Chandler Prohibited Possession of a Firearm Lawyer

Prohibited Possession of a Firearm is part of the Misconduct Involving Weapons Statute A.R.S. § 13-3102. Under A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(4), a person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly possessing a deadly weapon or prohibited weapon if such person is a prohibited possessor.

What is a deadly weapon?

In Arizona, a deadly weapon is defined in ARS § 13-3101(A)(1) as anything that is designed for lethal use. The term includes a firearm. Under ARS § 13-3101(A)(4), “firearm” is defined as any loaded or unloaded handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, or other weapons that will expel, is designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. Firearm does not include a firearm in permanently inoperable condition.

What does it mean to possess?

To “possess” is to knowingly have physical possession or otherwise to exercise dominion or control over the property. This means you do not have to have ownership of a firearm to be charged with this crime; you only need to be in possession of a firearm.

Prohibited possession of a firearm is a Class 4 Felony in Arizona and can include a mandatory prison sentence for those who are convicted. This could mean up to 3.75 years of prison time for a first-time conviction.

Sometimes a person may be unaware they are a prohibited possessor. This can happen if someone has been convicted of a domestic violence offense. Under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9), you are prohibited from owning, shipping, transporting, or possessing firearms or ammunition if you have been convicted in any court of a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.”

If you are facing gun-related charges, you should have an Arizona criminal defense attorney who is aware of the various strategies used by state and federal governments in the prosecution of weapons charges. The lawyers at the Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm will provide you with an aggressive yet compassionate defense and will fight for a positive outcome in your case.

The lawyers at the Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm have decades of experience representing people charged with all types of weapon and gun crimes. Our gun crime attorneys are standing by right now to consult with you on your gun-related offense. Email us or call our office at 480-755-7110 and our experienced team of gun crime lawyers will help you come up with the best solutions for your case.

Arizona Office Address:
3185 S. Price Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85248
Phone: 480-755-7110