Charles City Gun Lawyer
Gun laws are some of the most complicated ones on the books. The second amendment enshrines your right to bear arms. But as a result of the inherently dangerous nature of guns, a variety of local, state, and federal laws mandate where, when, and how you can use firearms.
Seemingly innocent behavior can be interpreted as criminal. And crimes that appear inconsequential can have severe, long-term penalties. In order to assert your rights and use the law to your advantage, it is important to have a Charles City gun lawyer in your corner. An experienced defense attorney can help prepare you for what you are going to expect and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entirety of the legal process.
Examples of Gun Crimes
The list of potential gun crimes is lengthy. But some are more common than others, especially from where the average Virginia citizen is concerned:
- Illegal purchase or possession of firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon without the required permit
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm
- Being a felon in possession of a firearm
- Reckless use of a firearm
- Possession or a firearm or other weapon deemed to be illegal
A Charles City gun lawyer is equipped to handle the defense for any one of these charges. They can also take on the complexities of a case involving multiple firearms offenses, or more serious offenses involving a firearm. Whenever a gun is involved, it is always advisable to have a legal representative.
Punishments for Gun Crime Convictions
The state of Virginia takes gun crimes very seriously. It has strict gun laws on the books, and an aggressive push by police, prosecutors, and judges to hold defendants charged with gun crimes responsible. The penalties differ depending on the nature of the charge, but in almost all cases they are significant.
A person charged with unlawfully concealing a weapon, for example, will spend up to 12 months in jail, pay a fine of up to $2,500, or both. If a person is charged with the same crime a second time it jumps from being a misdemeanor to a felony.
The potential sentence then increases from up to 12 months to five years. Even if the weapon is not discharged, or used in a threatening or dangerous manner, Virginia gun owners run the risk of facing significant penalties if they run into trouble with the law.
A gun lawyer in Charles City understands that because of the depth and breadth of the law, many well-intentioned gun owners find themselves in breach of the law despite having no malicious intent. And even when the cause of the crime was less accidental, the defendant has rights and may not deserve a multi-year prison sentence.
Talk to a Charles City Gun Violation Attorney
If you find yourself charged with gun crimes, contact a Charles City gun lawyer as soon as possible. A spirited defense requires extensive preparation. And the more time your lawyer has to gather evidence and study case law, the better your chances in court will be. Contact our firm to request a free consultation.
