Conviction on a Utah gun crimes charge can potentially put you behind bars for years or decades. You will face substantial fines, a permanent criminal record and you could lose the right to own or carry a gun in the future.
If you face additional charges on top of a weapons offense, it could significantly increase your risk for penalties.
Attorney Brad R. Anderson can help. Our legal team understands the importance of moving quickly and aggressively to protect your Constitutional right to bear arms. We can assist you with federal and state gun crimes charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and possession or sale of illegal firearms.
Do not try to fight these serious charges on your own. For a free consultation, contact us today.
What Penalties Do You Face for Utah Gun Crimes?
You could face misdemeanor or felony firearms charges, depending on the circumstances that led to your arrest. Charges and penalties are spelled out in Title 76, Chapter 10 of the Utah Criminal Code. The least possible offense, Class C misdemeanor, carries the potential for up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. A Class A misdemeanor – the charge most often associated with illegal possession of a firearm – carries the risk of up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A third-degree felony conviction carries as much as five years in prison. For a second-degree felony, you face up to 15 years in prison. A first-degree felony conviction could land you in prison for five years to life.
If any aggravating factors can be linked to your charges, you will face even harsher penalties.
Aggravating factors may include::
- Extensive injuries suffered by the alleged victim
- The presence of a minor during the alleged offense
- Whether the offense may be considered a hate crime
- Whether the offense may be considered a domestic violence offense
- Prior criminal offenses on your record
How Can a Gun Crimes Lawyer Help You?
Having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is the most effective way to ensure the protection of your legal rights.
When you chose the Law Office of Brad R. Anderson to represent you, our legal team will immediately investigate the circumstances of your arrest. We will collect evidence, interview witnesses and obtain police reports related to your case.
Based on the evidence we obtain, we can identify flaws or problems with your case, violations of your legal rights, and other information that we use to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
Our objective is to get your charges dismissed or reduced. If necessary, we can prepare your case and defend you in court. If you haven’t yet been charged, we may even be able to convince the prosecutor that they lack the evidence to make an effective case.
Possible Defense Strategies for Utah Firearms Charges
Some of the most common defense strategies we use to defend our gun crimes clients include:
- Illegal search and seizure
- Acting in self-defense or the defense of another
- Improper testing or storage of evidence
Our legal team will choose the most appropriate defense strategy for your case. We will ensure you understand your options and have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
For a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, contact the Law Office of Brad R. Anderson as soon as possible, if you have been charged with a Utah gun crime or firearms offense.