Puyallup Gun/Weapons Charges Defense Lawyer
Being convicted of a gun crime could have long-term consequences, from years in prison to losing your gun ownership rights indefinitely. To avoid or lessen the consequences you experience as much as possible, get help with your case from our lawyers.
While you do not need a license to open carry if you are over 21 in Washington, you do need a license to conceal carry a loaded gun on your person or in your vehicle, or face a misdemeanor offense. Unlawful possession of a gun and using a deadly weapon like a gun during the commission of another crime lead to more serious charges and possible jail time. Take all gun charges seriously and prioritize your case with our lawyers.
For help with your case from our gun and weapons charges defense lawyers, call the Law Offices of Smith & White at (253) 203-1645 today.
When Do You Need a Gun/Weapons Defense Lawyer in Puyallup?
Let our lawyers help if you are arrested for, questioned about, or charged with a gun or weapons offense in Puyallup.
You Are Arrested for a Crime
If you are arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, invoke your right to an attorney immediately. Even if charges have not been filed and you feel confident that they will not be, it is important to have someone experienced in your corner to ensure you know what is happening and do not unintentionally compromise your case.
You Are Questioned About a Crime
Before the police formally question you during a custodial interrogation, they must read you your Miranda rights and inform you of your right to an attorney and your right to remain silent. You should not agree to answer any questions during a custodial interrogation without a lawyer present.
You Are Charged with a Crime
Being charged with a crime means you could face trial and risk prison time or other consequences. You need a lawyer to represent you during your arraignment when the charges are read, you enter your plea, and the judge sets bail. Our gun and weapons charges defense lawyers can handle the rest of your criminal case, ensuring you understand the conditions of your bail, when you must be present for mandatory court appearances, and what to expect each day you are in court.
Gun and Weapons Charges FAQs
Do You Need a License to Open Carry a Gun in Puyallup?
If you are 21 or older and do not have any disqualifying criminal convictions, you do not need a license to open carry a handgun in Washington. However, open carrying is banned in certain locations, such as schools and hospitals.
Do You Need a License to Conceal Carry a Gun in Puyallup?
A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is required to carry a concealed handgun in Washington or to carry a loaded gun in a vehicle. Carrying a concealed handgun without a license is a misdemeanor offense.
Do You Need to Have Your CPL with You All Times?
You need to have your valid CPL on your person whenever you carry a concealed weapon in Washington, except at your home or a fixed place of business. Otherwise, you could still face consequences.
Does Aggravated in the First Degree Involve Use of a Weapon?
Assault in the first degree includes the intent to inflict serious bodily harm with a firearm or other deadly weapon. Assault in the first degree is a class A felony in Washington.
What is Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the First Degree?
Owning, accessing, or having in your control or possession a firearm after a conviction of a serious offense is charged as a class B felony in Washington. As an offense, possession of a firearm in the first degree also includes possessing an untraceable firearm.
What is Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree?
Unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree is charged as a class C felony. It happens when someone with disqualifying felony, misdemeanor, or domestic violence charges illegally possesses a firearm, among other scenarios.
What if You Use a Gun During Another Crime?
If you use a gun during the commission of another crime and are found guilty, you could face sentencing enhancements that add additional mandatory time onto your sentence. For example, for any class A felony conviction that involved the use of a firearm, sentencing enhancements can be anywhere between 5 and 20 years.
Do You Automatically Lose Gun Rights if You Are Convicted of a Crime in Washington?
If you are convicted of a felony offense or a domestic violence-related misdemeanor offense, you automatically lose your gun ownership rights in Washington, and you may no longer open carry without a license or obtain a license to conceal carry.
Can You Restore Gun Rights After a Conviction?
You may be able to restore gun rights with our help, provided you were not convicted of a class A felony, sex offense, or a felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years. You must also be crime-free for several years following your release.
Will You Go to Prison if Convicted of a Weapons Charge?
Charges for unlawful possession in the first or second degree do not carry mandatory minimums in Washington. However, if a defendant uses a firearm while committing another crime, such as assault or robbery, they will face mandatory prison time because of Washington’s sentencing enhancements.
Why Do Some Gun Charges Not Go to Trial?
Some charges do not go to trial because the defendant accepts a plea deal, or because evidence is dismissed for a Fourth Amendment violation (unlawful search and seizure), leaving the prosecution with no case.
Call Us for Help Facing Gun/Weapons Charges in Puyallup
For help from the Law Offices of Smith & White, call our gun and weapons charges defense lawyers at (253) 203-1645.