Prince George’s County Gun Penalties
Guns are regulated and have certain restrictions and requirements that people must abide by. When these regulations are violated, it can lead to serious charges and consequences. Prosecutors in Prince George’s County treat gun offenses with the utmost seriousness and importance because of the lethal nature of guns and the prevalence of gun violence.
If you have been charged with a gun crime, it may feel like everyone has turned against you. An experienced attorney understands Prince George’s County gun penalties and could help you fight for a favorable outcome. Call today for a consultation.
Penalties for Gun Offenses
There are numerous different types of gun charges based upon the nature of the gun, nature of the use, and the record of the individual. Potential penalties for gun offenses in Prince George’s County depend on the offense. These can include:
- A handgun in vehicle or a handgun on a person is a misdemeanor that carries three years’ incarceration
- A felony possession of a firearm or handgun has a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence
- Drug trafficking with a firearm is a five-year mandatory non-parolable charge
- Unlawful possession of a firearm can carry five years of prison
Because Prince George’s County gun penalties are serious, it can be helpful for an individual to have an experienced attorney by their side.
Long-Term Consequences of Conviction
If a person is convicted of a firearm charge that is a felony, they are labeled a convicted felon. They could be disqualified from ever owning or possessing a firearm for the rest of their lives. Even the minimum misdemeanor charge carries three years when found guilty, and that disqualifies them from ever owning a firearm as well. Even if they do not go to jail and even if it is just a misdemeanor, there are repercussions that could be life-changing.
Long-term consequences would depend on a person’s profession, but the answer, in short, is yes. A person seeking work as a fry cook at McDonald’s will have to pass a background search before being hired. Even if it is a superficial search, this will show up. A person may not be eligible for certain employment opportunities or, even if they are eligible, may be surpassed by other candidates who have clean criminal records. Having a criminal record, whether a felony or not, can hold somebody back in many future career endeavors. Even trying to find housing can be more difficult for someone with a criminal record.
Calling a Prince George’s County Gun Attorney
Experienced Prince George’s county attorneys know what elements the prosecutor has to prove and how to defend against them. Through years of experience, they have formed relationships with local judges and prosecutors and can communicate with them for an appropriate resolution. If a jury trial is necessary, they know how to present a case and aggressively defend the charges.
If you have been charged with a gun offense, call an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer may understand the nuances of Prince George’s County gun penalties and sentencing, and could help you build a solid defense.