Athens-Clarke County Gun Crime Lawyers

The state of Georgia regulates gun possession, and there are numerous rules, regulations, and restrictions related to selling, transporting, and using firearms. When gun owners violate these rules and regulations, serious consequences and harsh penalties can result. Title 16, Chapter 11, Article 4 of the Georgia Code sets forth the applicable laws pertaining to gun ownership and possession.

That code provision also sets forth the potential criminal charges and penalties associated with unlawful gun ownership or possession of a firearm. If you suspect that your application to carry a gun was denied or suspended in error, or if you have been charged with violating one or more Georgia firearm laws, an experienced Athens-Clarke County gun lawyer may be able to help. Read on to learn more about how a dedicated defense attorney could fight for your rights today.

Required Licenses

In the state of Georgia, anyone who wishes to carry a handgun in public must first apply for and obtain a Georgia Weapons License or GWL. The application for this license can be obtained from a local probate court. There are several circumstances under which a probate court may deny someone’s application for a GWL. Those circumstances include the following:

• The applicant is under the age of 21
• The applicant’s GWL was revoked within the past three years
• The applicant was previously convicted of a felony
• The applicant has a pending felony charge or charges
• The applicant was convicted of a misdemeanor that involved the use or possession of a controlled dangerous substance within the past five years
• The applicant has been deemed mentally incompetent
• The applicant has been hospitalized at a mental hospital or treatment facility for drugs or alcohol within the past five years
• The applicant was convicted of carrying a weapon without a license during the past five years

When it comes to gun laws, Georgia is considered a shall issue state. This means that so long as an individual meets the legal requirements set forth in the Georgia Code, they should be able to obtain a GWL upon application and approval. An individual found in violation of these standards should retain the protection of a skilled Athens-Clarke County gun lawyer as soon as possible. Reach out to a qualified defense attorney to learn more.

Potential Penalties

Even after a Georgia gun owner obtains a valid GWL, there are still some restrictions as to where the gun may be carried. For example, even if a gun owner is in possession of a valid GWL, a firearm may not be carried into a government building, power plant, church, prison, courthouse, or mental health facility. Moreover, a gun may not be carried within 150 feet of a polling station.

Failing to abide by Georgia gun laws can potentially result in serious repercussions and criminal penalties. For example, failing to present a valid GWL upon request from a law enforcement officer may constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison. Deliberately altering a validly issued GWL is a felony and may result in up to five years’ incarceration.

Consult With an Athens-Clarke County Gun Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with violating one or more of Georgia’s gun laws, you need experienced legal representation in your corner every step of the way. A skilled attorney could inform you of your rights throughout the process and make you aware of your best legal options considering your unique circumstances. By gathering evidence and witness testimony statements, an experienced lawyer could create a defense and offer you aggressive representation in the courtroom. Consider reaching out to a professional Athens-Clark County gun lawyer today in order to gain an aggressive advocate for your defense strategy.

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