Gun crimes in Maryland can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and restrictions on your ability to carry a weapon in the future. A conviction could change the course of your life. A St. Charles gun lawyer could help protect your future and restore your freedom. Retain a credible criminal defense attorney at Restoration Law, LLC for the best chance at securing a favorable outcome.
Penalties for Gun Crimes
The penalty for a gun crime depends on the type of crime and where it took place. For example, gun crimes that occur in or around a school often carry heavier penalties than those in other areas.
Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
If you are caught carrying a handgun illegally, you could face anywhere between 30 days and three years in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If you are convicted of illegally carrying a firearm on school grounds, you face a minimum sentence of 90 days in jail. Subsequent offenses can lead to harsher penalties. For a second unlawful possession of a handgun charge, individuals may face up to 10 years in jail, with a minimum year prison sentence.
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
Illegally discharging a firearm can result in a fine of up to $1,000, depending on where the discharge occurred and any other contributing factors, such as prior offenses.
Using a Gun During the Commission of Another Crime
Using a gun while committing another crime can significantly increase the penalties for that crime, depending on the severity of the offense. It does not matter if the gun is operational during the crime; the sole presence of the gun or the implication that it was used may lead to severe penalties. A conviction could add five to 20 years of imprisonment.
Illegally Transporting, Selling, or Receiving Assault Weapons
Illegally selling, transporting, or receiving an assault weapon in the state can result in a misdemeanor charge, up to three years in jail, and a fine of up to $5,000.
A lawyer in St. Charles could review a person’s gun charges and explore various defense strategies to determine the most effective approach to get the charges dismissed or reduce penalties.
Gun Crime Defenses
Working closely with a St. Charles lawyer could be crucial when facing a gun charge. An attorney could assess the best defense strategy for a specific crime and, in some cases, negotiate with the state for lesser penalties. Common gun crime defenses include:
- Self-defense
- Illegal search
- Lack of sufficient evidence
- Lack of knowledge about the weapon’s presence
Legal counsel could review the specifics of a person’s charges and the circumstances surrounding them to ensure that the police conducted a legal search and maintained the chain of evidence when handling the firearm. They could also assist with all aspects of the individual’s defense, including negotiating to minimize the impact of the charges.
Meet With a St. Charles Gun Attorney To Build Your Defense Today
If you are facing gun charges, a St. Charles gun lawyer could challenge the charges and ensure your rights are protected. At Restoration Law, LLC, we are committed to restoring the freedoms you had before the charges were brought against you. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we could help you build your defense.
