Virginia Beach Possession of Firearm Attorney

While the United States Constitution gives citizens the right to bear arms, there are numerous federal and state laws that must be followed in order to legally own a firearm. Failure to abide by these rules is a criminal offense and, as a result, can lead to serious legal consequences. If you’ve been charged with illegal possession of a weapon, it is therefore in your best interest to obtain professional counsel from a Virginia Beach possession of firearm attorney.

Under Virginia state law, you must be at least 18 years old to own a rifle or shotgun, and 21 years or older for a handgun. In addition to these age requirements, the federal law imposes strict citizenship guidelines on gun ownership—you must be a US citizen or have a lawful alien status to purchase a gun. Virginia state law also limits ownership to state residents, requiring verification that you have lived in the state for at least 90 days.

Any weapon you own must be purchased legally through an authorized dealer. A 30-day waiting period is required in order to purchase a firearm in Virginia. Additionally, you must be fingerprinted and successfully pass a criminal background check before you are approved to carry a weapon in the state. Due to varying state laws, you can be charged with illegal possession of a firearm in Virginia if certain criteria are not met—even if you legally purchased it in another state.

Although concealed weapons are legal in Virginia, you must have a permit to do so. Semi-automatic shotguns and certain other firearms are illegal, without exception. Likewise, state law also prohibits anyone from carrying a gun in or around schools, places of worship, airports, courtrooms, and other federal buildings.

Due to the serious nature of the crime, if you are convicted of a firearm, you may be sentenced to a mandatory jail sentence of two to five years. You may also be required to pay hundreds of dollars in legal fees, serve probation, and/or perform community service. In felony cases, you could even lose your right to own a gun. If you are found to be in possession of a firearm on restricted properties, or charged with owning an illegal weapon, you may face even harsher penalties.

If you have recently been charged with illegal possession of a firearm, such as possessing an illegal firearm, possessing a legal firearm with intent to use it, or possessing a legal firearm without a permit, it is important to have legal representation before your day in court. In many cases, the charges you are facing may not be warranted, and only an experienced possession of firearm attorney can ensure your rights are protected.

After representing hundreds of clients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, attorney Michael C. Tillotson has the legal knowhow and trial experience to defend you in court. As a lifetime member of the National Association of Criminal Defense and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mr. Tillotson is well-versed in both federal and state gun laws, and he will use his knowledge to fight for you. Protect your rights by contacting attorney Michael C. Tillotson today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.