A Look at Gun Crime Laws in Arizona
Being charged with a gun crime in Arizona can affect your ability to get a job, ruin your relationship with family and friends, restrict your ability to own a gun in the future, and result in jail or prison time. If you are charged with a gun crime in Arizona, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you in fighting your charges.
How Using a Gun During a Crime Impacts Your Sentencing
If you used a gun in the commission of a crime, your charges can be enhanced, and you may face harsher penalties at sentencing. In Arizona, you can face a separate weapons charge for carrying a gun or using a gun in the commission of a crime. Depending upon your other charges, the prosecutor may also decide to enhance your original charge, leading to a much more significant punishment. A charge that may have resulted in probation or time served may now result in jail or prison time. If you are under 18 years of age, using a gun may also be the determining factor in whether you are charged as a juvenile or adult.
Restrictions on Gun Ownership for Felons
If you are convicted of a felony and don’t have your rights restored, Arizona law states that you can no longer own a gun. If you have any guns, you will need to turn them in and obtain written proof that you have surrendered them. This can affect future employment if you were employed as a police officer, security guard, or another profession or arena in which you were required to carry a firearm. If you are prohibited from owning a gun and are charged with another crime, your home, property, and car can be subject to search to determine if you have any firearms. If you are found to still have firearms when you’re a prohibited possessor, you will most likely face significant prison time.
How an Attorney Can Help
If you’re facing weapons charges in Arizona or have lost your right to own firearms, you should seek advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Arizona. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of being a prohibited possessor without risking future prison time. An attorney can also try to argue mitigating circumstances or get gun charges reduced so that you don’t face enhanced sentencing. You should not try to handle gun charges on your own in Arizona.
If you have been charged with a gun crime in Arizona, you are entitled to representation. Janet Altschuler has 20 years’ experience defending clients from misdemeanor and felony charges, including gun crimes, assault, robbery, drug charges, and more. To set up a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (520) 247-1789 or (520) 200-5003.