What You Should Know About Gun Possession Charges and How a Lawyer Can Defend You

In a study published by the Gun Violence Archive on March 02, 2025, there have been a total of 3,794 injuries and 40 mass shootings in the United States.

Grand Canyon Law Group says that the Arizona Criminal Code has a provision that may impose limited taxes on the sale of firearms and prohibit minors from possessing or carrying them. Under §6-1-20 of the Mesa Code of Ordinances, a minor may not possess firearms within the city limits without signed and notarized written consent from a parent or guardian. 

Stay educated about laws concerning gun possession charges and how hiring a gun crime lawyer can make a difference throughout the legal process. 

Understanding Gun Possession Laws

Gun possession laws and regulations can vary in every state.

Gun possession lawyer Jeffery L. Greco says that every American citizen is entitled to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment, which is protected by the US Constitution. Keep in mind that there are restrictions and criminal charges on individuals that abuse legal gun ownership or illegally possess a weapon. 

Gun laws govern who can own firearms, what types of firearms are permitted, and how many firearms can be owned. Permits or licenses may be required before owning a firearm, with some states having stricter background checks.

Stay informed about your local gun laws to avoid unintentional violations. 

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Types of Gun Possession Charges

Different types of charges may arise with gun possession. 

Unlawful possession charges are filed when an alleged person has a felony conviction on file or does not have the required permits to own a firearm.

Illegal carry occurs when you have a concealed unlicensed weapon in your possession.

Possessing, manufacturing, or transferring a firearm without registration constitutes unregistered gun charges. 

Potential Penalties for Gun Possession Offenses

Punishment for a gun possession charge can be severe depending on the specifics of your case.

A misdemeanor in some jurisdictions could result in a fine, community service, or one year in jail. Felony charges are even more serious, with potential penalties including several years in prison, large fines, and a lifetime criminal record.

The sentence you receive may depend on factors like your past criminal history, the type of gun you used, and whether you used it during a crime.

The Importance of Hiring a Defense Attorney

When facing a gun possession case, having a defense attorney is critical to avoiding potential fines that can have serious consequences for your life and lead to imprisonment.

A defense attorney who articulately deals with the challenges of firearms laws will represent you on your behalf. They are skilled at analyzing your case and will work hard to reduce your punishment if convicted.

They will advocate and negotiate for you in the courtroom when needed.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy Against Gun Charges

Gathering important evidence, such as eyewitness statements, police reports, and video footage, will help you establish a strong legal defense strategy. Your lawyer will check if there was an infringement of your rights during your arrest. Any deviation from the standard operating procedures may indicate a violation of your rights.

Determine the legal aspect concerning your gun possession. Did you possess a valid permit? Was the gun discovered in a context where its possession is lawful? If the answers to these questions are “yes,” your firearm possession is legal, as long as you have not violated any specific state or federal policies.

Examine any potential defenses, like self-defense or lack of knowledge about the presence of a firearm. Work closely with your lawyer to develop a strategy specific for your case. 

When facing gun possession charges, your understanding of the laws and penalties after such charges and being defended by an experienced lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Do not delay consulting a lawyer to improve your chances of getting freed from a criminal charge.