Gun Crimes (Possession of a Dangerous Weapon; Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Carrying Loaded Firearm in Car or on Street)
Gun Crimes Defense Attorney Lehi, UT
Hoyer Law Firm
51 E Main Street
Lehi, UT 84043
(801)901-0797
https://attorneylehiutah.com
Utah is one of the most lenient states when it comes to owning and using firearms. Despite the state’s liberal gun laws, there are numerous circumstances in which the possession of a firearm can lead to imprisonment and fines. Sometimes people aren’t even aware they’re committing a gun crime.
In Utah, carrying a dangerous weapon while drunk is a misdemeanor. You can be charged with a gun crime if you are in possession of a firearm while you commit another offense. You can also be charged if you’re not allowed to possess a firearm, as is the case with convicted felons.
It’s crucial to find an experienced and competent Utah gun crime attorney to help protect your rights when you get arrested for a gun-related crime.
Utah Gun Crime Related Charges
The most common charges for gun crimes in Utah include:
- Armed robbery
- Homicide with a gun
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit
- Possession or sale of illegal weapons, like defaced revolvers or pistols
- Legal discharge
Utah courts take these charges seriously and give offenders stiff penalties. Penalties that may include lengthy jail times.
Minors and Weapons in Utah
Utah law prohibits anyone under 18 years old from carrying or owning a dangerous weapon, including guns. If a minor must carry a weapon, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them or they must have explicit parental permission.
Utah law also prohibits certain people from possessing a gun. Utah Code § 76-10-503 categorizes these people into two classes of restricted persons, referred to as Category I and Category II. A criminal defense attorney can help you determine if you fit into one of the restricted categories.
Penalties for Gun Crimes in Utah
Gun crimes range from Class A misdemeanors to second-degree felonies. The penalty for misdemeanors in Utah is a maximum of one-year imprisonment. Felonies carry jail time of more than one year.
Class B misdemeanors attract up to six months in jail and a maximum of $1,000 in fines. Class A misdemeanors get a maximum of one-year jail time and up to $2,500 in fines.
For a third-degree felony conviction, you’ll get up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. With this conviction, you will also fall into one of the restricted person categories. This means you can no longer legally possess a gun.
Second-degree felonies carry one year to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of $10,000 in fines. This felony conviction also prohibits you from possessing a gun.
An experienced attorney in Utah will help you understand any penalties for a gun-related crime.
Expert Legal Help and Defense in Utah
Many people aren’t aware that they are breaking a gun-related law and of the consequences that come with it. The threat of jail time and fines can come as a shock. An efficient attorney can help you fight the charges.
When you learn that there’s a police investigation against you for a gun-related crime, the first thing you should do is to call Hoyer Law. We’ve got the expertise and experience to represent you during court hearings and other legal procedures to ensure your rights are protected.
