If you have questions pertaining to your Fredericksburg gun penalties, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional criminal defense attorney for assistance as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer could make you aware of your rights throughout the proceedings, guide you through each step of the criminal process, and craft a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Read on to learn more about the different types of Fredericksburg gun penalties, as well as the ways a dedicated attorney could offer you their assistance today.
There are a variety of Fredericksburg gun penalties depending on the nature of the offense. The least serious type of gun offense is a Class One misdemeanor in Virginia. They are punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to a $2,500 fine, or a combination of both. Examples of common gun misdemeanors are a concealed weapon violation, brandishing a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, or carrying a firearm in a prohibited area such as a courthouse. Know that a skilled defense lawyer could help to fight against these punishments through aggressive representation in court.
Other Fredericksburg gun penalties for firearm offenses are felonies that range from Class Six, the least serious type of felony, to a much more serious felony that can include up to life in prison. Firearms charges with a potential life sentence are crimes of rape in which a deadly weapon was involved, malicious wounding, aggravated malicious wounding, attempted murder, and murder. All of those are crimes that involve firearms and have the potential of up to life in prison.
One of the serious felonies that involve firearms includes possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A more serious version is possession of a firearm by someone who is considered a violent, convicted felon. Someone can be a violent, convicted felon solely because they were previously convicted of a crime of possessing a firearm. Serious felony gun laws come with a variety of significant Fredericksburg gun penalties that may include mandatory minimums.
There are short and long term consequences for someone convicted of a serious gun charge. One of the short term Frederick gun penalties can be prison or jail time that includes a mandatory minimum sentence. The judge or the jury must sentence a defendant to at least the mandatory minimum period of time. The mandatory minimums get higher as the defendant has more repeat offenses or commits more serious offenses.
There are also long term consequences. When someone is convicted of a felony involving a firearm, it is unlikely that the individual’s firearm rights can be restored. They also have a serious criminal record that follows them forever. The individual may also be barred from job opportunities, housing opportunities, professional licenses, and other things of that nature. In addition to the individual’s offense, there can be other serious consequences as well, including one’s ability to stay in the country.
If you have questions about the Fredericksburg gun penalties that may apply in your case, contact an experienced attorney. They could provide valuable legal advice and help you build a strong defense against the charges you face. Call today to set up a consultation.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
