DC Gun Lawyer
DC is the seat of the federal government with Congress, the President, the Supreme Court, and numerous agencies. There are many high-level protected people who live and work in and around DC. Because DC is a densely-populated urban area with high rates of murder, gun violence, and violent crime, gun charges are treated as seriously in DC as in any other place in this country and perhaps even more so, making the need for a skilled defense lawyer essential when facing charges.
Although the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees your right to bear arms, there are many restrictions and laws that also exist to ensure this right is exercised responsibly. Running afoul of such laws in DC can result in serious criminal charges. When you are charged with weapons violations, an experienced DC gun lawyer can be a crucial asset for protecting your rights and your reputation.
What are the Types of Gun Charges in DC?
By ensuring someone understands the charges against them, the proceedings that take place, and all of their legal options, someone’s criminal defense attorney will make things as simple as possible. A DC gun lawyer handles a variety of gun charges include carrying a pistol without a license (CPWOL), carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon, armed robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. Other firearm offenses may involve possession of an illegal gun and carrying a concealed weapon.
Unlawful Gun Possession
It is required for everyone firearm to be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. All guns must also be licensed and the type ammunition allowed within the District is also strictly regulated, based in part on the caliber or gauge of the registered weapon. There are also a number of individuals who are prohibited from carrying or possessing firearms in DC. This include, but may not necessarily be limited to:
- Those convicted of felony offenses
- Fugitives from justice
- Those who have received a court order (stay away order)
- Those convicted of intrafamily violence or domestic violence offenses
- Those who have been convicted of illegal gun sales
Gun Penalties in DC
For a misdemeanor gun offense like possession of an unregistered firearm or unregistered ammunition, the maximum penalty is one year in DC jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or the person could be put on a period of probation in lieu of jail or in addition to the jail term.
For a felony gun charge, an individual is looking at years in prison. For example, for carrying a pistol without a license, an individual could receive a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines in the thousands of dollars.
An individual facing the penalties of a gun offense should reach out to a gun lawyer in DC as soon as possible.
Consequences of a Firearm Charge
Prosecutors treat gun offenses in DC very harshly. With many other crimes, for an individual charged with a crime who has no other criminal record of convictions in the past, the prosecutors may be willing to extend an agreement by which the person charged can complete some diversion program and avoid having a conviction on their record. Or, the prosecutors might be more willing to reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor.
But with gun offenses, in all but rare instances, anyone charged with a misdemeanor gun offense can expect the prosecution to seek a conviction for the gun offense. They may not ask for incarceration. However, they are looking to get that conviction.
With a felony offense, the prosecution aims to seek a conviction for these felony charges. The conviction has long-lasting repercussions on an individual’s record, their career, and everything going forward. With a felony conviction, an individual can lose their rights to vote, rights to hold office, and the right to legally possess another firearm. An individual could lose security clearances and be unable to obtain certain benefits in state and local programs. For example, people with felony convictions are often excluded from certain housing or other types of programs. A felony conviction has dire consequences.
Why is Evidence Crucial to a Firearm Case in DC?
The evidence in a DC gun case is crucial to the prosecution gaining a conviction. If someone’s constitutional rights were violated or proper procedure was not used at any time during the investigative process, there is a chance the evidence against them could be ruled inadmissible. This is a factor that will be evaluated by their DC gun attorney.
From the specific circumstances surrounding the case against them to their criminal history, there are many factors that play a role in the outcome of their gun charges. Having a seasoned defense attorney on someone’s side will help them get the best results possible on their day in court.
Working with a DC Firearm Attorney
It is critical to have an experienced gun attorney who has defended many gun cases to handle the case of someone charged with a firearm offense in DC. An experienced attorney knows the best way to litigate, negotiate, and get the best results to avoid a felony conviction or a conviction at all. They know what it is that is going to resonate with the prosecutors if the case goes to trial. A DC gun lawyer knows what works with a DC jury and what a judge might find compelling in a positive or negative way for them.