to read about an Indiana couple trying to conceal-carry a handgun into the Six Flags theme park in Gurnee, Illinois. If you have a charming personality and loads of money to
pay for a top-notch barrister, you MAY be able to wiggle your way to a
misdemeanor plea deal, but that is a bet you may not wish to place.
If you have objections to Illinois having no provisions to
honor your concealed carry permit, boycott Illinois and let our Governor know that
your vacation and shopping dollars are going elsewhere, or be sure and bring
your lawyer along for the ride.
That is why my wife and I stay in Indiana when we go and visit her family in Chicago.
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