Call now: 312.335.9470
SolId gold, Nickl-plated FOID & CCL legal advice!
Illinois' leading FOID and CCL appeals lawyers
Call now: 312.335.9470
SolId gold, Nickl-plated FOID & CCL legal advice!
Illinois' leading FOID and CCL appeals lawyers
About Us
Illinois’ most-experienced FOID & CCL lawyers
That’s not an exaggeration, that’s a simple fact. Fred Nickl handles more Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card and Concealed Carry License (CCL) cases than any other attorney in Illinois. Period.
Further, Fred's success rate in Illinois firearm appeals is measurably better than any other lawyer. Whether it’s a Response to a CCL Law Enforcement Objection or a full-blown Formal FOID Appeal before a judge in circuit court, Fred has enormous experience in administrative law and trials – his client results speak for themselves.
If you’re serious about your rights, you need a serious lawyer.
Give Fred a call at 312-335-9470. You’ll see the difference.
"If I had a Nickl, I’d probably still have my FOID."
If you've been revoked or denied a FOID or CCL, the government is likely to fight hard to prevent you from getting it back. No one is more experienced or will fight harder for your rights than Fred Nickl, "Illinois' most-successful FOID and CCL license lawyer."
Why you need "Fred & Bill"
When it comes to taking on the Illinois State Police, FOID Card Review Board, and Concealed Carry License Review Board, no one is tougher than Williams & Nickl. We’re tenacious. We hate to lose. And no one will fight harder for you.
The lawyers are renowned in their expertise in working through the administrative system. Fred Nickl and Bill Cisar are Illinois’ most experienced FOID & CCL lawyers. The firm has handled 1000 tough criminal, civil, and administrative trials, as well as 3000 successful CCLRB, FOID, and IDFPR cases.
And we’re ready to protect you every step of the way.
Our illinois FOID / CCL practice
About Fred Nickl
CCL Appeal Lawyers
FOID Card Denials
A Fierce Fighter for His Clients' Second Amendment Rights.
Fred battles tirelessly for his clients’ rights every single day and is a strong advocate for individual firearms civil rights. He’s also the go-to lawyer for other lawyers ― he’s taught hundreds of Illinois lawyers how to defend firearm-license cases and CCL and FOID appeals at
A Fierce Fighter for His Clients' Second Amendment Rights.
Fred battles tirelessly for his clients’ rights every single day and is a strong advocate for individual firearms civil rights. He’s also the go-to lawyer for other lawyers ― he’s taught hundreds of Illinois lawyers how to defend firearm-license cases and CCL and FOID appeals at seminars and bar associations.
One of his students was actually a firearms lawyer who had been denied his own FOID card. He said, “I was getting nowhere with the Firearms Services Bureau. I called Fred and he had my firearm civil rights restored immediately.”
Fred has dedicated the past 13 years to professional- and firearm-licensing work. He began his career as a criminal prosecutor in the State’s Attorney’s Office. He followed this with five years in the Public Defender’s Office, where he stood up for his clients’ rights against the nearly limitless resources of the government, police, and prosecutors.
It’s where Fred learned from the inside how to fight the system. As an Assistant PD, Fred went toe-to-toe against some of the Midwest’s most aggressive prosecutors, always protecting the little guy who was at risk of getting railroaded by the government. It often got ugly. This experience developed the ferocity that later turned him into Illinois’ toughest firearms lawyer.
Since then, he’s successfully represented more than 3,000 individuals, executives, and health care professionals in license-related disputes across Illinois. One weary attorney for the Illinois State Police was heard saying, “Nickl filed this petition…here we go again. <Sigh>.”
It sounded like the highest compliment.
FOID Card Denials
CCL Appeal Lawyers
FOID Card Denials
Lawyers in Illinois Helping Firearm Owners Protect Their Rights.
Williams & Nickl attorneys believe it is important for Illinois residents to protect their Second Amendment rights. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed state and federal lawmakers to restrict gun ownership under certain circumstances. Illinois law requires you to obtain a Firear
Lawyers in Illinois Helping Firearm Owners Protect Their Rights.
Williams & Nickl attorneys believe it is important for Illinois residents to protect their Second Amendment rights. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed state and federal lawmakers to restrict gun ownership under certain circumstances. Illinois law requires you to obtain a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card before you can legally own a gun or ammunition.
The process of applying for a FOID card is easy, just submit an application, a recent photo, a copy of your driver's license, and a $10 fee to the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau. Qualifying for a FOID card, on the other hand, may be more complicated, as is maintaining your eligibility.
If your FOID card application has been denied or revoked, our experienced attorneys are ready, willing, and able to help.
Denied FOID Applications.
To qualify for a FOID card, you must be a resident of Illinois, and at least 21 years old. If under 21, you must have a parent or guardian sponsor. Other requirements pertain to any history of mental health problems or criminal convictions. Substance abuse issues can also be disqualifying.
A FOID card is valid for 10 years, as long as you continue meeting the requirements in the Illinois Firearms Identification Card Act. If you no longer qualify, your FOID card could be revoked or renewal denied.
If you have received a denial or revocation notice from the Illinois State Police, Williams & Nickl lawyers are here to help. We will carefully review your application and your situation to understand the situation.
We will work with you to explore your options in appealing the decision. We are skilled at handling every stage of the appeals process, across Illinois.
Reapplying for a FOID Card After a Felony Conviction
If you are convicted of a felony, you will lose your eligibility to have a FOID card. It may be possible to have your eligibility restored.
A Williams & Nick FOID lawyer can help demonstrate to the Director of the State Police, the FOID Card Review Board, or a county judge that:
· You have not been convicted of a violent felony in 20 years.
· 20+ years have elapsed since you were incarcerated for a violent felony.
· You are unlikely to endanger the public.
· Restoring your rights would not be against public interests.
· Restoring your rights would not violate federal firearms laws.
In many cases, proving the first four criteria is fairly straightforward, but the last element may present a significant challenge. For example, federal law prohibits anyone from owning a firearm who has been convicted of domestic violence or any crime punishable by more than one year in jail. It is important to work closely with a lawyer who can help you restore your rights.
For more information about appealing a FOID card denial or revocation notice, CALL FRED NOW at 312-335-9470 for a free confidential consultation. He serves clients across Chicagoland and throughout Illinois.
CCL Appeal Lawyers
CCL Appeal Lawyers
CCL Appeal Lawyers
Attorneys for CCL Denials in Chicago and Downstate Illinois.
Illinois has one of the nation’s strictest CCL-approval processes. Applicants face many obstacles and licenses are often improperly denied. This is why Fred Nickl is in such high demand with people who need to appeal the denial of a CCL.
Attorney Fred Nickl has decades of legal
Attorneys for CCL Denials in Chicago and Downstate Illinois.
Illinois has one of the nation’s strictest CCL-approval processes. Applicants face many obstacles and licenses are often improperly denied. This is why Fred Nickl is in such high demand with people who need to appeal the denial of a CCL.
Attorney Fred Nickl has decades of legal experience handling lawsuits, appeals, FOID, and CCL case, representing valued clients across Illinois. We have also helped many professional CCL license holders and applicants obtain licenses from administrative agencies.
Concealed Carry License Denials
The legal steps that must be followed when applying for a CCL are complex, and many clients have complained how difficult it had been for them to figure out what they needed to do.
A CCL may also be denied if a law enforcement agency files an Objection to the license.
With Law Enforcement Objections, an applicant has just 10 days to provide the CCL Review Board with solid evidence that they should have been eligible. However, Objections are complex and often contain very little helpful information. Responding to an Objection is confusing, and most applicants are denied if they don’t have help from an experienced CCL attorney.
If a CCL application is denied, an applicant must appeal this decision by filing a lawsuit in their local court. This Administrative Review is a complicated and highly technical legal proceeding. The Illinois Attorney General's Office aggressively defend the CCLRB's decisions, and most appeals fail unless they have a skilled lawyer with them.
Fred Nickl is highly experienced in Administrative Review, the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, and CCL denials. He can ensure that the procedures defined in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act are followed correctly.
Contact Our Chicago Area CCL Application Lawyers
If you have received a Law Enforcement Objection to your application for a Concealed Carry License, or if your application has been denied by the CCLRB, you must act FAST. We can obtain an extension of time to file a response to an Objection, or work with you to appeal the denial of your license. We will walk you through the Administrative Review process, and ensure that your legal Memorandum in Support or Reply to Response in Opposition, are written and submitted correctly.
Contact Fred Nickl ASAP to schedule a free consultation. We will discuss your case, help gather the necessary information, and fight to help you. Call Fred today at 312-335-9470.
illinois Concealed carry legal info
Concealed Firearm Basics
CCL Violations and Penalties
Concealed Firearm Basics
Most of the laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm in Illinois are contained in the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act. This defines a "concealed firearm" as a handgun, either loaded or unloaded, carried on or about a person, and that is mostly or completely hidden from public view, or on or about a person or in a vehicle.
A "handgu
Most of the laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm in Illinois are contained in the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act. This defines a "concealed firearm" as a handgun, either loaded or unloaded, carried on or about a person, and that is mostly or completely hidden from public view, or on or about a person or in a vehicle.
A "handgun" is defined as any device that is designed to expel a projectile by means of an explosion, expansion of gas, or escape of gas and that is meant to be held and fired in one hand. By law, a handgun does not include machine guns, shotguns, rifles, stun guns, paintball guns, and many BB and pellet guns.
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License (CCL)
The Firearm Concealed Carry Act states that the Illinois State Police "shall issue" a CCL to any person who meets the legal requirements. Once issued, the CCL is valid for five years.
To meet these requirements, you must:
1. Be at least 21 years old
2. Have a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card
3. Not have any felony convictions
4. Not have any domestic violence convictions
5. Have never been admitted involuntarily to a mental health facility
6. Have never been legally found to be developmentally or mentally disabled
7. Have no pending orders of protection
8. Have no pending arrest warrants or active criminal cases for a crime that would make you ineligible upon conviction
If any of the following apply, you must wait at least five years to restore your CCL eligibility:
· You are convicted of a violent misdemeanor offense.
· You are convicted or receive court supervision for two or more DUI offenses.
· You are admitted to a mental health facility as an impatient.
· You are treated for alcohol or drug use.
· You are determined in outpatient treatment to be a danger to yourself or others.
Assuming that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you will then need to:
· Pay a $150 processing fee
· Complete at least 16 hours of handgun training approved by the Illinois State Police
· Submit to fingerprinting
· Waive confidentiality and privacy rights regarding court records and mental health records
· Submit a photo taken within the last 30 days
· Provide a valid driver's license or state-issued identification number
Concealed Carry for Non-Illinois Residents
Illinois law does not offer reciprocity regarding the concealed carry laws in other states. This means that a CCL from another state does not allow a person to concealed carry in Illinois. A non-resident with an out-of-state CCL is permitted to transport a weapon through Illinois in his or her vehicle but the weapon must stay in the vehicle and out of plain sight. If the vehicle is unattended, it must be locked. A non-resident must also notify law enforcement during a stop of the presence of the firearm.
A resident of another state is allowed to apply for an Illinois concealed carry license, as long the concealed carry laws in the person's home state are similar to those in Illinois. A non-resident must pay an application fee of $300, and he or she is subject to the same requirements as Illinois residents.
Where Can't You Carry?
CCL Violations and Penalties
Concealed Firearm Basics
Once you have been issued your CCL, you must have it with you whenever you are carrying a concealed firearm. Your license, however, does not allow you to carry a concealed handgun anywhere you want. By law, you are prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in, on, or at:
· Public transit, including trains and buses
· Airports
· Pre-scho
Once you have been issued your CCL, you must have it with you whenever you are carrying a concealed firearm. Your license, however, does not allow you to carry a concealed handgun anywhere you want. By law, you are prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm in, on, or at:
· Public transit, including trains and buses
· Airports
· Pre-schools, primary, and secondary schools
· Colleges, universities, and trade schools, unless authorized
· Childcare and daycare facilities
· Playgrounds and municipality-controlled public parks, excluding bike paths
· The Cook County Forest Preserve
· Any establishment at which 50% of gross revenue comes from alcohol sales
· Local or state government buildings
· Hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities
· Libraries
· Sports arenas and stadiums
· Museums, amusement parks, and zoos
· Casinos, racetracks, riverboats, and offsite betting locations
· Nuclear facilities
· Private property, at the owner's discretion (Non-residences must have a sign indicating the prohibition.)
Most prohibited locations are not required to have signs telling you that concealed firearms are prohibited. So, it is important to know the restrictions, because you could be arrested and charged with a weapons violation for carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited area.
Except for nuclear facilities, you may drive into a prohibited area with your firearm―as long as you store it in your vehicle properly. "Stored properly" means that the weapon is stored in a case and out of plain view. Your vehicle must also be locked, or the case must be stored in the trunk, and your vehicle must be in a parking lot. You may only leave the vehicle with your unloaded firearm when you are in the process of putting it in your trunk.
CCL Violations and Penalties
CCL Violations and Penalties
CCL Violations and Penalties
· Concealed Carry in a Prohibited Area: One of the most common CCL-related violations is carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited area. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, and you could face up to six months in jail. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. A third offense is also a Class A
· Concealed Carry in a Prohibited Area: One of the most common CCL-related violations is carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited area. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, and you could face up to six months in jail. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. A third offense is also a Class A misdemeanor, but your CCL will be permanently revoked.
· Concealed Carry Without a CCL: You must have a valid CCL with you whenever you carry a concealed firearm, except on your own property or someone else’s property with their permission. You also do not need to carry your license if the firearm is non-functioning, unloaded, in a case, and not easily accessible. A violation of this requirement is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for later offenses.
· Failure to Disclose CCL or Location of Weapon to a Police Officer: During an investigative or traffic stop, an officer may ask whether you have a Concealed Carry License. If asked, you must admit that you have a CCL and show it to the officer. You must also tell the officer that you have a weapon with you, and where it is. Failure to do either of these is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and Class A misdemeanor for later offenses.
· Concealed Carry While Intoxicated: You may not carry a concealed firearm if your blood alcohol content is 0.08 or higher or while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Any trace of an illegal drug is enough to be considered “impaired.” A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. A second offense is also a Class A misdemeanor and results in a six-month suspension of your CCL.
· Possessing a Revoked CCL: If your CCL is ever suspended or revoked, or your renewal is denied, you must surrender your physical CCL card within 48 hours to a nearby law enforcement agency (police station, sheriff's office, etc.). Failure to do so is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.
· Petty Offenses: Several other CCL violations are non-jailable petty offenses, including failing to notify the State Police when you change your address or failing to report a lost, stolen, or destroyed CCL. Both of these violations will result in a $150 fine.
Awards and Honors
