Virginia Guns Defense Lawyer / Fairfax Criminal Lawyer

Virginia guns and weapons defense lawyer on the need for aggressive defense against such prosecutions

Guns Lawyer in Virginia / Fairfax Weapons Attorney

Guns and weapons charges in criminal court need aggressive defense. As a Fairfax Criminal Lawyer, Jonathan L. Katz knows that although the Constitution's Second Amendment addresses the right to bear arms, the reality is that handgun and other weapons prosecutions remain part of the bread and butter of police, prosecutors and politicians. The penalties for violating weapons laws can sometimes be particularly harsh.

Fairfax Criminal Lawyer Warns Against Getting Falsely Accused of Guns / Weapons Offenses

Merely avoiding the accumulation and possession of guns and other weapons weapons does not automatically guarantee avoiding a weapons prosecution. Too many people too often get falsely accused of possessing handguns and other weapons, whether because of misidentification, false evidence, or misinterpretation of the evidence. If you are stopped in a car with someone possessing an illegal weapon, you are at risk of being drag-netted into the prosecution if the weapon possessor tosses the weapon your way in the event of a traffic stop, if you are near the weapon, or if the vehicle contains a cache of weapons and ammunition. Merely carrying a kitchen knife for cooking, in a bag, pocket or car where it cannot be seen risks being prosecuted for possessing a concealed dangerous weapon. Va. Code § 18.2-308.

Virginia Criminal Attorney Warns About the Penalties for False Reporting on a Firearms Purchase Application

Before submitting an application to purchase guns, you may wish to consider having a qualified lawyer assist in completing the application. Do not let the excitement of finding the perfect handgun cloud your ability to accurately answer every question on a handgun application. Doing otherwise risks a prosecution. Va. Code § 18.2-308.2:2.

Remember that your permit to carry guns in Virginia -- pursuant to Virginia Code § 18.2-308.01 -- does not protect you from prosecution for driving that weapon into states that neighbor Virginia. Carefully check all luggage and carry-on items at home, lest you find yourself charged at the airport with attempting to bring a weapon on an airplane.

Make sure you know how to safely use all guns and other weapons you possess and use. Any unlawful injuries you cause with a weapon will be yours to deal with in a prosecution.

Beware being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Beware the harsh mandatory minimum sentencing that can come with possessing guns and other firearms in connection with drug crimes.

Fairfax criminal lawyer Jonathan L. Katz pursues your best defense against felony, misdemeanor, DUI, and weapons prosecutions. Call 703-383-1100 for a free in-person consultation and action plan with Jon Katz about your court-pending criminal or DWI case.