Weapons Charges Lawyer in Alabama
Providing Valuable Legal Representation to Those Accused of a State or Federal Crime
The right to own guns and other deadly weapons is a hot topic issue with seemingly no agreeable resolution for all sides concerned. We have the right to keep and bear arms because of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Additional laws grant or restrict other gun rights, such as what guns we can and cannot own in a family home, who can and cannot have a concealed carry weapon, and so on. Possessing, using, or firing a deadly weapon in the act of a criminal offense can also result in additional penalties for the defendant. The advance in weapons technologies also leads to some discussion about what guns should be in the public hands and which shouldn’t. Because of all the confusion, it seems only natural that there would be those among us who find themselves accused of weapon crimes they weren’t fully aware existed.
Alabama laws are in place to govern the sale and possession of firearms to uphold the right to bear arms afforded to us by the U.S. Constitution and prevent the criminal misuse of firearms.
If you have been accused of breaking state or federal laws about gun possession, you must speak with an experienced weapon charge lawyer immediately. Gun crimes and other associated offenses must be taken very seriously because of the potential punishments that are in store for those who break these laws.
Do not proceed without legal representation. Contact Jim Golden Law to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer about your weapon charges. Our law firm offers respectful and aggressive legal representation to those in need. Additionally, we provide all prospective new clients with a 30-minute free case evaluation. Please get in touch with us today.
What Are the Alabama Gun Laws?
Alabama gun laws are fairly relaxed compared to many other states, and it is easier to get a concealed carry permit than in some states. Just about the only firearms against the law across the entire state are guns disguised as walking canes.
Otherwise, most of Alabama’s gun and weapon laws relate to who can own a weapon, who has the right to conceal carry, and locations where guns are not permitted.
State laws relating to firearm ownership, firearm possession, and firearm use include:
- Concealed weapons are not permitted to be carried unless the carrier has a valid license.
- Dealers and sellers of handguns must be licensed. Rifles, shotguns, and other firearms that are not legally defined as handguns do not require licensing for sale or ownership.
- Drug addicts, habitual alcoholics, and convicted violent offenders cannot purchase handguns or pistols. A disqualifying violent crime includes burglary, rape, murder, kidnapping, larceny, and assault with the intent to kill.
- Firearms cannot be brought to demonstrations in public places like marches, protests, and rallies.
- Firearms may not be carried onto private property owned by someone else unless invited to do so.
- Firing a gun into any occupied or unoccupied building is illegal.
- Must be at least 18 years old to purchase or own a handgun.
- Slingshots, bowie knives, and brass knuckles are not allowed to be concealed weapons, regardless of license status.
- Unless under certain circumstances, guns cannot be carried into a public school, state park, recreation area, domestic violence shelter, youth detention facility, police station, mental hospital, community corrections facility, or onto any property that bans guns and other weapons.
What Are the Penalties for Gun Crimes in Alabama?
Alabama may be known as one of the most permissive states when it comes to gun rights and gun laws, but when those laws are violated, the prosecutors will come down hard on all offenders.
Possession of a walking cane weapon, one of the only firearms expressly prohibited by Alabama law, could result in a prison sentence of up to two years and financial penalties of up to $1000.
Firing a weapon into a building or vehicle, whether it is occupied or unoccupied, could result in being charged with a Class B felony. If found guilty, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.
Concealed carry without a valid state permit can result in harsh consequences. You could be fined up to $500 and jailed for up to six months.
A felon in possession of a firearm is against state and federal law. If you have a felony on your criminal record and you have recently been arrested while in possession of a firearm, you must contact our law firm right away to discuss your illegal possession of a firearm charge.
If you get into a fight in a public space and use your firearm, you may face up to six months of jail time and fines of up to $500. These penalties get worse if the firing of your weapon harms someone.
Committing felony offenses or crimes of violence with your firearm will result in longer prison sentences.
Do not underestimate the seriousness of your accused gun crimes, not even in a gun-friendly state like Alabama. If you are facing charges for the use or ownership of a deadly weapon, you must seek professional legal counsel without delay. The only way to reduce the charges or potentially see them dismissed is to build a solid criminal defense strategy with the help of your lawyer.
Can You Legally Carry a Concealed Weapon in Alabama?
It is legal for certain individuals to either conceal or open-carry a firearm.
To conceal carry a gun, you must apply for a concealed carry permit from the local County Sheriff’s department. Alabama is a ‘shall issue’ state. If you meet all the requirements for a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit, it must be issued at your request.
Eligibility requirements for concealed carry weapon permits include:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigrant status.
- Be at least 19 years old.
- Be of sound legal mind.
- Have not previously been prohibited from owning a firearm according to state or federal law.
- No violent convictions on your criminal record.
- Not addicted to or dependent upon alcohol or drugs.
Schedule a 30-Minute Free Consultation with an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
While we have the right to bear arms, there are still many laws that a gun owner must obey. If you have been accused of violating Alabama or federal gun laws, you must seek professional legal help immediately.
At Jim Golden Law, we believe that everyone accused of a crime is entitled to an aggressive legal defense. As your legal representation, our highly skilled legal team will work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy for your case and do our utmost to help you reach the most optimal conclusion to your legal matters.
To discuss your case in more detail, please get in touch with our law firm for a free initial consultation. You may contact us at 866-950-6652.