Firearm crimes and weapons charges are serious legal problems that can be prosecuted in both State and Federal courts. Anyone charged with firearm crimes or weapon crimes, including carrying a concealed weapon (aka CCW), should hire an experienced Atlanta gun crime lawyer as soon as possible.
Often these cases are prosecuted in an aggressive manner with prosecutors demanding lengthy prison sentences. Even persons facing a first-time weapons charge have a high risk of incarceration. This is also true for anyone who is being investigated on suspicion of violating any gun laws, weapons laws or related laws. If you are under investigation, have been interviewed or arrested in Atlanta, GA, we can help you.
Due to increasing federal government control over firearms, weapons, explosive devices, noise suppressors, bump stocks, and certain materials it is easier than ever to find yourself in trouble with the law.
Agencies such as the ATF, ICE, FBI, DHS and U.S. Marshals are being more aggressive about pursuing actions that seem remotely suspicious. Beyond simple possession issues there are many more causes to arrest someone for weapons violations. Firearms and weapons charges can have many forms, including but not limited to:
Firearms and weapons charges, whether at misdemeanor or felony level, can result in heavy fines, community service, revoked firearm possession for the future, forfeiting weapons, banishment from the county, extensive probation, and a prison sentence.
Some examples of felony penalties include imprisonment for the possession of an illegal firearm (e.g., machine gun, sawed-off shotgun) and imprisonment for the possession of a firearm while committing a separate felony offense.
Simultaneous violations may increase potential punishment upon conviction. Being in possession of a weapon within unauthorized areas, such as school zones, is a misdemeanor crime. However, committing this misdemeanor as an unlawful weapons carrier can become a felony.
Criminal defense lawyers are a highly valuable resource to have when faced with any gun charges. These trained, educated, and experienced law professionals are there to provide you with informed legal counsel and strong defense strategies during all court proceedings. They’ll thoroughly investigate the details and evidence in your case and ensure your constitutional rights are protected.
A gun crime defense lawyer’s cost is variable and influenced by the location of their practice, level of experience, what it costs to maintain their law firm’s operations, and how they prefer to charge payments. Additionally, how complicated a case is and the client’s financial capabilities also often impact the total in the end. Most criminal defense lawyers charge an hourly fee for their services, while others may charge a flat fee.
How long of a prison sentence you get for a gun charge conviction in Atlanta largely depends on the circumstances of the crime, including the specific violation(s) and the offender’s criminal history. If the defendant has previous convictions of violent crimes and other felonies while using or possessing a firearm, it’s likely they will face harsher punishment.
The gun policy in Atlanta is that open carry requires a Weapons Carry License (WCL) or a concealed carry permit; no training is required. No license is needed for carrying a handgun in one’s home, vehicle, place of business, during fishing/hunting, or in a case unloaded.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a WCL, lawful weapons carriers, and non-residents with a license/permit from another state. You must be 21 years old to get a concealed carry license. The minimum age for military members is 18.
In Georgia, persons who are under 18, who have a history of mental illness, or who have been convicted of a felony are disqualified from owning a gun. Any other individual is able to buy a firearm with no waiting period, license, training, or firearms registration required. Lawful weapons carriers may conceal-carry without a license or permit.
Anyone charged with a firearms or weapons charge should immediately call The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman to discuss their situation. Our aggressive weapons charges defense and firearm criminal defense can preserve your freedom. Contact us today to begin discussing your case with a qualified attorney.
Rapper Gucci Mane, on probation for anassault conviction, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and DUI. Mr. Mane, facing a possible 3 1/2 year prison sentence, was given only a year in jail.
Client was charged with possession of a firearm in federal court in Eugene, Oregon including having a silencer. We went to Oregon and were successful in obtaining home confinement for him.
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