Aggressive & Effective Attorneys

Weapon Crimes

Phoenix Weapons Crime Attorney

Were You Arrested for a Firearm Offense?

A weapons crime is a criminal act involving the illegally using, selling, possessing or distributing a weapon. An individual can be charged with a weapons crime whether it involved a legal weapon like a gun or knife, or an illegal weapon such as an automatic rifle, grenade, etc.

Weapons crimes are serious criminal offenses that must be handled by a skilled, resourceful and experienced Phoenix weapons crimes lawyer. Attorney Anthony Knowles has years of experience defending clients against a wide range of weapons charges, such as misconduct involving weapons.

    If you were arrested for a weapons or firearms offense, we use the full extent of the law in your defense and can fight to defend you if you were arrested and charged with a gun crime or related offense. Call us today!

    Types of Weapon Charges

    The following are considered weapon-related crimes:

    • Unlawful possession of a weapon
    • Unlawful sale of a weapon
    • Unlawful distribution of a weapon
    • Minor in possession of a weapon
    • Weapons trafficking
    • Assault with a weapon
    • Using a weapon to commit a crime
    • Concealing a weapon

    Arizona Open & Concealed Carry Laws

    The state of Arizona allows for some open/concealed carry laws. According to the Arizona Revised Statutes § 4-229, 244 and ARS 13-3102, there are some locations where concealed or open carrying of a firearm is never permitted, except peace officers on those premises. Those locations include:

    • Businesses that serve alcohol (i.e. bars)
    • Polling places
    • K-12 schools
    • Game preserves
    • Airports

    This is not a comprehensive list. If you were arrested for carrying a weapon at a location not included on the list above, then contact our firm immediately.

    Do You Have to Register A Gun in Arizona?

    Arizona firearm laws do not require firearm owners to register said firearms with the State. And to prevent local jurisdictions from imposing some type of registration requirement, the ARS § 13-3108 prevents local jurisdictions from requiring registration.

    Discharging a Firearm in Arizona

    When is it legal and when is it illegal to discharge a firearm in the state of Arizona? The sweeping legislation on this issue is that it is always illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits. However, the state makes some exceptions to this rule.

    For example, people who have a permit to control nuisance wildlife. The state also allows the discharge of a firearm for the purpose of self-defense. According to Arizona deadly force laws, if someone believes that they are under threat of criminal attack, they can discharge a weapon.

    Arizona Prohibited Possessor Law

    Arizona also has "prohibited possessor" laws, which apply to individuals who are banned from possessing a firearm. ARS § 13-3102 gives five categories of individuals that are prohibited from possessing a firearm. Those include:

    1. Someone who has been classified as a danger to themselves or to others
    2. Anyone who has been convicted of a felony (felons must request an order of restoration to get their firearm privileges back)
    3. Anyone who is currently serving at a correctional/detention center
    4. Anyone who is currently serving probation for a violent conviction
    5. Undocumented non-citizens (aliens and non-immigrants) with some exceptions

    Some individuals can request a Concealed Weapons Permit upon approval and payment of a fee. In order to obtain concealed carrier approval, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the state of Arizona, 21 years or older, successfully complete a firearms safety training course and not fall into any of the categories detailed in prohibited possessor laws.

    Penalties for Weapons Crimes in Phoenix, AZ

    Most weapons crimes are felony offenses, the penalties for these types of crimes are very strict. If you are convicted of a weapons crime, you will face no less than:

    • one year in jail
    • high fines
    • probation
    • community service
    • mandatory restitution to the victim
    • a mark on your permanent record

    Furthermore, having a weapons offense on your criminal record can be very damaging to your reputation and good standing in the community. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials in Phoenix have no tolerance when people commit weapon crimes. These types of crimes seriously endanger the lives and well-being of millions of innocent people every year. If you are charged with a weapons offense, you should expect powerful state and federal attorneys to question you intensely and prosecute against you aggressively.

    For these reasons, it's crucial that you consult a lawyer who can stand up to these prosecutors, fight your charges and protect your best interests.

    Work With a Proven Defense Firm

    Attorney Anthony Knowles and his entire legal team have extensive knowledge and experience in this area of criminal law and have successfully defended countless clients who have been charged with a weapons offense in Phoenix. They work tirelessly to build a compelling defense and resolve their clients' cases successfully.

    In addition to providing each client with vigorous defense representation, they also take great care to provide his clients with valuable advice, guidance and one-on-one attention throughout the entire legal process.

    Meet Our Team Experienced Attorneys Dedicated to Your Best Result
    • “We owe you Knowles. They are Arizona's top DUI attorneys.” - Thomas Mello
    • “Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable, ready to answer any questions and were just a helping hand during harsh times.” - Former Client
    • “Right away they found an error made by the prosecution and were able to get a significantly better plea offer.” - Former Client

    Request a Free Consultation

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