Fairfax Weapon Crimes Attorney
When you are facing weapons charges in Virginia, it is essential to have an aggressive Fairfax weapon crimes defense attorney representing you. While some weapons offenses are misdemeanor charges, many are charged as felony offenses. As such, a person who is convicted of certain weapons offenses could be sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment in addition to being required to pay a substantial monetary fine. Beyond the terms of a criminal sentence, anyone who is convicted of a weapons offense will have a criminal record. Virginia law makes it almost impossible for anyone with a criminal conviction to have a record expunged. As such, you will likely have that criminal record for the rest of your life unless you can beat the charges you are facing. A Fairfax weapons crimes attorney at our firm can assist you.
What is a Weapons Offense in Fairfax, Virginia?
Weapons offenses often involve firearms, and these criminal offenses may be charged under Virginia state law or federal law depending upon the circumstances. Examples of common weapons offenses in Fairfax, Virginia include but are not limited to the following:
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon without a valid permit;
- Concealed carry violations, including failure to have a concealed carry permit;
- Possession of unlawful weapons;
- Felon in possession of a firearm;
- Possession of a firearm in a place where possession is unlawful;
- Unlawful purchase of a firearm;
- Weapons violation in connection with a domestic violence order or conviction;
- Unlawful sale of firearms;
- Unlawful transportation of firearms; and
- Making false statements to purchase a firearm.
“Place” Restrictions on Fairfax Weapons
Some weapons offenses pertain to the location, or place, where a person has a loaded firearm. To be clear, even if the person lawfully owns the firearm and even has a permit for concealed carry, it is still unlawful to have a loaded firearm in certain places in Virginia. For example:
- Under Virginia law (Code of Va. § 18.2-287.4), it is unlawful to carry a semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol in a variety of public areas, including public streets, sidewalks, public parks, and other areas in cities that include Fairfax, Alexandria, and Falls Church, and in Fairfax County;
- Virginia law (Code of Va. § 18.2-283) makes it unlawful to carry a dangerous weapon into a place of worship while a religious meeting is being held, including but not limited to a gun, pistol, bowie knife, or dagger; and
- Under Virginia law, it is illegal to have a dangerous weapon on school property.
Seek Advice from a Fairfax Weapons Crimes Defense Lawyer
Many Virginians who are charged with weapons offenses may not have even realized that they broke a state law by carrying a weapon into a particular place, for example, or by carrying a certain firearm without a proper permit. In other situations, weapons offenses may result from previous felony convictions or domestic violence convictions. No matter what type of weapons charge you are facing, one of the aggressive and experienced Fairfax weapon crimes defense lawyers at our firm can begin working on a defense strategy for your case. Contact Simms Showers LLP to learn more about options for tailoring a defense strategy to the specific facts of your case.
