While it is your constitutional right to bear arms, you have to follow the local, state, and federal laws that apply to your situation. If you unlawfully possess a firearm, you could face serious consequences, including fines and jail time. It is best to avoid such a serious mistake. However, if you have already been charged or are worried that you may be charged, it is best to contact a gun crime lawyer in Denver. To learn more about the consequences of unlawful possession of a firearm, carry on reading.
What is unlawful possession of a firearm?
Unlawful possession of a firearm refers to illegal control, possession, or ownership of a firearm. This includes possessing a firearm without a valid permit or license or posing a banned or prohibited firearm. Unlawful possession of a firearm charge could also be related to the location, such as a hospital, government building, or school.
Legal Consequences of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
According to the firearm laws in Denver, you can be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm if you don’t have the required permit or license to do any of the following:
- Carry a firearm.
- Carry a concealed knife with a blade larger than 3.5 inches.
- Carry a firearm to a location where firearms are prohibited.
The penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm depend on the jurisdiction. It also depends on several factors, including the prior history of the accused—the intent of carrying that weapon and any violence that is associated with the possession of that firearm. If you are convicted, you could face fines, imprisonment, and probation. Even if the accused is a minor, they could still face serious consequences for unlawful firearm possession.
You could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor for unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon in Denver. If you are convicted of the crime, you could get a jail sentence of up to one year and fines of up to $1,000. According to Colorado law, it is a Class 4 felony to unlawfully purchase firearms.
Along with the legal penalties of unlawfully carrying a firearm, the convict could face serious social and mental health problems. They could also hurt their current and future employment potential as any convictions of a serious crime will show up on their criminal history. Such convictions can also have a negative impact on your relationships.
There are few exceptions to the legality of a concealed weapon. You will need to contact a lawyer to determine if any of these exceptions apply to your case.
Seek Guidance from a Gun Crime Lawyer in Denver
If you are facing firearm-related charges in Denver, you must contact a local attorney to guide you on your legal options. As state laws involving gun crimes are often complicated, it is best to consult an attorney. While there are several potential defenses to such cases, the most common defense is to prove that the possession is not unlawful.
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