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McCarthy: Stricter Penalties For Gun Crimes Would Prevent Shootings

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Just this year, Chicago Police have seized 5,856 illegal firearms. Superintendent Garry McCarthy says that goes to show the challenge illegal guns pose to police and communities.

McCarthy: Stricter Penalties For Gun Crimes Would Prevent Shootings

"Without real penalties for illegal gun possession, these criminals wind up right back on the street to be involved in more violence.

"These criminals who become victims of gun violence, you can be sure they are going to get back at the individuals. There will be retribution for those shootings," said McCarthy.

McCarthy is pushing to pass Senate Bill 1342 which would require a three-year minimum sentence for gun crimes in Illinois.

For example, a recent 22-year-old shooting victim served six months of a one-year sentence after his July 2012 conviction for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

If the three-year minimum were in effect, that victim would not have been on the street, McCarthy said.

In this case, the shooting victim was credited with time served, made eligible for boot camp and ultimately made eligible for parole in December of 2012.

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