Goose Creek Gun Lawyer

Although owning a gun is a constitutional right in the United States, there are certain laws that can limit one’s right to bear arms. State law lays out certain limitations on permissible conduct and penalties for those who fail to follow these regulations. Many gun crimes are felonies, meaning you could face significant fines and jail time for charges of this nature.

If you are under criminal investigation for unlawful firearm usage, do not wait to take legal action. An experienced Goose Creek gun lawyer could fight to protect your constitutional rights and build a customized legal defense for your unique situation. Contact a dedicated defense attorney today to get started.

Gun Crimes in Goose Creek

Gun crimes can be felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the charge. Felonies are more severe than misdemeanors and, in turn, carry harsher penalties. Misdemeanors carry less than a year in jail plus fines, while felonies come with at least a year in prison and more substantial fines.

A conviction for a gun-related charge can impact a person’s finances, freedom, and right to be a gun owner in the future. A dedicated gun attorney in the area could help individuals understand the specific charges they are facing and build a defense that aims to mitigate their potential penalties.

Different Gun Charges Under State Law

South Carolina Code of Laws Section 16-23-10 lays out the different types of criminal charges related to weapons in the state. Gun charges include, but are not limited to:

• Use or possession of an illegal weapon
• Possession or use of an imitation weapon
• Use of a gun without proper licensure
• Misuse of a gun while in a motor vehicle
• Possession of a gun in a restricted area
• Using a weapon for an illegal reason or to further another offense
• Violation of state concealed carry statutes

Anyone facing gun-related charges should get in touch with a lawyer as quickly as possible after an arrest. A seasoned Goose Creek attorney understands the intricacies of gun charges and could get to work right away on building a robust defense that accounts for the unique factors of a case.

Using Guns While Intoxicated

South Carolina Code § 23-31-400 makes it illegal for any person to use a gun while they are intoxicated by a controlled substance or alcohol. This includes discharging or firing a firearm while inebriated. Under this law, otherwise lawful conduct—such as shooting at a target range—becomes illegal if a person is under the influence.

It is important to note that there is an exception to this law when a person is defending themselves or their property. If a person would otherwise be permitted to defend themselves in a particular situation, their intoxication does not constitute illegal behavior. However, this exception is subject to very specific limitations and will be carefully scrutinized by a court, making it is crucial to work with an experienced Goose Creek gun attorney who has handled cases like these in the past.

Get in Touch with a Goose Creek Gun Attorney

When charged with a gun crime, you are innocent until proven guilty. An experienced defense attorney could help you fight your charges and protect your rights in court.

Contact a Goose Creek gun lawyer right away to set up your free case consultation. We are ready to get to work for you.