Unlawful possession of a handgun?

Gun Charge

Charged with unlawful possession of a weapon? We know your gun was for protection even if the cops don't.

At Balestrini, Barnes, Jaber & Wood, PLLC our gun charge lawyers handle all gun cases from misdemeanors to felonies. Tennessee gun laws are among the most restrictive in the United States and frequently put the gun owner at risk of losing their firearm and their civil rights. Prosecutors in Memphis are particularly aggressive when pursuing cases against those accused of gun crimes and some felony gun charges come with mandatory minimum sentences if found guilty. If you are a Memphis gun owner who has been arrested for any criminal offense, not just those involving firearms or other weapons, or are being investigated by law enforcement, or if you're buying or opening a firearms business, there are unique and complex legal issues that need to be handled by an experienced Memphis gun charge attorney.

 

Although as U.S. citizens we are guaranteed the right to bear arms, that right now comes with certain restrictions. An unlawful possession of weapon/gun charge generally involves ownership, possession or control of any weapon/gun in a manner that violates the law. If you are found with a gun that is not registered to you, or if another individual left his gun with you or in your car, you could face charges for unlawful possession of a weapon/gun. In addition, certain types of firearms are prohibited in Tennessee, including short barreled shotguns, machine guns, and short-barreled rifles. Also, each weapon/gun possessed unlawfully is considered a separate offense.

 

Under 18 USC 922(g) federal law makes it illegal for a person to possess a gun or ammunition if the person:

 

• was convicted of any felony in Tennessee

• is a fugitive

• is an addict or illegal drug user

• is mentally defective or has been committed to a mental institution

• is an illegal alien

• is in the US on a non immigrant visa

• was dishonorably discharged

• has renounced US citizenship

• is restrained by a court order issued after the person received notice and had an opportunity to participate and concerns an intimate partner or child

• has been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor

 

If you are dealing with an arrest involving a gun charge, is critical that you have an experienced attorney on your side who is aggressive in defending your rights and freedom. The Memphis unlawful possession of a weapon/gun attorneys at Balestrini, Barnes, Jaber & Wood, PLLC can help.