The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects your right to own firearms, but these rights are not unlimited. State and local governments can regulate firearm sales and possession. Although the state has favorable gun laws, violations still result in severe penalties.

If you have been charged with a firearm offense, now is the time to discuss your options with a skilled criminal defense lawyer. A conviction is never certain, especially with the right legal team and a strong strategy. Before you plead guilty or represent yourself in court, consider a discussion with an Atlanta gun lawyer.

The Right to Own a Weapon

Some restrictions are in place regarding the right to own a gun in the state. Additionally, the law prohibits certain types of weapons. Any arrest related to unlawfully possessing a weapon could be resolved by an Atlanta gun attorney.

The law inherently prohibits certain people from owning firearms. Common examples include:

  • Convicted felons
  • Fugitives from the law
  • Those younger than 18
  • Individuals hospitalized for mental illness
  • Individuals found guilty of domestic violence or subject to domestic violence restraining orders

The law also bans specific weapons, including fully automatic guns, rocket launchers, and rifles designed to launch explosives. It also prohibits certain accessories, such as silencers. Possessing these items is a crime in nearly all circumstances.

Off-Limits Locations

The law also prohibits carrying a gun in certain areas. This is true even for individuals who are otherwise allowed to own a weapon. Typically, these are government-operated facilities or places that are particularly sensitive to the risk of gun violence. They include:

  • Schools
  • Courthouses
  • Places of worship
  • Nuclear power plants
  • Government buildings
  • State-operated mental health facilities

Possessing a firearm in any of these locations can lead to serious consequences. If you’re facing gun-related charges, consulting a gun lawyer in Atlanta can be crucial to protecting your rights and navigating the legal process.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Using a gun improperly can also lead to criminal charges. For example, pointing a firearm at someone is illegal except in limited self-defense situations.

State law imposes steep penalties for firing guns unsafely. It is illegal to discharge a firearm within 50 yards of a public street or highway, on another person’s property without permission, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Defending Against Criminal Charges

Gun offenses are serious matters, but there are options when it comes to fighting back against these allegations. An Atlanta gun defense lawyer could craft a viable defense strategy and aggressively fight these charges at trial.

There are times when arguing that self-defense might be a viable option. In other situations, an attorney could have evidence excluded at trial by proving that the police obtained it illegally. When it comes to charges related to discharging a firearm on someone else’s property, evidence of consent from the owner could be enough to get a favorable result.

Call a Gun Defense Attorney in Atlanta Today

If you have been arrested and charged with a firearms-related offense, you need to act quickly. You have the opportunity to fight these charges, but acting alone could put your case at risk.

Let an Atlanta gun lawyer review the allegations against you, develop a defense strategy, and help you secure the outcome you deserve. Contact us immediately to discuss your legal options.