If you have been charged with possessing a gun illegally, carrying a firearm without a permit, or another firearm-related charge, it may be wise to consult a Purcellville gun lawyer to explore possible legal defenses. A dedicated criminal attorney could help you understand the process that your case may follow and how to best defend yourself against your charges.
Virginia law outlines a multitude of gun violations and their associated penalties. The law places certain restrictions on who may own a firearm, the types of firearms that an individual may legally possess, and the locations where carrying a firearm is strictly forbidden. Violation of any of these laws could result in significant legal penalties including mandatory durations of imprisonment and steep fines.
An individual may be charged with a Class 6 felony for firing a gun in a public area such as a business, according to Code of Virginia § 18.2-280. A conviction would mean a maximum jail term of five years. The individual may also be required to pay a fine of up to $2,500. A person who purposefully fires their gun and puts others at risk of injury would face Class 5 felony punishments, which include a mandatory minimum of 12 months in jail.
Another common type of felony gun charge that could warrant the assistance of a skilled attorney in the area is firing a gun inside a building. If an individual acted without a malevolent purpose, this violation would be charged as a Class 6 felony subject to the same penalties noted above.
If the court determines that the party did act malevolently and with the purpose of inflicting damage, the violation would be punishable as a Class 4 felony offense. A conviction for a Class 4 felony would mean up to 10 years in jail, in addition to fines no greater than $100,000.
Certain gun offenses are chargeable as misdemeanors. The penalties for misdemeanor gun violations are less severe than those of felony crimes but should be taken just as seriously. For example, if someone brings a gun into an airport terminal, they would be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Class 1 misdemeanors are punished by a maximum of $2,500 in fines and one year of incarceration.
A person could also be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor for carelessly handling a gun and thereby endangering others nearby. A local attorney could further explain what types of charges may be punishable as misdemeanors under Commonwealth law.
Numerous factors could impact the severity of the penalties imposed for a gun-related conviction. In situations where the accused individual has already been found guilty of a crime in the past, they could face enhanced legal punishments.
A person who is charged and convicted of a felony within the several years preceding the current gun violation could be subjected to enhanced fines and a longer period of confinement than is typical of a first offense. If the gun-related offense was allegedly committed while the individual was perpetrating a violent crime, their punishment could also be more severe.
In addition to the legal punishments imposed by the presiding court, a criminal record could have drastic long-term effects on a person’s freedom, finances, and future. Convicted felons may be barred from voting or owning a firearm. A criminal record could also impact the person’s chances of securing employment or being approved to rent a home. A lawyer in Purcellville could thoroughly investigate the individual’s gun charges to identify the most effective defense strategy. A skilled attorney could pinpoint any flaws in the prosecution’s allegations and decide how to best bring them to light.
It may be prudent to get in touch with a Purcellville gun lawyer if you are facing firearm-related charges. An experienced criminal lawyer could determine the validity of these charges and help safeguard your rights throughout your case with aggressive legal advocacy.
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Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
