Charlotte Weapon Charges Defense Lawyers

Facing a gun crime or other weapon-related charges can set back your entire life. If you are facing a gun crime charge or another weapon offense, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The penalties for weapons crimes are significant and can include significant jail time and fines.

The more time your criminal defense lawyer has to prepare your defense, the better. Contact the skilled criminal defense lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule your initial consultation.

U.S. citizens have a right to bear arms, granted in the second amendment of the U.S. Constitution. When you own a firearm in the United States, federal courts have limited this right in several different ways. Gun owners must comply with federal and state gun regulation laws. Some of the most prosecuted gun crimes in North Carolina include the following:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm: Owning a firearm can be considered illegal if you are underage, are carrying a concealed weapon without the correct permit, or if a court has prohibited you from owning a firearm due to a restraining order or a domestic violence conviction.
• Unlawful possession of a firearm on city property or an airport: North Carolina law prohibits carrying a firearm on airport property or in other city locations. It is illegal in Charlotte to carry a firearm on city locations or airport property. If you carry a firearm on an airport, even a legally owned firearm, you can face a misdemeanor criminal charge. You might also be required to pay a civil fine from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These fines often cost thousands of dollars, but a skilled lawyer can help you lower the rate of the fine. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we can represent you in TSA civil penalties as well as for criminal gun possession charges.
• Felon in possession of a firearm: It is illegal for you to possess, own, or have in your custody a firearm, if you have been convicted of a felony. If you have been convicted of a felony and law enforcement discovers you in possession of a firearm, you will face a serious Class G felony charge.
• Larceny of a firearm: Stealing a firearm from someone is an automatic felony in North Carolina, regardless of the value of the firearm.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Assaulting another person with a firearm or other deadly weapon with the intent to kill, is a Class C felony in North Carolina. If the defendant assaults someone with a deadly weapon and with the intent to kill, without causing a serious injury, or you inflict a serious injury on someone without intending to kill them, you will face Class E felony charges.
• Unlawful discharge of a firearm: Willfully or wantonly firing or trying to fire a firearm is a Class E felony. The discharge or attempted discharge of a firearm must have happened as part of criminal gang activity, within city limits, from within a building, structure, or vehicle, or toward another group or person outside the enclosure. If you intended to incite fear by discharging the firearm, you will face a Class F felony.

Those who purchase a handgun in Charlotte who are at least 21 years old have a right to apply for a concealed carry permit or a pistol purchase permit at the local sheriff’s office. North Carolina does allow those who legally own a firearm to carry the firearm openly. Firearm owners cannot keep their firearm hidden beneath their bag or clothing unless they have a valid concealed carry permit.

People may not openly carry a firearm in government and law enforcement buildings, school campuses, the state fair, establishments serving alcohol, or businesses that have posted “no weapons” signs in front. You may open care in state parks, participating restaurants, and game lands for hunting.

You must be at least 21 years old and have met several conditions before you can legally open carry in North Carolina. You must apply for a concealed carry permit which requires you to be a resident of North Carolina for at least 30 days, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and not suffer from a mental infirmity that prevents you from safely handling a handgun. You must not have been convicted of a disqualifying criminal offense.

Contact a criminal defense lawyer to prepare your defense today. Contact the skilled criminal defense lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC to schedule your initial consultation.