Frederick County Gun Lawyer
Virginia is a state that values gun ownership and Second Amendment protections. Still, there are numerous laws restricting who can carry firearms, where they can be carried, and how/when they can be used. If you have been charged with a gun crime, you should know that the consequences of a conviction can be serious. Therefore, it is critical to seek skilled defense representation from a Frederick County gun lawyer like those at our firm.
Our local criminal attorneys regularly protect the rights and defend the freedoms of gun owners accused of weapons offenses. If you want to learn how they can help you, simply contact the firm to request your free case evaluation.
What Are The Exceptions To Open Carry Laws In Frederick County?
Virginia’s open carry laws generally allow most adults to openly carry handguns in public places without the need for a permit. That being said, individuals are prohibited from bringing guns into government buildings, schools, places of worship, secure areas of airports and on private property with posted bans.
If you have been accused of violating open carry laws or other firearms regulations, our Frederick County gun attorneys can defend you against charges such as:
- Carrying in prohibited places
- Possession on school property
- Trespassing (if you remained with your weapon on private property after being told to leave)
- Carrying while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Brandishing (holding or displaying your gun in a way that instills fear in others)
- Possession by a prohibited person (with a felony conviction)
- Possession while subject to a protective order
- Possession after certain misdemeanor convictions (like stalking, sexual battery, or assault and battery against a family/household member)
As with any alleged crime, the charges and the defense options are going to be specific to the facts and circumstances of the case. Our lawyers will carefully examine the arrest report and other details to help you determine the most logical way to fight or otherwise resolve the charges.
Potential Defense Options To Gun Charges
If you have been charged with a gun-related offense, the stakes are high. A conviction can easily result in loss of your gun rights, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Our Frederick County gun attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of Virginia’s gun laws as well as familiarity with local courts and court personnel. They can help you assert common defense strategies like these:
- Challenging whether your conduct actually constituted brandishing
- Arguing that posted restrictions were not legally sufficient
- Presenting evidence of your lawful intent (and lack of criminal intent)
- Claiming you were unaware of location-specific restrictions
- Claiming you were unaware of the firearm in your possession (because it was in the trunk of a borrowed car, for instance)
- The illegal discharge of your firearm was accidental because it was caused by defective equipment
- Your willful public discharge of a firearm was necessary for self defense
Our team can also help you challenge the source of evidence leading to your charges. If police found the firearm during an illegal search that violated your Fourth Amendment protections, we could petition the court to suppress the evidence.
Contact Us Today For A Free Case Evaluation With A Gun Lawyer in Frederick County
You cannot afford to wait if you have been accused of a weapons offense. You need to seek out a lawyer’s help as soon as possible.
At Price Benowitz, we offer free case evaluations for potential clients facing criminal charges. You can tell your story to a Frederick County gun lawyer, get answers to your questions, and discuss the best way to contest the charges.
Do not send us confidential information related to you or your company until you speak with one of our attorneys and get authorization to send that information to us.