Wilmington Gun Crime Lawyer

Wilmington Gun Crime Attorney

Addressing a gun crime charge in North Carolina requires patience and focus. A Wilmington gun crime lawyer is one of the most effective resources you can access if you want to develop a sound defensive strategy related to the criminal charges you are facing. Understanding how gun crimes are prosecuted in Wilmington, North Carolina, can help you feel more confident as you assert your legal rights.

The criminal defense lawyers at The Shotwell Law Group PLLC have decades of experience representing clients who have been charged with criminal offenses. Our team works tirelessly to discover weaknesses in the evidence disclosed by the prosecution. We will work with you to ensure that you are aware of all the legal defenses available to you regarding your case.

Schedule a Consultation

Call Now 910-762-1672

Common Firearm Offenses

From 2014 to 2023, the overall gun death rate in North Carolina increased by thirty-nine percent. In 2023, North Carolina had the twelfth-highest gun homicide rate in the United States. In North Carolina, fifty-four percent of gun deaths are suicides, and forty-three percent of gun deaths are homicides.

Many potential clients are unfamiliar with the potential gun crime charges individuals may face in North Carolina. The following are some of the most common gun offenses the state prosecutes under North Carolina law:

• Robbery with a firearm
• Illegal sale of firearms to minors
• Removing serial numbers on a firearm
• Possession by a domestic violence offender
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Discharging a firearm into an occupied property

The penalties for gun offenses in North Carolina include fines, probation, and incarceration. State and federal laws may be invoked in a charging document associated with a gun crime. Federal laws often impose more severe consequences on defendants who are convicted of a firearm offense under federal statutes.

Legal Defenses Applicable to Gun Charges

Claiming a defensive stance early in a criminal case involving a firearm offense is critical to enforcing your legal rights. Three common legal defenses related to gun crimes include demonstrating that the defendant had a valid permit to carry a firearm, proving lack of intent, and unlawful search and seizure.

A criminal defense attorney may examine search warrants and arrest warrants associated with your charges. It may be possible to demonstrate that the state did not adhere to the necessary warrant requirements. Also, it may be that you did not possess the requisite intent to own or use a firearm. It is important to remember that the state must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer in Wilmington, NC

The criminal justice system is complex, and those who are charged with gun crimes need to understand how to assert a strong legal defense. If you are looking for resources after being charged with a criminal offense, then you may need to hire a gun crime lawyer. A skilled attorney can advocate for you inside and outside the courtroom while protecting your legal rights.

Wilmington, North Carolina, contains many areas associated with gun violence. Gun-related incidents often occur in the Historic District, Airport Industrial District, and the intersection of Carolina Beach Road and Oleander Avenue.

At The Shotwell Law Group PLLC, our team has the knowledge and experience that you can count on when you need it the most. Our team focuses on the unique needs of each of our clients to ensure their rights are protected throughout the legal process. We work hard to help our clients receive an acquittal, a reduction of charges, or an outright dismissal.

FAQs About Wilmington, NC Gun Crime Laws

Can a Felon Live in a House With Guns in North Carolina?

A convicted felon cannot live in a house with guns in North Carolina. State and federal laws prohibit felons from possessing guns. Although the firearm may belong to someone else in the home, it is still illegal for a felon to reside in a home where guns are stored. A convicted felon who is found to be in possession of a firearm may be charged with a Class G felony.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal Gun Possession in North Carolina?

The penalties for illegal gun possession in North Carolina include being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Typical penalties include a period of incarceration in a county jail for up to sixty days for concealed carry violations. Convicted felons who are in possession of a firearm may be charged with a Class G felony and must serve up to forty-seven months in prison.

Can I Shoot in My Backyard in North Carolina?

You may be permitted to shoot a gun in your backyard in North Carolina, but city and county ordinances may restrict the time, place, and way firearms may be discharged. Also, property lines and obtaining the permission of neighbors may be factors affecting whether you can discharge a firearm in your backyard. However, you must use due caution and circumspection when firing a projectile, and this may be difficult to do in your backyard.

Can You Have a Loaded Gun in North Carolina?

You can have a loaded gun in your car in North Carolina. However, individuals who possess a concealed carry permit have more options regarding how they can carry firearms in public places. Those without a concealed carry permit must keep the firearm visible or in a locked place, such as the glove box or trunk of an automobile. You must inform a law enforcement official if they inquire about a firearm being inside a vehicle.

Contact a Wilmington Gun Crime Lawyer

Being charged with a gun crime in Wilmington, North Carolina, can have a dramatic impact on your life. If you are looking for a skilled criminal defense attorney, then you are thinking proactively regarding your legal rights and your liberty. Focusing on the steps you can take to strengthen your defense can make you feel more secure and confident regarding your case.

The attorneys at The Shotwell Law Group PLLC have years of experience representing clients in Wilmington and throughout the state of North Carolina. If you are seeking legal representation, then contact us today and schedule a free consultation. We can review the facts of your case and assess potential defenses related to your legal rights.