The best gun charge lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include David L. Freidberg, Purav Bhatt and Steven Fine for state weapons cases, Ktenas Law in the south suburbs, David S. Olshansky for detailed pages by charge, and Steven R. Hunter and Hal M. Garfinkel among criminal defense practices.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Law Offices of David L. Freidberg | The Loop | Weapons charges | Cook and DuPage cases |
| 2. Law Office of Purav Bhatt | Near West Side & Pilsen | Weapon and gun crimes | City gun cases |
| 3. Law Office of Steven Fine | The Loop | Weapons and gun crimes | General defense |
| 4. Ktenas Law | Near West Side & Pilsen | Gun charges | South suburban charges |
| 5. The Law Offices of David S. Olshansky & Associates | West Loop | Weapons charges, armed habitual criminal | Readers looking up a specific charge |
| 6. Law Office of Steven R. Hunter | The Loop | Weapons violations | Clients wanting criminal-only focus |
| 7. Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel | The Loop | Gun and violent crime charges | People with several charges |
Gun charges are among the most aggressively prosecuted cases in Cook County. In Illinois, you generally need a FOID card to possess a firearm and a concealed carry license to carry one in public. Many cases turn on whether the stop or search was legal. Illinois ended cash bail in 2023, so the first court date may involve a hearing on whether you'll be detained before trial, so have a lawyer there if possible.
Names weapons charges.
David L. Freidberg lists weapons charges and violent crimes, with offices in the Loop, Skokie and Oakbrook Terrace.
Good to know: Don't discuss the gun with anyone but your lawyer.
70 W Madison St, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602
A former Cook County prosecutor with a gun page.
Purav Bhatt lists weapon and gun crimes and says he's a former Cook County prosecutor, on Blue Island Avenue.
Good to know: Ask about the search and how the gun was found.
1655 S Blue Island Ave, Suite 312, Chicago, IL 60608
Lists weapons and gun crimes.
The Law Office of Steven Fine lists weapons and gun crimes, along with violent and drug crimes, on West Jackson Boulevard.
Good to know: Bring your FOID and CCL details if you have them.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60604
Names gun charges and has suburban offices.
Ktenas Law lists gun charges and has offices near south suburban courthouses in Orland Park, Tinley Park and Homewood.
Good to know: Tell the firm exactly where you were stopped.
739 S Western Ave, Suite E, Chicago, IL 60612
Detailed pages by weapons charge.
David S. Olshansky & Associates has charge-specific pages, including armed habitual criminal and armed violence. Illinois replaced cash bail with pretrial hearings, so ask how the firm handles those.
Good to know: Ask about your criminal history's effect on sentencing.
216 S Jefferson St, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60661
Weapons section at a criminal-only firm.
The Law Office of Steven R. Hunter has a weapons violations section, and says its work is exclusively state and federal criminal defense.
Good to know: Federal gun charges are different. Ask if one is possible.
140 S Dearborn St, Suite 1610, Chicago, IL 60603
A former prosecutor who covers gun crimes.
Hal M. Garfinkel handles gun crimes along with violent crimes such as carjacking. He says he previously served as a prosecutor.
Good to know: Ask how co-defendants affect your case.
134 N LaSalle St, Suite 860, Chicago, IL 60602
It's a common Illinois charge for carrying a gun without required authorization, among other circumstances. The penalties can be serious and depend on your history. A lawyer can explain how it applies to you.
Yes. A felony conviction generally bars you from having a gun under state and federal law. The conviction also has effects on employment and immigration.
No. Illinois ended cash bail in September 2023. Judges now decide on release or detention at a hearing, based on factors such as safety and flight risk. Your lawyer can argue for release.