If you’ve been accused of a federal firearms or weapons charge, it’s essential to have an experienced defense lawyer in your corner. Severe penalties can follow serious offenses. A skilled lawyer can protect your rights and reduce conviction consequences.
At Moermond & Mulligan, LLC, our federal firearms or weapons charge defense lawyers in Cincinnati have a proven track record of success in defending clients against these charges. Our team has over 50 years of experience handling complex criminal cases. We know the high stakes in these cases and will protect your rights.
Types of Federal Firearms or Weapons Charges
Federal firearms or weapons charges include a broad range of offenses, such as:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm: A felony conviction can prohibit firearm possession. Possession of a firearm by a felon is a serious offense. A conviction may lead to minimum sentences and big fines.
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: The National Firearms Act, Gun Control Act, and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act are federal laws that regulate the possession of firearms. Violating these laws can result in severe penalties.
- Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime or Other Felony: Committing a felony with a firearm can lead to extra charges. Even without use, possession of a firearm during a felony can lead to sentences and fines.
- Use of a Firearm in Connection with a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime: Using a firearm during a crime can lead to enhanced penalties. This conviction can lead to minimum sentences and big fines.
- Possession of a Destructive Device: Unlicensed possession of destructive devices like bombs is a severe offense. Those charged may face big penalties, including minimum sentences. Prosecutors often seek maximum penalties for this offense.
Penalties for Federal Firearms or Weapons Charges
Federal weapons charges carry severe penalties, including prison and fines. Penalties depend on offense type, case circumstances, and criminal history.
For example, a felon in possession of a firearm can face a maximum 10-year prison sentence, while possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or other felony can result in a mandatory minimum five-year sentence, up to life imprisonment. Fines can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands.
Conviction may lead to forfeiture of assets. This can be a devastating consequence for individuals and families, who may lose their homes, cars, and other assets as a result of a conviction.
Defense Strategies for Federal Firearms or Weapons Charges
To defend against charges, one must know federal law and create a defense plan. At Moermond & Mulligan, LLC, our federal firearms or weapons charge defense lawyers in Cincinnati have the knowledge, experience, and skill to provide effective legal representation.
Some defense strategies that we may use in these cases include:
- Challenging the Evidence: Our team will review the evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case. This approach can help to weaken the prosecution’s case and create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors.
- Challenging the Search or Seizure: If law enforcement conducted an illegal search or seizure, violating your Fourth Amendment rights, we might succeed in suppressing the evidence obtained during the search. This could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case or even result in the dismissal of charges.
- Arguing Lack of Knowledge or Intent: Some may unknowingly possess illegal firearms or lack criminal intent. Our defense team will work to develop a strong defense based on a lack of knowledge or intent, which can be used to counter the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating a Plea Deal: Sometimes, negotiating a plea deal is the best action. Our team will negotiate a plea deal to minimize conviction consequences. This can be especially useful when the prosecution’s case against you is solid and a conviction seems likely.
- Proving Self-Defense: If you used a weapon in self-defense, our defense team will work to prove it. This can involve using witness testimony, surveillance footage, or other forms of evidence to show that your use of force was justified.
Contact Moermond & Mulligan, LLC Today
Our federal criminal defense lawyers will fight to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome. If you’re facing federal firearms or weapons charges in Cincinnati, don’t hesitate to contact Moermond & Mulligan, LLC for a free consultation. Reach us at (513) 421-9790.