Amelia County Gun Lawyer
Guns instill a certain amount of fear in the community. This fear of guns manifests the way Amelia prosecutes gun crimes, as gun-related charges are taken seriously and prosecuted aggressively.
With this said, if you are facing gun charges in Amelia, it is important to contact an Amelia County gun lawyer today to begin building a well-rounded and robust defense that is designed around the facts and circumstances of your case. An experienced defense attorney familiar with Amelia County can not only assist in building a strong defense but can also help prepare you for what to expect at each step of the legal process. To learn more or discuss the charges you are facing, call and schedule a consultation today.
Common Firearm Offenses
Most gun offenses in Amelia involve possessing a firearm rather than discharging a firearm. Common gun crimes include concealing a firearm without a permit, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor or possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony which is in and of itself another felony.
Most Amelia ordinances related to carrying concealed firearms or transporting firearms references the Virginia state code 18.2-308, which prohibits concealing a firearm without a proper permit. Those accused should consult with an Amelia County gun attorney in order to build as strong a defense as possible.
Transporting a Firearm
Hunting is allowed in Amelia and it is done frequently on private land and during individual animal hunting seasons. The Amelia Wildlife Management Area offers numerous opportunities to skeet shoot, practice archery, and hunt. This means that there are many gun owners in the Amelia area, and people frequently transporting their guns to their preferred hunting area.
When transporting a firearm in or while passing through Amelia, however, it is important to be knowledgeable of city ordinances and state code. You should unload the firearm and keep it in a proper case to protect yourself against any criminal charges.
Potential Penalties
Gun offenses can range from carrying concealed firearms, which carry a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail, to a felony for possession of firearms which can lead to a five- year mandatory minimum sentence and confiscation.
Depending on the charge, a conviction for a gun offense could be a felony. Upon conviction of a felony, all individuals lose the right to vote and the right to possess a firearm. Further, a conviction will remain on their criminal record and can impact an employer’s perception of them and their ability to get security clearances, making it important that a gun lawyer in Amelia County is contacted right away to begin building a defense.
Defending Against Gun Charges
Defending against gun charges in Amelia County requires a strategic approach tailored to the alleged offense. Common gun charges include illegal possession per Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.2, assault with a deadly weapon per Va. Code § 18.2-51.2, and trafficking per Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.2:1. Each charge has distinct elements that must be challenged effectively.
For illegal possession, a primary defense strategy involves examining the circumstances of the search and seizure. Any evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment can be suppressed, potentially leading to a dismissal of charges. Additionally, proving the defendant had no knowledge of the firearm’s presence can be a viable defense.
Assault with a deadly weapon charges necessitate a thorough investigation into the incident. Self-defense could be argued if the accused believed they were in imminent danger. Demonstrating the weapon was not used in a threatening manner or was not intended to inflict harm can also mitigate charges.
In trafficking cases, scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence chain is crucial. Challenging the legitimacy of wiretaps, surveillance, and informant reliability can weaken the prosecution’s case. Moreover, proving lack of intent or knowledge about the trafficking operation can be a decisive defense.
An experienced Amelia County gun lawyer could create a unique legal strategy to protect the defendant’s rights and freedom.
Benefit of a Local Amelia Gun Lawyer
An aggressive Amelia gun lawyer will understand the law and local ordinances, so he or she is prepared to fight for your rights to have your firearm now, and to keep your firearm in the future. Call one today.
