State and federal laws strictly regulate the possession and carrying of firearms in the state, and a conviction for violating these regulations could mean serving long prison sentences and paying steep fines. It will also result in a conviction on your permanent criminal record, which will restrict your rights and freedoms and lead to trouble whenever you submit a background check.
Gun and weapon criminal charges are felony offenses and carry life-altering consequences for a conviction. A DeKalb County gun lawyer could review your case and help you come up with a strong defense. Schedule a meeting with one of our seasoned criminal defense attorneys if you have questions or need help with a case.
Criminal Offenses Involving Firearms
American citizens and permanent residents have the right to bear arms. Even so, there are strictly enforced regulations, and some of the most common charges people face include the following:
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Minors in possession of handguns
- Firearm trafficking and illegal trade
- Carrying a revolver or pistol without a license
- Carrying a gun while facing charges of a felony criminal offense
- Possessing a firearm after the state restricts ownership for mental health reasons
- Possessing guns in gun-free zones such as on school grounds, courthouses, or airports
- Brandishing and pointing a gun at another person, whether the weapon is loaded or unloaded
A gun attorney in DeKalb County could go through the complete list of offenses and possible penalties during the consultation.
Weapons State Laws Prohibit
There are certain weapons state laws prohibit people from possessing. Per the rules provided by the Official Code of Georgia § 16-11-122, owning, having, or carrying the following is unlawful, and an arrest and conviction for failing to adhere to the regulation will result in penalties.
- Silencers
- Machine guns
- Rocket launchers
- Sawed-off shotguns or rifles
- Mortars, grenades, and all similar dangerous devices capable of causing mass destruction
An arrest for owning, transporting, or possessing any of the prohibited weapons will likely result in state and federal charges and harsh penalties. The purpose of the regulation is to keep the public safe from dangerous and deadly weapons with the ability to cause severe bodily harm and property damage. A Dekalb County attorney could defend a gun charge related to prohibited weapons.
Defending Future and Right to Own Firearms
Preparing a solid defense against firearms charges is crucial to securing the right to own weapons. One of the most common strategies is establishing that a person was protecting themselves or a loved one from suffering bodily harm when they brandished or fired the gun. The state follows a stand your ground regulation, allowing citizens to protect themselves, their family, and their property.
According to the directive of the Official Code of Georgia § 16-3-23.1, the legislation does not require people to retreat in the case of another party using or threatening to use force. They have the legal right to stand their ground, even if that includes using deadly force. After reviewing the case, a gun lawyer in DeKalb County could help determine and prepare the most effective defense against the charges to reach a favorable outcome.
Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Gun Attorney in DeKalb County
State gun laws are less restrictive than those of many other states in the country. However, the state requires responsible gun ownership and adherence to the law. The prosecutor takes violations of the statutes seriously and will fight to convict and sentence anyone who fails to comply with the legislation.
A hard-working DeKalb County gun lawyer could fight for you inside and outside of the courtroom and protect your rights, freedom, and future. If you face firearms charges, call soon to schedule an appointment to review your case and options to begin preparing your strategy.