Long Island Weapons charge Lawyer

Weapons charge

According to the United States Supreme Court, the Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. But these rights are not without certain limitations. There are a number of state laws that restrict who may legally own a firearm and other kinds of weapons. And if you are found to be in illegal possession of such weapons, you may be facing serious criminal charges, notwithstanding your Second Amendment rights.

Who Can (and Cannot) Own a Gun?

Gun ownership is restricted by age, although the eligible age for possession of a weapon depends on state law. And often before a qualified adult can acquire a weapon, they may need to obtain a firearms certificate, although again, this will depend on the specifics of state law.

Certain individuals are also often barred by law from possessing or possessing handguns. This may include anyone who has been convicted of a felony or has at least two prior convictions for illegally brandishing a weapon, although these prohibitions do not exist in every state. 

You may also be disqualified from owning a handgun legally if:

• You are addicted to narcotics;
• You suffer from a mental illness;
• You have committed certain misdemeanor crimes involving domestic violence; or
• You are subject to a “gun violence restraining order”.

Note that if it is against the law for you to own a gun, it is also illegal for you to possess any ammunition for that gun. Because state laws vary substantially, it is in your best interests to contact an attorney to learn about any charges that you face.

Carrying and Storing Firearms

Even if you are allowed to own a handgun, that does not mean you can just take it with you everywhere you go. Indeed, many criminal weapons charges involve a person who takes a legal gun into a prohibited place. If state law prohibits the possession of weapons in a certain location, it is imperative that you follow these rules so as to avoid any criminal charges. You can be charged with a crime if you bring a gun into these places–and a conviction means you could lose your right to possess a gun legally.

How an Attorney Can Help You

Facing weapons charges may be daunting, but you do not have to do this alone. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges and the potential consequences, and assist you in mounting a solid defense that protects your rights. Because gun laws are not universal across each state, it is best to reach out to an advocate who has experience in state and federal weapons charges and who can assist you throughout each step of your criminal case.

If you have questions or concerns about your rights as it pertains to owning firearms or other weapons, contact The Law Offices of Andrew Karpf. We are here to assist you today.