Table Of Contents
- Understanding Federal Gun Charges
- How To Choose The Right Firearms Lawyer?
- 1. Look For Experience With Firearms And Criminal Defense Law.
- 2. Understand Your Charges
- 3. Check Credentials And Reputation
- 4. Schedule A Consultation And Know The Right Questions To Ask
- 5. Trust Your Instincts
- Different Types Of Firearms Charges
- The Illegal Possession Of Any Firearm By Someone
- Use Of Firearms During Drug Trafficking
- Firearm Trafficking Violations
- Possession Of NFA Firearms
- Your Exclusive Rights Against Firearms Charges
How to Get the Best Lawyer for Your Firearm Charge?
When using a firearm, the accusations could be overwhelming if you have your liberty, rights, and future at stake.
Gun laws range widely from state to state and may get complicated, with major penalties like jail terms, heavy fines, or loss of the right to possess a gun.
That’s why it is so essential to look for the most suitable firearms lawyer for your gun charge. Then the question is, how do you know whom to trust with your case?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get the best legal representation and increase the probability of a positive outcome.
Understanding Federal Gun Charges
The penalties for committing this type of crime become strong and aggressive. The penalties for federal charges are severe.
You might have to go to prison for a severe federal charge. However, you also don’t want to have that on your record.
This can result in you losing your firearm and the right to own it. You won’t also be able to carry it in public and lose your right ot vote under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
However, if you get caught using a gun, the chances of getting a charge with a federal felony increase.
In many cases, there are instances where the individuals are caught with both a gun and possession of drugs. In that case, the police will charge you with both cases.
This is crucial even when it turns out that the weapon wasn’t used in connection with any drug-related crimes.
How To Choose The Right Firearms Lawyer?
Here are the tips you’ll need to find a firearms lawyer to represent you:
1. Look For Experience With Firearms And Criminal Defense Law.
There are not many experienced lawyers in firearm charges who can practice in the criminal defense field.
The gun laws include certain statutes, constitutional rights, and typically federal and state-based governing.
Find an attorney who will represent you in gun defense or has worked with cases like yours before.
Ask potential attorneys:
- What is the number of cases you have handled regarding firearms?
- What are the kinds of firearm charges you have dealt with?
- What were the outcomes?
An experienced firearms lawyer from Nychuk & Company will be able to object to pieces of evidence, plea bargain, and plead for lowered or dropped charges where applicable.
2. Understand Your Charges
Make sure that you understand the charges before hiring a lawyer. Firearm-related charges may include:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- The illegal wearing of a concealed weapon without a permit.
- Firearm possession in the case of a felon
- Possession of a firearm at the time of commission of a crime.
- Illegal firearm sales or trafficking
It is advisable to know how much the charge is; therefore, when you are speaking to a firearms lawyer, you can know the right questions to ask, which will ensure that the lawyer you are speaking to has relevant experience with your case.
3. Check Credentials And Reputation
An established track record and a good reputation are good indicators that a certain attorney is capable. Look for:
- Client reviews and testimonials
- Peer endorsements
- Awards in criminal defense.
- Affiliation with legal associations (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers)
It does not hurt to ask for references or search the disciplinary records via the state bar association.
4. Schedule A Consultation And Know The Right Questions To Ask
Many criminal defense lawyers have free or highly discounted initial consultations. Use this meeting to test their understanding levels and communication style, as well as methods. Ask questions like:
- What are the implicated penalties for my firearm charge?
- What defense would you think applies to my situation?
- How will you communicate with me in the process?
- What are your rates and payment modes?
If answered by a good firearms lawyer, it will be answered without overpromising the results.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Legal knowledge is important, but so is trust. You require a lawyer who will listen to you and attend to your case on an urgent basis, and not just for the sake of it. If something does not seem right, keep looking.
Different Types Of Firearms Charges
Here are the common firearms charges one might get accused of:
The Illegal Possession Of Any Firearm By Someone
When you’re prohibited from using firearms, owning or possessing one would put you under federal gun crimes. When someone is under a felony conviction, this charge applies to them.
It’s also applicable to persons who are bearing the charges of a domestic violence misdemeanor or who are subjected to a restraining order.
Use Of Firearms During Drug Trafficking
These things cause devastating consequences. Even when the gun isn’t fired or displayed, merely owning a gun during a drug crime can trigger a mandatory 5-year sentence consecutively.
This happens on top of the drug charges put on someone. Second offenses under the statute face mandatory enhancements of almost 25 years.
Firearm Trafficking Violations
These violations occur during events of someone transporting or transferring firearms across state lines. This is more applicable when the person in question is transferring the firearms for illegal commerce.
These cases typically involve straw purchasers who also buy weapons for people prohibited from using them.
Possession Of NFA Firearms
One has to face these charges when they are in question for owning firearms like a short-barrelled rifle, shotguns, machine guns, and suppressors. It can result in penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Also, legal NFA items transported across state lines can also cause someone to face allegations. However, in such a case, not having proper ATF notification can result in federal charges against the person.
Your Exclusive Rights Against Firearms Charges
Facing a firearm charge is no joke, but in the Nychuk & Company offices, you are likely to get the best lawyers.
With the help of an experienced firearms lawyer having a track record in firearm defense, you can place yourself in the most favorable position to exercise your rights and minimize penalties while moving on with your life.
In case you face allegations regarding a gun offense, be quick.
The greater the interval between the time of your arrest and the time when you retain qualified representation to work with you as your defense attorney, the fewer alternatives might be available to you when it comes to making a strong defense.
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