A gun charge can carry serious consequences, including jail time, financial penalties, and even a permanent criminal record. If you are facing a firearm charge of any kind, you should consult with a seasoned criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
A Butler County gun lawyer could gather evidence for your case and develop a tailored strategy for your defense. Our knowledgeable legal team could represent you in court or negotiate with prosecutors to work toward a favorable resolution outside of trial. Consult Benjamin Levine Law today to learn more.
There are numerous categories of gun charges that someone could be charged with in Butler County. A gun charge can be either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the details of the alleged offense. While felonies are more serious crimes, any criminal charge can have long-term consequences for your future and freedom.
Illegal firearm possession is a commonly charged gun crime that a Butler County attorney could help build a vigorous defense against. It is illegal to possess a firearm if you are under the age of 18, are convicted of specific misdemeanor and felony offenses, or carry concealed without a valid license.
Individuals who are subject to Protection from Abuse orders or have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent are legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. A person who is found to be carrying a firearm with an altered serial number could also face serious criminal charges.
A gun charge can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. For example, carrying a firearm without a license can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison plus fines.
However, firearm offenses charged as third-degree felonies could lead to seven years of incarceration and financial penalties. Finally, a first-degree felony gun offense can lead to 20 years in prison, plus fines as high as $25,000.
A Butler County attorney could deploy the most strategic defenses to fight a specific gun charge. Numerous defenses could prove effective against the prosecution’s case and be used to reduce or even eliminate a charge.
For example, if you were unaware of the firearm’s presence and did not intend to use it illegally, these factors could mitigate the alleged offense. Other possible defenses include illegal search and seizure, mistaken identity, and self-defense.
Defenses such as entrapment and asserting that Constitutional violations led to the charge can also be raised to fight against a gun charge. The exact defense strategies will depend on the type of charge you face, such as illegal possession, carrying a concealed weapon, or using a firearm during a crime.
A Butler County gun lawyer will play an essential role in protecting your rights and freedoms throughout the legal process. Our attorneys could analyze the charge or charges against you and the evidence presented by the prosecution to determine the most effective approach to your defense.
If seeking a dismissal of your charge is not viable, we could examine other options to seek an optimal resolution, including working to secure a reduction of the charges as part of a plea deal or diversionary program. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and, therefore, uniquely qualified and well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Call now to schedule your confidential legal consultation.