Weapons charges are very serious in Arizona, with penalties that include mandatory prison time. In some situations, your charges may be considered a felony, with much harsher penalties. If the prosecutor sees you as a dangerous criminal, they’ll do their best to put you away.
It’s understandable if you are worried and scared, and it’s easy to forget that you are considered innocent until the prosecution proves otherwise. Our West Valley Phoenix weapons and guns charges lawyers will protect your rights and work to challenge the prosecution’s charges.
At Suzuki Law Offices, founding attorney R.J. Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor, and our team has decades of combined legal experience. Call today for your free consultation and find out how our West Valley Phoenix violent crimes lawyers can help with your case.
How Our Legal Team Can Help
Handling a serious criminal charge on your own is a tough challenge, and rarely a good idea. Prosecutors have the power and resources of the government behind them, and they know how to win. Our West Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyers level the playing field.
Our team is on your side when it feels like the authorities have already decided your fate. Some of the things we can do to help with your case may include:
- Explain your charges and applicable laws
- Challenge police procedures and searches and look for rights violations
- Question possession or intent under the law
- Push back against charges that you weren’t legally allowed to have a weapon
- Negotiate for reduced charges
- Prevent you from making common mistakes that can harm your case
Weapons Charges and Penalties in Arizona
You could face several kinds of weapons charges in Arizona, and in some circumstances, your charges could be at the federal level. Our West Valley Phoenix weapons and gun charges attorneys can explain your charges and potential penalties. These may include:
Prohibited Possession
Prohibited possession applies if you are legally barred from owning or possessing a weapon and have one anyway. Penalties can include one to three years in prison for a first offense, with additional time for aggravating circumstances.
Unlawful Use of Firearms
This charge involves using or handling a firearm illegally or dangerously. Depending on the specifics of your case, this can be classified as a Class 6 felony in Arizona, punishable by up to about three years in prison.
Misconduct Involving Weapons
This charge covers many weapon-related violations, such as:
- Carrying a concealed weapon illegally
- Possessing a prohibited weapon
- Altering a firearm’s serial number
- Providing a gun to someone prohibited.
This is a broad category under A.R.S. § 13-3102 with varied penalties depending on your specific conduct.
Improper Transportation
This involves carrying a firearm or weapon in a way that violates Arizona law, such as bringing it into restricted locations. Penalties depend on the circumstances and range from misdemeanor fines and jail time to felony prison terms.
Brandishing a Weapon
This charge refers to causing fear or intimidation by displaying a weapon in a threatening or reckless manner. This can fall under disorderly conduct involving a deadly weapon, typically a Class 6 felony.
Defenses to Firearms Charges
Our weapons and gun charges lawyers in West Valley Phoenix will seek potential defenses in an attempt to mitigate your charges.
While every case is unique, some of the strategies we may consider include showing that:
- You are legally permitted to possess the firearm under Arizona law.
- You did not knowingly exercise control over the firearm, such as when it belonged to someone else or was found in a shared space.
- Police discovered the firearm through a stop or search that violated your Fourth Amendment or Arizona constitutional protections.
- You used or displayed the firearm lawfully under Arizona’s self-defense or defense-of-others statutes.
- Your alleged conduct does not meet the elements or the felony level charged under the Arizona weapons statute.
- The state cannot prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Our team will investigate your arrest and explore avenues to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. The goal is to get through this with as little hardship as possible.
Get Help From Our West Valley Phoenix Weapons and Gun Charges Attorneys
Weapons offenses are classified as violent crimes in Arizona, and they can have an impact on the rest of your life. In addition to potential penalties such as jail time, you could face other consequences in your personal and professional life.
The truth is, a prosecutor’s job is to put criminals behind bars. Don’t try to take them on alone. Our West Valley Phoenix weapons and gun charges attorneys will ensure your civil rights are respected, and your voice is heard. We’ll seek the best potential resolution to your case.
Suzuki Law Offices is committed to excellence through passion, compassion, experience, and integrity. We treat our clients like you’d treat your family. Call today for your free initial consultation to learn how we can help with your weapons charges.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form