Minimizing The Harsh Consequences Of Weapons Violation Charges
If you are caught with an illegal firearm during an attempted crime, the punishments you face following a conviction increase considerably. Punishments for a weapons violations conviction can include up to a year in prison. If you are convicted of a federal weapons crime, you could spend up to 10 years in a federal prison.
I am Scott C. Brown, an experienced defense lawyer for clients in West Virginia and Ohio. If you were caught with an illegal firearm, I understand how the justice system handles gun laws. I can help you fight the charges. Contact me today to speak with an attorney who listens to you and gives you honest advice.
What Constitutes A Weapons Violations Charge?
Being caught with a concealed handgun without a valid permit could lead to criminal charges for a weapons violation. However, this is not the only type of weapons charge.
Agreeing to a plea bargain for a crime could mean you give up your right to own a gun. If so, you are known as a “prohibited person,” and there are specific state and federal laws barring you from owning a firearm.
Prohibited persons include those:
- Convicted of a crime that is punishable with a prison sentence in excess of one-year (felony)
- Found guilty of a drug crime such as possession of a prescription drug
- Subject to a domestic violence protective order
- Convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge
- Convicted of simple battery of assault, if the victim was a spouse
There are also several types of illegal firearms that may not be permitted in your state. Certain laws ban machine guns and other types of automatic weapons. Some states, as well as the federal government, prohibit illegal modifications of weapons such as sawed-off shotguns or rifles.
You Do Not Have To Accept A Plea Bargain
There are defenses for these types of criminal charges. If a weapon is discovered as a result of an illegal search and seizure, the Scott C. Brown Law Office may be able to get the charges against you dropped. If you were arrested for a weapons violation, contact me today and I can work with you on your defense case.