The Commonwealth of Virginia has some of the highest gun ownership rates in America. Fairfax law enforcement takes gun laws very seriously, and alleged offenders may not always be treated well after an incident, especially if they have a prior criminal record or have a felony conviction.
Many weapon charges and gun-related offenses come with significant penalties, some with mandatory jail sentences. Contact a seasoned Fairfax gun lawyer if you are facing gun charges. If you need an attorney, Manuel Leiva, our criminal defense attorney at The Leiva Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by law enforcement and the court. He can help gather evidence and leverage various defense strategies to achieve the best possible outcome. We understand the legal and social repercussions of weapons charges and are ready to fight for your freedom and future.
There are various types of gun charges in Virginia. Some examples of cases we handle include:
A Fairfax lawyer from The Leiva Law Firm can help you understand your gun charges and potential legal consequences to ensure you can make an informed decision regarding your defense.
An individual facing a felony weapons charge should take the matter seriously, as they may face severe penalties, including jail time and revocation of gun privileges. For example, possession of firearm charges by a convicted felon and use of a firearm to commit a felony comes with mandatory jail time if convicted.
Carrying a concealed gun without a permit can also result in a criminal conviction. This is true even if you are new to the area, do not know Virginia gun laws, or came to the area to go hunting. That is why you need a gun attorney in Fairfax to advocate on your behalf and work to get the charges dropped.
Virginia is considered an “open carry” state. Individuals —except felons— are allowed to carry their guns openly. For example, it is legal to have a shotgun rack in a pickup truck and have shotguns visibly stored while driving. However, for safety reasons, they must be unloaded, with ammunition properly stored.
However, driving the truck onto government or public school property is prohibited. Some first-time offenders make this mistake when they pick up a student from school on their way home from a hunting trip.
While these types of gun charges may be classified as misdemeanors, a conviction can still be a life-altering event. Individuals with misdemeanor gun convictions on their record might have trouble getting certain jobs or getting specific clearances if they work for the government. A misdemeanor conviction can be sealed but never expunged, so if convicted, it will stay on your record forever. A fearless Fairfax attorney can tirelessly fight to get the gun charges dropped and challenge the prosecution’s evidence to secure a favorable outcome.
A seasoned Fairfax gun lawyer from The Leiva Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, we have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for criminal cases and have the expertise needed to present a strong defense. Unlike other attorneys, we have extensive trial experience and know how to fight back. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation.