Petersburg Gun Lawyer
Gun charges in Petersburg are taken seriously and prosecuted aggressively. Guns instill a certain amount of fear in the community. This fear of guns is manifested in the way Petersburg prosecutes gun crimes. Gun laws in Virginia can prove complex with penalties that vary in severity. Having an experienced Petersburg gun lawyer can help you understand the details of your case in a way that can help you get a lesser penalty or even have your case dismissed.
A skilled defense attorney will have the time and resources to dedicate to your case and will prove beneficial to work with when facing a gun charge. They are ready to work with you and with investigators on staff to assist with investigating your case. All of this impacts the quality of your defense.
Gun Offenses
Most gun offenses in Petersburg involve possession of firearms rather than discharging or shooting of a firearm. A common gun crime includes concealing a firearm without a permit, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Hunting and trapping are permitted within Petersburg, and done on public and private land as long as it is done away from public highways. It is important to understand hunting ordinances and concealed weapon ordinances as well when hunting in Petersburg.
When transporting a firearm and or passing through Petersburg, it is important to be knowledgeable of city ordinances. Someone should unload the firearm and keep it in a proper case to protect them from any criminal charges. Most Petersburg ordinances relate to carrying and concealing of a firearm or transporting firearms, where it is important to note that concealing a firearm without a permit is prohibited.
Penalties
Gun offenses can range from carrying concealed of a firearm, the maximum penalty of 12 months in jail, to a felony for possession of a firearm, which can lead to a five-year mandatory minimum sentence. Depending on the charge, a conviction for a gun offense could be a considered a felony. For a conviction of a felony, someone loses the right to vote and the right to possess a firearm. Furthermore, a conviction will remain on their record and can impact an employer’s perception of them and their ability to get a security clearance.
Since gun violence can be seen as a significant problem in Petersburg, gun offenses are prosecuted aggressively by the Commonwealth and will require the assistance of a Petersburg gun lawyer to build a proper defense.
Contacting a Petersburg Gun Attorney
An aggressive Petersburg gun lawyer understands the law and local ordinances in Petersburg. They are prepared to fight for you and your rights to have your firearm now and in the future. A solid defense requires extensive preparation, and the more time your experienced gun lawyer has to gather evidence and prepare a defense, the better your chances in court will be. They will work hard to maintain the most positive outcome in your case.
