Weapons offenses can be significant criminal charges and can carry significant penalties for accused individuals. For accused individuals facing gun charges, they should be familiar with the criminal defense options they may have.
Examples of weapons charges
There are a variety of different types of weapons charges accused individuals can be facing including:
- Discharging a firearm during the commission of an aggravated battery
- Possessing a firearm during the commission of an aggravated battery
- Using a weapon in an unlawful manner
- Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
- Armed robbery
- Armed habitual criminal
- Possessing a weapon as a convicted felon
- Possessing a stolen weapon
Certain individuals, such as those who have been convicted of committing a felony crime, are prohibited from carrying a weapon and if found with a gun, may face additional charges for simply possessing a gun. Other crimes may be charged with a higher level of severity because a gun is involved, such as aggravated robbery, and may result in stiffer penalties as a result.
Defense to weapons charges
Because weapons charges can result in the loss of freedom, potential fines and other possible consequences and penalties, accused individuals should be familiar with how they may be able to defend against the weapons charges they are facing. As part of criminal defense preparation, it is important to evaluate the actions of authorities and the facts as alleged against the accused individual. Individuals accused of weapons crimes should not mistakenly think that they are not treated seriously by the criminal justice system. Individuals accused of gun crimes should know how to develop a strong criminal defense strategy to protect themselves.