Arizona is unique in that it has relatively loose gun laws – such as open carry laws and no permit required – but severe penalties for those who break the firearm laws that are in place. If you are facing gun crime charges of any kind in Scottsdale, Arizona, take them seriously. Protect your future by hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer to represent you.

At AZ Defenders, our attorneys have years of experience defending clients against a wide range of charges in Arizona, including a variety of gun crimes. We will work resolutely to help you avoid the most severe penalties associated with your charge. Our lawyers face serious offenses with strong criminal defenses.

Scottsdale Firearms Crimes Defense Resources

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Why Choose the AZ Defenders?
What Are Common Gun Crimes in Scottsdale?
What if You Are Charged With Multiple Crimes?
Potential Penalties for Gun Crimes
Can a Felon Carry a Weapon in Arizona?
How Can a Scottsdale Gun Crimes Attorney Help?
Speak to an Attorney Today

Why Choose the AZ Defenders for a Scottsdale Gun Crime Case?

  • Our Scottsdale criminal defense lawyers are available for free consultations 24/7.
  • We have over 20 years of combined legal experience in criminal defense law.
  • Our firearms crimes defense strategies are always tailored for each individual client.
  • Your defense attorney will be dedicated to your case every step of the way. 
  • We are known as one of the most formidable criminal defense firms in America.

Scottsdale Firearms Crimes Defense Lawyer

What Are Common Gun Crimes in Scottsdale?

Arizona’s main firearm crime is known as “misconduct involving weapons,” located in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-3102. This law encompasses many different types of gun crimes. At AZ Defenders, we understand the firearm laws in Arizona and how to work them to our client’s greatest possible advantage. Our defense attorneys can handle many different types of gun crime cases, including:

  • Unlawful possession of a firearm
  • Selling a firearm to a prohibited possessor
  • Defacing a deadly weapon
  • Possessing an illegal or modified firearm
  • Possessing a deadly weapon on school grounds
  • Carrying a deadly weapon on a means of transportation
  • Unlawful discharge of a firearm
  • Celebratory gunfire
  • Shooting a gun into a crowd
  • Drive-by shooting
  • Using a deadly weapon while committing a felony offense

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony gun crime charge, we can help. Our founder, Attorney Craig Rosenstein, believes in giving every client the white-glove treatment – meaning special care, respect and attention. As your criminal defense lawyers in Scottsdale, we will passionately represent your rights and present a defense to firearm charges that is strong and effective. 

What if You Are Charged With a Gun Offense and Additional Crimes?

In addition to independent firearms crimes, many other types of criminal charges can be enhanced if the crime was committed with a gun or another deadly weapon. The use of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon can lead to aggravated charges, or what is known as a “dangerous offense.” This will modify the sentence as well as the charge, making the consequences more severe for the defendant. Examples include:

  • Aggravated assault
  • Aggravated battery
  • Armed robbery or burglary
  • Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon
  • Kidnapping with a deadly weapon
  • Aggravated child abuse or elder abuse
  • Carjacking with a firearm
  • Aggravated stalking

Being charged with a gun offense on top of another crime in Arizona means you will face more serious penalties than just one offense or the other. A misdemeanor charge can be elevated to a felony, for example, if the crime was committed with a firearm. If the offense was already classified as a felony, the involvement of a gun can increase the charge to a more serious class, such as a class 4 to a class 2 felony. This will increase the associated sentence, as well as make prison mandatory – even for a first offense.

Potential Penalties for Gun Crimes

Due to the nature of firearms, many offenses involving firearms in Arizona are classified as “dangerous crimes,” even if you didn’t actively endanger anyone else’s life with your alleged crime. This often means more severe sentences for defendants who are found guilty. You could face the following potential penalties for a gun crime in Arizona:

  • Jail or prison time (years, in some cases)
  • Probation or house arrest
  • Hefty fines and surcharges
  • Restitution, to be paid to the victim
  • Forfeiture of your gun rights

Dangerous crimes have minimum and maximum required sentences (“presumed sentences”) that are enhanced based on if this is the defendant’s first, second, third or subsequent offense. For example, a class 6 felony gun crime has a minimum sentence of 1.5 years for a first-time offender, but 3 years for a second offense. 

Can a Felon Carry a Weapon in Arizona?

Federal and state laws prohibit convicted felons from owning firearms and ammunition. This means if you are convicted of a felony gun crime in Arizona, you will unfortunately have your Second Amendment rights stripped from you. State law also makes it difficult to restore your right to bear arms. However, an experienced attorney from AZ Defenders can review your options for regaining your gun rights in the future.

How Can a Scottsdale Gun Crimes Attorney Help?

You are already going through enough after being arrested or charged with a firearms crime in Scottsdale. You may lose your job and suffer serious damage to your reputation, in addition to the fear of facing an unknown future. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer at AZ Defenders can give you immediate relief and greater mental peace during the criminal justice process. Your attorney can craft the strongest possible defense to the firearm crime on your behalf, which could include:

  • No proof of intent 
  • No crime committed
  • Reasonable justification for the offense
  • Defensive display of firearms
  • Crime prevention
  • Self-defense
  • Defense of others or property
  • Inadmissible evidence
  • Illegal search and seizure
  • Insufficient evidence

If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will build the strongest possible defense to optimize your odds of acquittal. Meanwhile, you can focus on your life and future as much as possible – also with help from your lawyer. An attorney can potentially get you out of jail while you wait for your hearing, for example, and attend hearings on your behalf, negotiate a satisfactory plea deal and help you understand what to expect next. Your lawyer will defend you relentlessly and ensure that you are treated fairly.

Speak to an Experienced Scottsdale Gun Crimes Lawyer Today

It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights if you are facing any type of firearms charge in Scottsdale – even a minor offense. An arrest or conviction of any kind can be a black mark on your record, interfering with your ability to own guns or live a normal life. 

Rather than risking the full repercussions of the charges against you, contact AZ Defenders for an aggressive defense. Our lawyers have experience handling minor offenses to serious felony gun crimes in Arizona. Call (480) 456-6400 24/7 to speak to a firearm crimes defense lawyer in Scottsdale today.

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