Grand Rapids Gun Charge Criminal Defense Lawyer

Grand Rapids Gun Charge Criminal Defense Lawyer

As an American citizen, you have the right to bear arms. Like many of our other constitutional rights, your right to own and use firearms is subject to certain state and federal restrictions. For example, a convicted felon cannot own firearms.

Individuals who violate these restrictions can face criminal weapons charges. Depending on the charge, you could potentially face prison time, steep fines, and other criminal penalties. In addition to your right to bear arms, you have the right to defend your case against a criminal charge with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. If you are charged with a weapons offense, be proactive and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Types of Michigan Gun Charges

Michigan recognizes a variety of gun-related offenses. These include:

• Carrying a concealed weapon without the proper license to do so. In Michigan, you can obtain a concealed carry license if you qualify for one under the state’s set of requirements for concealed carry license holders. Otherwise, you may not have a concealed firearm on your person;
• Possessing a firearm despite not being allowed to. If you are a convicted felon, it is illegal for you to own, purchase, or possess a firearm;
• Committing a felony offense while in possession of a firearm;
• Possessing a prohibited type of firearm, such as a short-barreled shotgun;
• Carrying a firearm in a place where firearms are not permitted, even if you have a concealed carry license;
• Unlawfully discharging a firearm;
• Carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or another drug;
• Altering a firearm’s identifying marks; and
• Knowingly engaging in illegal firearms trafficking.

Defending Your Case Against a Gun Charge

There are many potential defenses to your charge. The right defense strategy for your case depends on the nature of the charge and the circumstances surrounding it. Defense strategies that can be used effectively against gun charges include:

• The evidence used to support the charge was obtained illegally;
• A lack of evidence to support the charge, which can be a lack of evidence linking you to an incident that actually happened or a lack of evidence that a criminal offense occurred at all;
• Demonstrating that you were actually permitted to carry or use the firearm; and
• A lack of evidence to support the claim that you willfully committed a criminal offense. This defense strategy is not applicable in all cases.

Ideally, your defense strategy will result in the charge being dismissed, but in some cases, the best case scenario is to have it lowered or to secure a plea bargain.

Work with an Experienced Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing a gun charge or any other type of criminal charge, work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend your case to potentially have the charge lowered or dismissed completely. To get started on your legal defense strategy, contact our team at The Van Den Heuvel Law Office today to set up your initial legal consultation in our office.