Chicago's City Council panel approves minimum five days behind bars for those caught with illegal weapons

The Chicago Tribune reports:

A City Council committee today approved an ordinance to require at least a few days behind bars for anyone convicted of illegally carrying a gun under city ordinances.

But the measure's fate is in question after influential Ald. Edward Burke (14th) spoke out against the ordinance, which the full City Council may consider next week.

Even if the measure passes the council, it will affect only a small percentage of gun-related cases in the city. That's because it applies to those charged under city ordinances instead of state laws.

Committee Chairman Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th) said the ordinance is needed.

“I think that as we continue to talk about getting tough on guns, we have to have some laws to back up what we say,” he said, noting that most people convicted at the municipal level of illegally toting a gun get off with supervision or a minimal amount of time already served in jail.

Alderman Isaac Carothers was recently indicted on fraud on bribery charges and he doesn't want people to be able to have a gun. Alderman Burke seems to be having second thoughts on some gun related matters. Alderman Burke worked with "high ranking made member" of the Chicago Mob Fred Roti to disarm Chicago citizens. Here's more on how Alderman Burke played a key role.