Chicago City Council To Vote On Stiff New Fine For Gun Offenders Caught Near Schools, Parks

A measure pinning a new $3,000 fine on individuals caught with guns within 500 feet of Chicago schools and parks was approved last week by a City Council committee and could be approved as city law Wednesday.

The measure, proposed by Ald. Ariel Reboyras, 30th, will also increase fines, currently ranging between $100 and $500 plus up to six months worth of jail time, for those found to be loitering near schools for drug- or gang-related reasons, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Reboyras explained, as reported by WBEZ, that the fines are intended to "protect the children and deter gangs and drugs and weapons offenses on or near school or park property."

The additional fine accompanies the many increased fines and fees proposed as part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's budget, which was unanimously approved by the City Council last month.

As part of that budget, the city also OKed the use of red-light cameras that would automatically record and issue tickets for speeding infractions within one-eighth of a mile -- 660 feet -- of schools and parks. That plan was approved by the state legislature and is expected to be signed by Gov. Pat Quinn soon.

A measure was approved last week by the Chicago City Council's Public Safety Committee and is slated for a full council vote Wednesday.

Photo by ttarasiuk via Flickr.

Comments

[hagagaga]

10:54 PM on 12/13/2011

"Do this. Don't do that. Stay back in line. Where's tax receipt? Fill out form. Let's see license. Submit six copies. Exit only. No left turn. No right turn. Queue up and pay fine. Take back and get stamped. Drop dead — but first get permit."

[enlightened45]

01:37 PM on 12/14/2011

As you have expressed a desire for a military life, better shed your anti-authority attitude or you will be gone before you have had your GI haircut.

[barry444]

10:48 PM on 12/13/2011

So much facepalm.

[DeclineToState]

09:41 PM on 12/13/2011

The problem with all "gun free school zones" (GFSZs) is that they extend the boundary an arbitrary number of feet - usually several hundred feet - beyond the grounds of the school. The boundary is not marked on the ground or indicated in any way. Law-abiding gun owners are just supposed to "know" somehow when they cross that invisible line and are in violation of the law. Add to the fact that with the number of public schools, private schools, parochial schools, nursery schools, etc. in an urban area it is almost impossible to cross from one side of a city to the other without violating one or more of those invisible GFSZ borders.

The criminals and gang bangers will ignore the law, of course, as usual. Ah, but it is to "protect the children", the universal appeal to emotion used to justify so many unfair, ridiculous, and useless laws like this.

[barry444]

10:54 PM on 12/13/2011

Of course, you can't abide by the law and dare to carry a firearm in Illinois. Unless you're a more-equal animal -- cops, judges, state/city attorneys, etc...

[darkstar58]

02:48 PM on 12/13/2011

Useless legislation as usual. Of course, it is desirable to reduce criminal activity, especially with a weapon. Protecting all citizens, especially children at school and parks is also a worthwhile objective.

But, why limit the increased fine to select areas? If the legislation is good make it good for everybody everywhere.

Secondly, the gangbangers either only have money from drub sales or don't have the money to pay the fine. Increase unpaid fines related to this legislation to 20 years with no parole.

[Tquin]

02:14 PM on 12/13/2011

Chicago needs more gun laws. Just keep adding them on.

[CelticMajic]

01:53 PM on 12/13/2011

A very rare thing, a Chicago weapons ordinance aimed at law breakers vice the law abiding...The council must be getting soft....

[brightalchemy]

10:17 AM on 12/13/2011

Damn I'm glad I don't reside in a state that continue to worry about gun laws instead of helping people get employed.

[ChiGuy]

12:15 PM on 12/13/2011

1.) Did you actually READ the article? (No need to reply. The answer is clearly "no".).......2.) Don't live in our state? In that case.....THANK YOU!

[barry444]

10:48 PM on 12/13/2011

I don't live there... anymore...

Thank god.

[gersys]

10:10 AM on 12/13/2011

I thought that Chicago already had laws against illegal gun possession. Or is this going to be another gun control law that will not be enforced so that more laws can be enacted.

[ChiGuy]

12:16 PM on 12/13/2011

Wow. The entire concept of the article sailed right over your head.

[gersys]

06:03 PM on 12/13/2011

If you can, please explain your post in detail.

[barry444]

10:50 PM on 12/13/2011

hahaha.

Carrying a gun around in Chicago anywhere is a felony. That's prison time for possession. Which is stupid, but it's what it is.

"Wait, we're short on money... let's just also fine them $3,000."
"That's going to look bad."
"Make it $3,000 if they're near a school. Say it's for the children."

[eboLi4]

11:36 PM on 12/12/2011

Please. the idiots who are walking near schools and parks DON'T have 3 grand, the reason that they have those gun is to rob someone of their cell phone and the few bucks they might have on them....this is a feel good..do nothing law. Hell they can barely collect on $50 parking tickets

[KIVPossum]

12:35 AM on 12/13/2011

So, since they are broke, let's just allow them to wander around with a gun in their pocket for fun.

is that your solution?

[gersys]

10:57 AM on 12/13/2011

Do they not already have laws against illegal gun possession? I would think existing laws address this "problem".

[RobD407]

10:33 PM on 12/13/2011

"...allow them to wander around with a gun in their pocket "

There is no legal concealed carry in the state of Illinois.
Additionally the state takes it much more seriously, which suggests the new enhanced penalties are for fund-raising purposes.

Illinois Gun Statutes
ARTICLE 24. DEADLY WEAPONS
(720 ILCS 5/24-1)
Sec. 24-1. Unlawful Use of Weapons.
"(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:"
"(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person except when on his land or in his own abode or fixed place of business any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm..."

"(c) Violations in specific places."

"(1.5) A person who violates subsection 24-1(a)(4), 24-1(a)(9),..."
"...or on any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising
any school, public park... ...commits a Class 3 felony."

http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/ptfire.pdf

Class 3 Felony
•Between 2 and 5 years in State Penitentiary; and/or
•Fine of up to $25,000

http://www.myillinoisdefenselawyer.com/illinois-criminal-code-and-laws/

If these gang members that are "...found to be loitering near schools for drug- or gang-related reasons..." don't care about the five years in jail and $25,000 fine that they face now under state law, I doubt the additional fine will impress them very much.

[Andrew Mclaurin]

11:25 PM on 12/12/2011

The city council in Chicago are a bunch of lap dogs for the mayor those red light speeding cameras are not there for safety reasons it's a money grab. The ones that are at intersections are causing more accidents than they are preventing. People are slamming on breaks with 7 seconds left to avoid getting a ticket. Giving someone a fine for having a gun near a school isn't going to deter them from commiting a crime if they are hell bent on shooting someone. If the person is not worried about getting 30 years to life in prison for shooting and killing someone then a fine isn't going to do anything. I see people on the west side standing under the blue light cameras selling drugs.

[Sugarmaker]

07:44 PM on 12/12/2011

That'll deter the average street thug with $.05 to his name. It does meet the council's need to appear to do something, however ineffective.