Gun Crimes

Gun charges can range from simple misdemeanors to severe felony offenses. While laws allow Chamblee residents to own and carry guns in certain circumstances, when individuals have a firearm in their possession in other circumstances, the possession itself can be illegal or can exacerbate a separate offense, making the penalty much more severe.

Therefore, if you are facing charges involving a firearm, you may want to work with a capable attorney who understands the issues involved in this unique area of law. A Chamblee gun lawyer can explain the charges and their implications, make sure you understand your options, and help you fight to obtain the ideal outcome in your case.

While there are many varieties of firearm offenses, some are more common than others. Charges frequently issued in Chamblee involve:

• Carrying a firearm without a license
• Bringing a firearm into a protected location
• Possessing an illegal type of firearm
• Gun possession by an individual with a felony conviction
• Hunting without a license
• Improperly pointing or discharging a firearm

Law enforcement officials and courts are more familiar with certain types of violations than others depending on the locality. For instance, common gun offenses in the city often differ substantially from offenses or issues that arise in more rural areas. Speak with a Chamblee gun lawyer to learn more.

Restrictions on gun possession, use, transportation, and sale can be complex and often involve state, federal, and even local law. Many of the Georgia laws applicable to firearms are in Article 4 of Chapter 11 of the criminal provisions of Title 16 of the Georgia code.

Generally, people in Georgia may own and possess firearms either in their own homes or their place of business. To carry a weapon in other locations, however, they must have a valid Weapons Carry License.

A weapon is defined in §16-11-125.1(5) of the code as a knife or handgun. There are exceptions to this requirement. For instance, someone carrying an unloaded handgun in a case will not be held to violate the law.

Georgia and U.S. laws cover several different issues including prohibitions against certain types of guns such as sawed-off shotguns and machine guns unless the individual is authorized under the National Firearms Act or by virtue of service in the military or law enforcement capacities.

For public safety, laws have been enacted prohibiting weapons in certain locations. On school grounds or school buses, these provisions define weapon more broadly to include any type of gun, knives, razors, clubs, throwing stars, stun guns, and other devices.

Handguns, long guns, and knives may not be carried into a courthouse, jail, mental health facility, nuclear power plant, or polling place. Such weapons may only be carried into a church if allowed by the governing body of the church and may only be brought into government buildings by those with a license. Individuals should work with a Chamblee gun lawyer to gather more information on gun laws focusing on public safety.

While some gun violations are misdemeanors, others are felonies with severe penalties. Because firearms have become so controversial in recent years, the laws change frequently and law enforcement officials can be overzealous in looking for violations.

If you are facing gun charges or have other legal concerns about firearms or weapons, talk to an experienced Chamblee gun lawyer who can explain the laws applicable to your case. The consultation is free, so call now to find out how they can put their experience to work for you.