In Dale City and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, firearms-related offenses are treated with a high degree of seriousness. If you find yourself facing charges involving the unlawful possession, use, or modification of a firearm, get in touch with a Dale City gun lawyer as soon as possible.
The experienced criminal defense team at our firm practices regularly in the Prince William County court system and maintains professional relationships with the personnel who handle these types of cases. If you’re interested in seeing how we can put our local experience to work for you, please contact a Prince William County criminal lawyer today and schedule your initial consultation.
Virginia gun offenses carry penalties that can have a major impact on your future. Because of the violent nature of most firearm-related crimes, the fines, penalties, and lost privileges associated with a conviction can be exceedingly severe. Some of the most common gun charges we handle for clients in Dale City and throughout Prince William County include:
Gun charges are unique because they are viewed as a potential violation of public safety. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors take cases involving weapons very seriously, since their primary role is to protect the public. When you are facing serious prosecution in court, having an experienced Dale City gun attorney on your site can make a big difference in the way your case is handled.
The nature of the gun violation you are facing will determine whether you will be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Certain gun crimes that would be categorized as a misdemeanor for the first offense will be categorized as a felony charge for subsequent offenses. Misdemeanor offenses are similar to felonies in that they both remain on your record forever. In addition, certain gun crimes are characterized as class 1 misdemeanors, which carry a penalty of 12 months in jail, a $2500 fine, or a combination thereof. However, if you work with a local Virginia gun attorney, you may be able to identify certain defenses that can protect you from such serious penalties.
It is important to retain a criminal defense attorney who is aware of the complexities that are involved in gun cases. The Virginia code section 18.2-308 is constantly evolving and changing with the times. In an attempt to try to protect the public, some law enforcement officials may arrest people erroneously for certain gun charges. This does not mean that the officials are trying to harass innocent citizens, but rather that they may not be trained in the enforcement of updated laws.
Considering today’s constantly shifting legal landscape, it is important to have an experience criminal defense attorney who handles gun cases on a regular basis and can advise you on your rights, the current law and what can be done to protect you.
In order for an attorney to provide you with potential defense options, your case should be evaluated by an attorney. If you feel ready to work with a Dale City gun lawyer, you should schedule a meeting with an attorney by calling our law offices.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group