Forest Acres Gun Lawyer

Gun laws can be nuanced and often change. It is important, however, that citizens of Forest Acres know their rights and the laws surrounding gun ownership, possession, and use.

If you are charged with a gun-related offense or have questions concerning firearm law in Forest Acres, contact a Forest Acre gun attorney. An experienced attorney could fight for a positive resolution to your charges.

Unlawful Possession, Sale, or Delivery of a Handgun

According to South Carolina Code § 16-23-30 (2012), it is unlawful for certain individuals to possess a handgun. It is also equally unlawful to provide through sale, or otherwise, such a person with a handgun. The list of types of persons for whom it is illegal to possess a handgun includes:

• Any person previously convicted of a violent crime
• A fugitive from justice
• A habitual drunkard or a drug addict
• A person adjudicated mentally incompetent
• A person under the age of eighteen
• A person adjudged unfit to carry or possess a firearm

The penalty for unlawful possession of a handgun could be a maximum sentence of up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000. In addition, the firearm will be confiscated.

Illegally Carrying a Concealed Weapon

A license is required to carry a concealed weapon in Forrest Acres. A person convicted of carrying such a weapon without a license is subject to a fine of up to $500 and a mandatory jail sentence of 30 days. The maximum jail term which one can receive from a conviction for carrying a concealed weapon is 90 days in jail.

Possession of a Handgun in a Vehicle

If a person wishes to carry a handgun in their vehicle, unless they lawfully possess a concealed carry permit, they must secure it in a closed glove compartment, console, trunk, or fastened container. There are several very specific exceptions to this rule. For example, if a person purchases a gun from a licensed dealer and is taking it home in its package, or a person is taking the firearm to or from their vehicle from a building in which they are lawfully permitted to possess such a weapon, the gun need not be secured in the typical manner. The exceptions to this rule are specific and a Forest Acres gun attorney could help a person to understand whether or not they are abiding by local law.

Pointing a Firearm at a Person

It is illegal to point a firearm at anyone for any reason other than self-defense. This crime is a felony in Forrest Acres and a conviction could result in a felony and up to 5 years in a state prison as well as a fine at the discretion of the court. It is not a defense to this crime that a firearm was not loaded at the time of the incident.

 Call a Forest Acres Firearm Attorney Today

The United States Constitution guarantees us the right to bear arms. This right, however, has its limitations. For example, a person must have a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Forest Acres.

If you have any questions about firearm law or are charged with a gun-related offense, a Forest Acres gun attorney can help. Call today to learn more about your rights and options.