Birmingham Gun Crimes Lawyer

The Second Amendment protects your right to possess firearms. However, that right is not universal, and a number of local, state, and federal laws limit the terms of your possession. If you have come into conflict with one of these laws, you would benefit from the help of an experienced Birmingham gun attorney reagarding your case. Gun laws are complex, and the way they are enforced and prosecuted is often unclear and unpredictable. Even in the most extreme circumstances, it is possible for defendants to assert their right to purchase, own, carry, and use a firearm.

Gun crimes are heavily policed and aggressively prosecuted. But that does not mean defendants do not have rights. With the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer, it is possible to build a case around the rights of the defendant and argue for them.

It can be challenging for Birmingham residents to determine exactly where, when, and how they can purchase and possess a firearm. Ignorance of the law is not a defense, but it does explain why well-intentioned people are often charged with gun crimes. There are common instances this occurs, such as the following:

• Carrying a firearm in a prohibited area like a school zone
• Carrying a concealed weapon in a way that violates local and state laws
• Possessing a firearm after being convicted of a crime
• Possessing prohibited firearms
• Possessing a firearm while committing a felony offense

In any one of these instances it is important to contact a Birmingham gun attorney as soon as possible. The sooner the facts of the case are established and a court case is developed, the stronger the defense’s case will be.

A sweeping bill was passed in the state legislature in 2015 which changed several core provisions of Alabama gun laws. In some cases they expanded access to firearms, and in some they restricted access. Anyone who plans to buy or currently owns a firearm in the state need to be aware of the changes that went into effect on September 1, 2015. These changes state that:

• Anyone convicted of committing a crime of violence or a misdemeanor domestic violence offense is prohibited from owning a firearm
• Anyone with an order of protection against them or deemed to be of an unsound mind is prohibited from owning a firearm
• Probate judges must report to law enforcement anyone involuntarily committed for mental illness
• The penalty for carrying a firearm into a prohibited area has been classified as a Class C misdemeanor

These updated laws can often be difficult or confusing for an individual to understand, especially with how recently they have been updated. A gun lawyer in Birmingham can best help determine exactly what charge an individual is facing and how to best proceed with a defense.

These are just a few of the regulations that apply to gun ownership in Alabama. If you are a facing gun charges, a Birmingham gun lawyer is here to advocate on your behalf, and stand up for your rights while avoiding unfair and illegal penalties.