You have no idea what to do after being charged with a gun and weapons crime. If you do nothing, you take responsibility for the crime. At this point, the prosecution will do everything possible to punish you to the fullest extent of the law. Alternatively, you can hire a Goodyear gun and weapons crime defense lawyer to contest your charge.
Suzuki Law Offices is an Arizona criminal defense law firm committed to our clients’ success. Our founding attorney is a former federal prosecutor with many years of experience. Our team can apply what we know to your gun and weapons case. Request a consultation with a Goodyear violent crimes lawyer to learn more.
Why You Should Get Legal Help if You Have Been Charged with a Gun and Weapons Crime
The criminal justice system is incredibly complex. If you make a mistake in your efforts to fight back against your gun and weapons charge, the prosecution will pounce. Thus, you risk being convicted. If this happens, your conviction can impact you for the rest of your life.
A Goodyear gun and weapons crime defense attorney teaches you about the criminal justice system. Your Goodyear criminal defense lawyer carefully considers the facts of your case. They can build a legal defense that may allow you to avoid a conviction. Or, they may pursue a plea deal on your behalf.
Suzuki Law Offices has received many positive client reviews. This is due in part to our exceptional legal services and support. Our team gives your gun and weapons case our undivided attention. We look for ways to disprove the prosecution’s argument. Plus, we offer legal guidance at each stage of your litigation. Schedule a consultation with us.
What You Need to Know About a Gun and Weapons Charge
The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) detail gun and weapons crimes and what can happen if you are convicted of them. Per ARS 13-3102, there are many reasons you may be convicted of misconduct involving a weapon, such as:
- You are carrying a deadly weapon except a pocket knife that you have concealed or that is within your immediate control.
- You are manufacturing, transporting, possessing, selling, or transferring a prohibited weapon.
- You possess a deadly or prohibited weapon when you are not allowed to do so.
- You sell or transfer a deadly weapon to someone who is not permitted to possess one.
- You deface a deadly weapon.
- You discharge a firearm to promote the interests of a criminal street gang, crime syndicate, or racketeering enterprise.
- You possess a deadly weapon on school premises.
Your crime may be treated as a misdemeanor or felony. Based on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. Your gun and weapons crime defense lawyer in Goodyear can discuss felonies vs. misdemeanors and their differences. They can also explain the penalties associated with each.
Penalties if You are Convicted of a Gun and Weapons Crime
A felony conviction is much more serious than a misdemeanor. If you are convicted of a felony gun and weapons crime, you may be subject to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year. In a situation where you are convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or other major gun and weapons crime, you may face lifetime imprisonment.
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor gun and weapons crime, you may face up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Thus, your gun and weapons crime defense attorney in Goodyear may push to get you a plea deal. If they succeed, you may get a misdemeanor conviction, with penalties less severe than those of a felony.
Outside of serving jail or prison time and paying a fine, you may have to forfeit your firearms if you have been convicted of a gun or weapons crime. In addition, you may have to attend court-ordered treatment classes or serve probation.
Collateral Consequences of Being Convicted of a Gun and Weapons Crime
Expect your criminal conviction to stay with you for a long time. Along with the criminal penalties of your conviction, there are many collateral consequences to consider. Ways your conviction can impact your ability to enjoy your life include:
- Restricting your access to employment and housing opportunities
- Keeping you from traveling outside of the United States
- Losing the right to vote
- Having your driver’s license suspended or revoked
- Being deported if you are not a U.S. citizen
Talk with a criminal defense attorney if you are worried about these and other collateral consequences of a gun and weapons crime conviction. Your attorney can start working on your legal defense right away. They may get a plea bargain that matches your expectations before your case goes to trial.
How a Gun and Weapons Crime Plea Bargain Works
Your lawyer collects evidence and builds an argument that the prosecution believes may be tough to contest. This may prompt the prosecution to propose a plea deal. If you accept a plea bargain, you may be convicted of a misdemeanor instead of a felony.
If a prosecutor proposes a plea deal, you have the right to review the offer with your attorney. Ultimately, your lawyer wants you to make an informed decision on a plea agreement. They explain what a proposal entails and if they feel it is in your best interests to approve it. You make the final decision on whether to proceed with the agreement.
There is no guarantee that a plea deal will come to fruition in your gun and weapons case. Your lawyer gets your case ready for trial. With your attorney’s help, you can enter the courtroom feeling confident about your chances of disputing the prosecution’s case.
Speak with a Gun and Weapons Crime Defense Lawyer Who Prioritizes Your Case
At Suzuki Law Offices, we know the legal challenges you will deal with in the aftermath of a gun and weapons charge. We remain on your side throughout your case. If you have legal concerns or questions, we will address them. Contact us for more information about how we treat our clients like you’d treat your family.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form