New Orleans Gun Crimes Lawyer

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in New Orleans

New Orleans has specific laws and regulations governing the possession of firearms. Our attorneys are well-versed in these laws and thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding your case to build a strong defense.

Whether you are facing charges for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, or possession of an illegal firearm, we explore every available legal avenue to protect your rights.

Areas Served

• Metairie
• Marrero
• Kenner
• Chalmette
• Mandeville
• Covington
• Slidell
• Madisonville
• Gretna
• Hahnville
• Luling
• Destrehan
• Edgard
• Laplace
• Belle Chasse
• Ascension Parish

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Illegal Sale or Distribution of Firearms

Allegations of illegally selling or distributing firearms can carry severe penalties. Our legal team has extensive experience in defending clients accused of engaging in illegal firearms transactions. We can meticulously examine the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work tirelessly to achieve the greatest possible outcome for you.

Weapons Offenses in Connection with Other Crimes

Weapons charges often accompany other criminal offenses, such as drug crimes, assault, or robbery. In such cases, mounting a comprehensive defense strategy is crucial.

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the interplay between weapons charges and other criminal allegations. We can examine the facts of your case, identify any constitutional violations or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and aggressively defend your rights at every stage of the legal process.

Penalties for Gun and Weapons Charges Across Louisiana

Weapons charges are taken very seriously in Louisiana and may result in harsher penalties depending on the charge. While every situation is unique, there are common penalties associated with certain factors, such as weapon enhancement penalties if you have prior convictions or the charge is related to another offense.

Penalties can range from steep fines to probation or jail time. Charges like felon in possession of a firearm or unlawful distribution of weapons may also increase your penalties beyond misdemeanors. When you are facing weapons charges that are coupled with other charges like violence or drug crimes, your exposure may even increase.

Whether you live in St. Tammany Parish or Jefferson Parish, judges see these cases on a daily basis and review the facts to determine a fair outcome. Because each situation can result in various gun crime penalties, it’s important to understand how different charges and factors affect your case.

In addition to penalties handed down by the court, there are other consequences you may face if convicted. You could face gun ownership restrictions, challenges when seeking employment, and housing restrictions. For these reasons and more, it’s important to take all weapons offenses seriously.

According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Louisiana had 1,261 gun deaths in 2023. Of these, 738 were homicides, and 94 deaths occurred among young people under the age of 18.

Common Defenses Used in Gun Crime Cases

As with any criminal charge, there are many defenses available to you when facing weapons charges. The circumstances of each case are different, but some of the most common ones include:

• Unlawful search and/or seizure. Perhaps law enforcement did not have a search warrant or any probable cause to search your property. Because of this, anything collected during an unlawful search may be thrown out of court.
• Lack of knowledge. In some cases, you may not have known there was a weapon or did not actually possess the weapon.
• Self-defense. If you used a weapon in self-defense due to a threat of violence against you or others, this factor is considered in your case.
• Lack of evidence. If there is inadequate evidence to support the claims against you, this can be used in your defense. This may include challenging eye witness testimony or a lack of forensic evidence.

Cases involving weapons generally deal with complicated legal issues, as well as factors that could reduce penalties. As such, it’s important to understand the facts of your case and how the law applies to you.

What Constitutes a Weapons Offense in New Orleans

Weapons offenses can include a broad spectrum of activities, and many of them do not actually require you to use a weapon in the commission of a crime. In fact, most weapons offenses involve the manner in which you possess, carry, or transfer a weapon. Some frequent charges involve:

• Illegal weapon transport
• Possessing a gun
• Carrying a concealed weapon illegally
• Restricted individuals with firearms
• Possession of banned weapons.

However, many of these offenses are very fact-specific. For instance, where the weapon was located can change the offense with which you are charged. Who had access to the weapon and whether you knew it was there also play a factor. Given how complicated gun crime laws are, you could easily face charges even if you weren’t trying to do anything wrong.

Concealed Carry vs. Illegal Possession

The differences between concealed carry and illegal possession aren’t always easy to determine. While concealed carry means to carry a weapon that is hidden on your person, illegal possession can be much more confusing.

Illegal possession can mean that you were carrying in a place where you weren’t allowed to carry, carrying a weapon that you weren’t allowed to carry, or carrying a weapon when you were not legally allowed to possess one. Even when you believe you’re within the law, unexpected factors can lead to an illegal possession charge.

Effects of a Weapons Conviction on Your Record

Beyond the initial penalty, a weapons conviction can have ongoing implications. Even though you may feel like you paid your dues to society and you’re done with the incident, there are other effects that it can have on you.

Your job can be affected because most employers run background checks on potential employees. If you apply for a job that requires you to transport money, drive a company vehicle, or have a lot of public contact, you may be denied that position.

Furthermore, you could encounter difficulties securing housing, as most landlords conduct background checks on potential tenants. Having a weapon attached to your record can stay with you for years to come.

Why Hire a Gun Charges Lawyer

If you have been charged with illegally possessing a weapon, you may be wondering if you should hire a weapons charges lawyer. Just like with any legal matter, having a lawyer by your side can help you understand what you are up against and what to expect moving forward.

A New Orleans gun crimes attorney can go over your case with you, see that everything was done correctly, and that your rights were not violated when you were arrested. Additionally, your lawyer can help you understand the process.

Your lawyer can be a valuable resource in navigating these legal waters, helping you make the most informed choices for your situation. Remember, each weapon charge case is different. Knowing the details of your charges and how the legal system views them allows for a more informed response to weapons charges.

What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With a Weapons Offense

When charged with a weapons offense, it is natural to want to say or do something right away. Your top priority should be to try not to panic. Do not make any statements until you know all of your options and understand your situation. Remember that anything you say can be used against you. Write down everything you know about where and how you were arrested, and exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present.

Save any information that may help you explain what happened. Be sure to comply with all of the court’s instructions and deadlines. Anticipate potential delays and stay informed of what happens at every stage as your case progresses.

Contact Crescent City Law Today

If you are facing a weapons offense charge in New Orleans, contact Crescent City Law today to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys can provide you with the guidance and advocacy necessary to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Trust our experience and dedication to advocate for your rights and see that you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.

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