Dinwiddie Gun Lawyer
Guns instill a certain amount fear in the Dinwiddie community, which is then manifested in the way Dinwiddie prosecutes and tries gun-related crimes. For this reason, it is important that those facing gun charges contact a Dinwiddie gun lawyer as soon as possible to ensure their rights are protected and a strong defense is built. An experienced criminal attorney in Dinwiddie can assist by compiling evidence on the behalf of the accused and using the specific facts and circumstances of the case to build a defense.
Common Offenses and Local Ordinances
Almost every gun offense arises from one of two factual scenarios: illegally possessing a firearm or illegally discharging a firearm. Most gun offenses in Dinwiddie involve possessing a firearm, rather than discharging the firearm. The most common gun crimes that Dinwiddie gun attorneys deal with are possessing a concealed firearm without a permit, which is a class one misdemeanor, or possessing a firearm, whether concealed or not, after being convicted of a felony.
Hunting is allowed in Dinwiddie County and it is done frequently on private land and during individual animal hunting seasons. There are many hunt clubs and the sport is encouraged in and around the county. There are also Wildlife Management Area in surrounding counties that allow for hunting as well.
With that said, when transporting a firearm in or while passing through Dinwiddie, it is important to be knowledgeable of city ordinances and unload the firearm and keep it in a proper case to avoid any criminal charges.
Most Dinwiddie ordinances related to carrying a concealed firearm or transporting firearms reference state code 18.2-308, which prohibits concealing a firearm without a permit. Every county has some county specific ordinances with relation to Firearms or hunting. For example, in Dinwiddie, it is unlawful to hunt with a rifle higher than .22 caliber unless hunting coyotes year round or groundhogs between March 1 and August 31.
Firearm-Related Penalties
Since gun violence in America is a significant problem, gun offenses are prosecuted aggressively in Dinwiddie by the Commonwealth.
Gun offenses can range from a carrying a concealed firearm, which has a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail, to a felony for possession of a firearm, which could lead to a five-year mandatory minimum sentence. A violation of the aforementioned .22 caliber ordinance can lead to a $500 fine.
Depending on the charge, a conviction for a gun offense could be a felony. Upon conviction of a felony, a person loses the right to vote as well as the right to possess a firearm or other weapons used for hunting. Furthermore, a conviction will remain on their record, therefore potentially impacting an employer’s perception of them and their ability to get a security clearance. It is for this reason that hiring a gun lawyer in Dinwiddie becomes so important for those charged.
Benefits of an Attorney in Dinwiddie
A Dinwiddie gun lawyer can understand the law, local ordinances, and how they affect a person’s future. A local gun lawyer in Dinwiddie can be prepared to protect a person’s right to own a firearm now and in the future.
A private firm, in particular, has more time and resources to dedicate to a person’s case, so it is beneficial to work with one when facing gun charges in Dinwiddie. They can have more availability to speak with a defendant and have investigators on staff to assist with investigating a case, all of which impacts the quality of the defense.
