Under the United States Constitution, you have the right to bear arms, but this right is not without limits. State, local, and federal law can limit how these weapons are carried, used, stored, and sold. Any violation could not only impact your rights, but also potentially result in jail time or fines.
If you have been accused of any of these offenses, it is vital that you fight back with the help of a seasoned defense attorney. A strong approach could help you beat these charges or resolve them in some other way. A Denver gun lawyer is ready to help you protect your rights and reputation following an arrest.
Firearms are regulated in a variety of ways. There are numerous restrictions on how they are used, carried, displayed, and sold. Each situation is different, meaning some of these crimes are considered more serious than others, so it is crucial to have legal counsel following an arrest. Some of the charges a Denver gun attorney could defend against include:
Serial numbers are commonly used to trace weapons used in criminal activity. For that reason, it is against the law to remove a serial number, which is commonly done through filing or the use of acid. Possession of a defaced weapon is also a crime.
In some instances, federal law limits the ability to purchase weapons, particularly among those convicted of felonies or domestic violence crimes. It is a felony for someone to purchase a weapon when the law prohibits them from doing so.
There are strict limitations on when and where a gun may be fired, even by someone authorized to own or carry it. Doing so recklessly in a dwelling or occupied structure could lead to charges.
Each offense is categorized differently, which means some firearm charges carry much steeper penalties than others. For example, the consequences for possession of a defaced firearm is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while unlawfully purchasing a gun is a Class 4 felony.
The risk of incarceration is the primary concern with most people facing these charges. While misdemeanor offenses can lead to as much as 18 months in jail, felonies carry the potential for harsher punishment. Someone convicted of a Class 4 felony could spend two to six years in prison.
There are also fines to consider. While misdemeanors carry up to $5,000, more serious offenses can lead to dramatically higher penalties. For example, the unlawful purchase of a firearm could result in a fine of up to $500,000.
Finally, a person convicted of a felony gun charge will also lose certain constitutional rights, such as their right to vote or to own firearms. For many gun owners, this can be one of the most difficult aspects of a guilty verdict. A gun lawyer in Denver could help avoid these consequences by fighting the charges at trial.
If you have been arrested on a weapons-related offense, now is the time to speak to legal counsel. These cases are defensible, and a positive outcome could be possible for you. However, representing yourself will only make things more difficult.
Let our Denver gun lawyer help. Call today to schedule a private consultation to discuss your options.