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| Gang gun law: New statute mandates prison for gang members caught with loaded weapons |
| By chicagotribune.com |
| Published: 12/04/2009 |
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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. At a news conference with Quinn and Mayor Richard Daley, Alvarez predicted the law will withstand any legal challenges alleging it unfairly targets a particular group of people. "There could be a challenge to anything. We can't predict that. But we feel confident," Alvarez said. Daley likened the law to federal criminal statutes targeting organized crime. Family members of slain Chicago police Officer Alejandro "Alex" Valadez were also on hand at the Englewood District police station. His June 1 death in a drive-by shooting was cited as giving the measure momentum. Read More. |
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