The fact that one was caught with an illegal possession of a gun is something that can have a long-term impact on their life and their criminal record. No matter whether the accusation was due to a misconception, a mistake in the paperwork or an alleged infringement of gun laws, the knowledge of the steps to be taken at once can be the key to your case. By hiring a qualified criminal attorney experienced in gun related crime, one can guarantee his or her rights, develop an effective defense, and strive to reduce or even dismiss the accusation.
1. Calm Down and Practice Your Right to Remain Silent.
The initial and the most crucial step to follow when confronted with a charge of possessing a gun is to calm down and not utter words to the police without an attorney. Whatever you utter can work against you in court. Inform the officers in a polite way that you would like to stay quiet till the arrival of your criminal defense attorney. It is your constitutional right and an important measure of safeguarding your case.
2. Talk to a Criminal Attorney Specializing in Gun Crime.
Not every federal criminal defense lawyer defends gun cases. Having an attorney of firearm crimes who has experience of dealing with intricate state and federal laws concerning firearms is essential. Such cases are usually characterized by complex legal disputes including ownership information, licensing, previous convictions, and the legality of carrying of the weapon.
Your lawyer will consider the facts and investigate the detail of police actions and see whether your rights were infringed upon during arrest. In case of firearm being found as a result of illegal search or seizure, your attorney can submit a motion to suppress the evidence -which may result in a dismissal of the case.
3. Know the Character of the Charges.
The spectrum of illegal possession of a firearm may include such crimes as carrying an unregistered weapon to a firearm without a valid permit to carrying a gun as a banned individual. Sometimes it even can be the bearing of a weapon with manipulated serial numbers or the transportation of a weapon in a prohibited location.
The criminal defense attorney will assist you to know what the charges against you are and what the penalties could be as well as what you can do to defend yourself. Depending on the case at hand, the penalties may be huge fines, probation, gun rights, or even jail time.
4. Collecting Evidence and Witnesses.
Credible witnesses and evidence are often the basis of good defense methods. Your lawyer might gather documents that reveal legal ownership, the permits or that the gun was not under your control. Video recording or phone messages or even eyewitnesses can also be very important in proving your innocence or red-tailing the situation.
5. Do Not Discuss the Case in Public.
Do not post information in social media or share it with friends and family about your case. These statements can be turned against you by the prosecutors. This is to ensure that your defense strategy is not compromised by any means, hence make a secret of all that goes on between you and your criminal lawyer.
6. Be ready to the Possible Outcomes.
Your attorney will be able to negotiate a lesser charge, probation, or a diversion program depending upon the evidence and circumstances involved. In others, your attorney will advise you to proceed to trial and fight to have a complete acquittal.
Conclusion
The thought of a criminal possession of a gun may be daunting, but you do not have to do it by yourself. Having a qualified criminal attorney to represent you in a firearm case will provide you with the greatest likelihood of safeguarding your future, protecting your rights, and getting the most desirable resolution as possible.
