Gun and weapon charges in Arizona are very serious and can result in a lengthy legal case and a potential loss of freedom. To receive a better outcome, it is essential to hire a gun and weapons crime defense lawyer in Coolidge who can diligently defend you against these charges and minimize the impact on your life now and in the future.
For over 20 years, Suzuki Law Offices has been defending clients during their darkest hours. We provide answers, direction, and strong defense strategies that get results. When you are overwhelmed by the charges against you, a Coolidge violent crimes lawyer can act quickly to protect your rights and ensure you have someone who can advocate on your behalf.
A Gun and Weapons Crime Defense Attorney in Coolidge Provides Diligent Representation
Suzuki Law Offices is led by former Assistant United States Attorney Richard Suzuki. His background as a prosecutor is an invaluable asset as he uses his knowledge and experience to build strong defenses. This unique advantage allows us to get more favorable results in your case. We also have former law enforcement investigators on our team who can thoroughly investigate your case and gather evidence.
Our Coolidge criminal defense lawyers work diligently to understand the charges against you and examine your situation from all angles. We also review the prosecution’s discovery to identify strengths and weaknesses in their arguments. As we develop your case and negotiate for you, we keep you updated on the status of your case and advise you on how to proceed.
Gun Use that is Considered a Crime in Arizona
In many ways, Arizona provides residents with considerable gun freedoms. With Arizona state gun laws and regulations explained, it is evident that the state is relaxed about licensing, permitting, and registration. However, the state has laws about places, situations, and people who can use guns, and it implements strict punishments if guns are used outside the scope of the law. Some key gun crimes include:
- Drive by shooting (A.R.S. 13-1209): The intentional use of a gun by a motorist to shoot at another motorist or person in a building.
- Disorderly conduct (A.R.S. 13-2904): Intentionally disturbing the peace of an area or person while recklessly using a gun or weapon.
- Prohibited Possessor (A.R.S. 13-3101): Individuals who are a danger to themselves and others, have a disability, have been convicted of a felony, are in prison, or are on probation may not possess a gun. Diplomats, certain foreign individuals, aliens, and non-immigrant aliens are also prohibited from having guns in certain situations.
- Misconduct involving weapons (A.R.S. 13-3102): Carrying a gun or weapon to commit a crime, possessing a gun in a prohibited area or as a prohibited person, defacing guns, or selling them to a prohibited person, a felon, or to further a crime or act of terrorism.
- Unlawful discharge of firearms (A.R.S. 13-3107): Negligent use of a gun within city limits.
It is important to be aware that while police cannot frisk citizens carrying guns without cause, cooperation if stopped or arrested by police is wise for a more favorable outcome in your case. You should hire a Coolidge gun and weapons crime defense lawyer if you are arrested, so you have an advocate and do not hurt your case.
Your Freedom Could Be at Risk if Charged with a Gun Crime
Punishments for gun and weapon charges can range from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 2 felony and include jail or prison time and fines. According to Arizona’s criminal code sentencing provisions, misdemeanors could receive between 30 days and 6 months in jail and $500-$2,500 in fines. For felony offenses, prison time can range between 1.5 years and 35 years, depending on the offense and priors.
With your freedom at stake, it is important to invoke your Miranda Rights and those afforded to you by the Bill of Rights, and have an attorney speak on your behalf. They have extensive experience handling these types of cases and know how to communicate with law enforcement and prosecutors to get your charges dismissed, acquitted, or reduced.
Aggravating and mitigating factors, as laid out in A.R.S. 13-701, can impact the outcome of your case and potential sentencing. Aggravating factors are actions that make the crime worse and can increase the charges and penalties against you. Mitigating factors provide context about the offense and can decrease charges and sentencing. Your lawyer will take these elements into account when building your case.
Defenses Against Gun and Weapon Charges in Coolidge, Arizona
When you hire a lawyer, they will provide an overview of criminal defense in Arizona so you know what to expect as you move forward. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty, which falls to the prosecution. While they work to build a case against you and indisputably connect you with the alleged crime, your lawyer will build a strong case that may include one or more of the following defenses:
- Alibi
- Self-defense
- Defense of others or property
- Mistaken identity
- Did not commit the crime for which you are accused
- Had a legal right to possess the gun or weapon
- Had a lack of intent to commit the crime
- Violations of your rights and/or mishandled evidence
These defenses are used to refute the prosecution and/or show that you did not or could not have committed the crime you are charged with. Your lawyer will gather evidence to support your defense and fight to secure a more favorable outcome in your case. They will also work to reduce the collateral consequences on your life as a result of the allegations.
Entrust Your Defense to Suzuki Law Offices
Suzuki Law Offices provides stability during an uncertain time. We aggressively fight for you and your future so you retain as much freedom as possible. We use our knowledge of the legal system and prosecutorial tactics to build a strong defense that can withstand any challenge that arises.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your options and learn how a Coolidge gun and weapons crime defense attorney can serve you.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form