No matter what your intentions might have been, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges are deadly serious when it comes to bodily harm caused by a firearm. Even if you never intended to use your weapon, committing a crime while in possession of a firearm or other weapon implies deadly intent. If you have been implicated in a crime involving a gun or other weapon, seeking legal representation is an absolute necessity. With hard-hitting defense, you can greatly increase your chances of having your charges dropped or your sentence reduced.
Information on Weapon Charges and Convictions
Although the United States Constitution gives American citizens the right to bear arms, there are a number of different restrictions that are placed on that right. These restrictions are imposed in an effort to control the role that firearms play in California society. Law enforcement continues to be committed to investigating individuals who may be violating firearms laws either through distribution, trafficking and sale, or lesser charges involving possession. California state law imposes serious penalties for many weapon charges that lead to conviction; the experience of a seasoned attorney at the firm may be the only thing between you and certain disaster.
There are many types of weapons violation that can occur, whether intentional or a simple mistake. Specific penalties depend heavily on factors such as the type of weapon involved, how the weapon was used, whether there was an attempt to conceal the weapon, where it was used, and prior convictions of the offender. Penalties can range anywhere from misdemeanors to full felony charges that offer multi-year prison terms that can increase exponentially.
The Legal Impact of a Weapon Charge
A weapons charge can create negative consequences in every aspect of your life. If convicted, you may face large fines, several years behind bars in a state or federal prison, and you will lose your privilege to carry a weapon. A conviction can also saddle you with a criminal record that will make finding a good job exceedingly difficult and living a normal life next to impossible.
Some common weapon charges include the following:
- Armed Robbery
- Felony Possession Of A Firearm
- Illegal Discharge Of A Firearm
- Possession Of A Prohibited Weapon
- Illegal Sale Or Trafficking Of Firearms
Safeguard Your Future Freedoms
One of the most damaging aspects of a weapons charge is that it is often accompanied by other related charges and is used by many prosecutors as a way to increase the severity of the sentence you receive. A weapons charge could also constitute a federal offense, in which case you could face federal prosecutors and the heightened penalties associated with federal offenses. At Okabe & Haushalter, you can rest assured that we will not back down in the face of serious charges. We are a highly professional and deeply experienced firm, nationally recognized for our ability to win in the courtroom. Do not let a weapons charge stand in the way of your future.
Hire our firm and take the first step toward safeguarding your freedom.