Wilmington Gun Crime Lawyer

Wilmington Gun Crime Attorney

Gun crimes comprise a variety of potential charges. Often, they may be charged in conjunction with other serious criminal charges as well. Whatever you may be facing, it’s important to take the situation seriously. Having the right representation from a skilled Wilmington gun crime lawyer can be critical to ensuring that you take every opportunity available to you to avoid the most serious charges and penalties.

For criminal defense, you won’t find a firm with more dedication to its clients than the W. James Payne Law Firm. Our experience and fierce advocacy can make an impactful difference in the outcome of your case. We understand the nuances of the law and what it takes to be successful in the courtroom. If you’re looking for a skilled criminal defense lawyer for gun crime charges cases, we are prepared to help.

Wilmington Gun Crimes

There are a broad number of potential gun crime charges you could be facing. Some of these crimes have to do with where you have a gun or another deadly weapon, along with how you may be carrying it. Others could be based on who is carrying the weapon. It’s essential to consult a white collar crime attorney, who can also assist if the charges involve financial crimes related to gun ownership or illegal transactions, ensuring you receive comprehensive legal representation. Some of the most commonly charged crimes include:

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon: While someone may be able to carry a concealed firearm with proper permits, it’s illegal to do so without those permits. Generally, a violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor, although if it is a repeat offense, the charge is advanced to a Class H felony. A gun isn’t the only weapon named in this statute. It is also illegal to carry concealed metallic knuckles, stun guns, razors, or daggers, among other weapons. No one can be charged for carrying a weapon on their own premises, however.
• Carrying in Certain Locations: There are several different locations where it is illegal to carry a firearm, including on educational property, where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed, or on state property and in courthouses.

• Assault by Pointing a Gun: It’s illegal to point a gun at another person, regardless of whether or not the pistol is loaded. Generally, this is a Class A1 misdemeanor, but it could be charged as a felony if the assault with a firearm was against certain individuals, such as governmental officers, law enforcement officers, or others.

• Discharging a Firearm Into Occupied Property: It is unlawful to discharge a firearm into occupied property, including buildings or vehicles. Depending on the results of the weaponry discharge, this could be charged as either a Class E, Class D, or Class C felony.

• Possession of Firearms by a Felon: In most cases, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms, which is typically a Class G felony However, under certain conditions, someone who is convicted of a single, nonviolent felony may be able to have their firearm rights restored.

It’s crucial to stay updated on the current gun laws. Legislation can change, so you could be violating gun laws unknowingly. There are several other potential gun charges that could also be filed. It’s important to speak with a violent crime lawyer to discuss the charges you face and what penalties could be levied against you. Their expertise can help ensure you understand the legal implications and guide you through the process.

Penalties for Gun Charges

There is a significant range of potential penalties that could be sentenced for gun charges. While some of these crimes are misdemeanors, which could mean avoiding jail time or only serving a short sentence, many of these offenses are felonies. The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor lies in the severity of the offense, with felonies carrying more severe penalties, such as longer prison sentences, larger fines, and a lasting criminal record, while misdemeanors typically result in less severe consequences. These will likely involve stiffer penalties, including a prison sentence. Sentences for gun crimes could include:

• Prison or Jail Time
• Fines
• Probation
• Community Service
• A Criminal Record

A Wilmington Gun Crime Lawyer Can Represent You

When you have a Wilmington gun crime attorney representing you, it’s their responsibility to act on your behalf throughout the legal process. They will often begin with a thorough investigation of your case, which takes into consideration the evidence that could be presented against you, as well as evidence that may be used in your defense.

While the case could go to trial, the majority of criminal charges are resolved with a plea deal. This helps ease the pressure and crowding in the court system while allowing the accused to agree to lesser charges or penalties than they would receive if a trial went poorly for them. If a plea deal is an option for your case, it’s your lawyer’s responsibility to negotiate on your behalf and seek an optimal deal for you.

If the case does go to trial, your lawyer will make your case before the judge and jury. They will put together a strategy that’s tailored to your circumstances. They’ll also consider the case the prosecution may make and determine how to cast doubt on their assertions. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and if your lawyer can create a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury, they are required to return a verdict of “not guilty.”

Throughout the process, you can also look to your lawyer for advice and help in understanding the risks you’re facing. It’s important to rely on their experience and knowledge of the law in North Carolina to guide you through the complexities of your case.

Contact Our Lawyers Team to Get Help with Gun Crime Defense

If you’re faced with gun charges, you could be looking at serious penalties. No matter what you’ve been charged with, it’s important to have a Wilmington gun crime lawyer who is prepared to represent you and strive to meet your objectives. At the W. James Payne Law Firm, we ensure that we understand what’s important to our clients and represent them accordingly.

With more than thirty years of criminal defense experience, W. James Payne can be counted on to explore every option available to you. If a plea deal is desirable in your case, our experience with negotiations can be crucial to obtaining a strong deal on your behalf.

We are just as comfortable and prepared, however, if taking the case to trial is the right option for you. When you’re in need of help navigating gun crime charges, contact our offices. During a consultation, we can discuss what we may be able to do for you.