Gun & Weapons Crimes Defense Attorney

Gun and weapons charges are prosecuted aggressively at both the state and federal levels. Even lawful gun owners can find themselves facing serious criminal charges due to technical violations, traffic stops, or misunderstandings about complex firearms laws. Our firm provides strategic, experienced defense for clients charged with weapons offenses of every kind.

Understanding Gun and Weapons Crimes

Weapons laws are notoriously complex and vary significantly between states and the federal system. What is legal in one jurisdiction may be a serious crime in another. Even innocent mistakes, such as carrying a firearm across state lines or storing it improperly, can result in criminal charges.

Prosecutors often pursue gun and weapons charges with particular vigor, especially when firearms are involved in connection with other offenses. Sentencing enhancements for weapon use can dramatically increase potential prison time, making effective defense critical.

Types of Gun and Weapons Charges

Our firm handles a wide range of weapons-related offenses, including:

Illegal Possession of a Firearm

Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, such as a convicted felon or someone subject to a restraining order, is a serious charge under both state and federal law.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit

Concealed carry laws are strict, and violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

Brandishing a Weapon

Displaying a firearm or other weapon in a threatening manner can lead to criminal charges, even without physical contact.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Firing a weapon in public, displaying it recklessly, or using it to intimidate can result in felony charges.

Possession of an Illegal Weapon

Certain firearms and accessories, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and silencers, are heavily regulated or prohibited outright.

Possession of a Firearm in a Prohibited Place

Carrying firearms in schools, government buildings, airports, or other restricted locations can lead to serious charges.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

When a weapon is used or displayed during an alleged assault, charges become significantly more severe.

Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime

Sentencing enhancements for using a firearm during another offense can add years or even decades to a prison sentence.

Straw Purchases

Buying a firearm on behalf of someone prohibited from owning one is a federal crime with severe consequences.

Ammunition and Accessory Violations

High-capacity magazines, armor-piercing ammunition, and certain accessories are regulated under state and federal law.

Penalties for Gun and Weapons Convictions

Penalties vary widely depending on the charge, jurisdiction, and circumstances but can include:

• State or federal prison sentences
• Mandatory minimum sentences
• Substantial fines
• Loss of firearm rights
• Probation and parole with strict conditions
• A permanent felony record
• Enhanced sentences for repeat offenders
• Immigration consequences

Federal weapons charges often carry the harshest penalties, with mandatory minimums that leave judges little discretion.

Common Defenses

Weapons cases often turn on constitutional issues and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Effective defenses include:

Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches. If police discovered the weapon through an illegal stop or search, the evidence may be suppressed.

Lack of Knowledge or Possession

The prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the weapon. Weapons found in shared spaces or vehicles may not belong to you.

Lawful Ownership and Use

In many cases, the weapon was legally owned and being used or carried in a lawful manner. We present evidence to support your rights.

Self-Defense

When a weapon was used in defense of yourself or another person, self-defense may fully justify your actions.

Constitutional Challenges

Certain weapons laws may be subject to challenge under the Second Amendment or other constitutional provisions.

Chain of Custody and Evidence Issues

Problems with how evidence was collected, stored, or tested can lead to exclusion of key proof.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Gun and weapons laws are highly technical, and small details can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our firm has deep experience navigating state and federal weapons laws, identifying constitutional violations, and building defenses tailored to each client’s unique situation.

We work quickly to investigate the circumstances of the arrest, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome, whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, diversion, or acquittal at trial.

Contact Our Gun and Weapons Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested or charged with a gun or weapons crime, you need an experienced advocate on your side. Contact our firm today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and begin developing an effective defense strategy.