Weapons Charges Put Your Freedom In Jeopardy
While the Second Amendment protects your right to bear arms, there are numerous federal and state laws regulating how that amendment is upheld. If you find yourself facing charges for a weapons violation or enhanced penalties due to the presence of a weapon at the scene of a crime, the choice of your attorney matters.
Milwaukee firearms defense and weapons charges lawyer Stephen Govin has defended hundreds of clients throughout the Milwaukee metro area and the state of Wisconsin. Firearms and weapons violations have included charges such as:
- Conceal-and-carry violations
- Possession of illegal guns like machine guns, fully automatic rifles or short-barreled shotguns
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Unlawful gun trafficking or resale
A skilled trial lawyer, Stephen Govin works with top experts and purposefully maintains a small caseload so that he can give each case his undivided attention. In terms of firearms cases, that attention to detail is crucial to protecting your rights.
Learn more about how the Law Office of Stephen M. Govin, LLC, can help you protect your rights against serious gun charges. Call 414-373-5908 to schedule a consultation.
Criminal Charges Involving Weapons Can Carry Harsher Penalties
All criminal charges carry serious consequences, but the presence of a gun or weapon only elevates the penalties you may face. For example, if you are convicted of felony battery or reckless injury, you could face anywhere from three to 15 years of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances. If a weapon was involved, a judge may add up to three to five more years to that prison sentence. Even just threatening someone with a weapon, regardless of whether it was used to inflict damage, is enough to trigger this kind of enhanced penalty.
With stakes this high, it’s crucial to have experienced defense on your side from the very beginning. Attorney Govin will take every opportunity to investigate the validity of the prosecution’s case against you, working with top investigators/experts as needed to analyze the evidence.
Understanding Wisconsin’s Concealed Weapon (CCW) Laws
While Wisconsin allows all law-abiding citizens to keep weapons within their own homes with or without a license, a CCW license allows an individual to carry a concealed weapon outside the home. This includes handguns, Tasers/electric weapons, knives (other than switchblades) and billy clubs — not rifles or hunting gear.
Many gun charges arise out of confusion over Wisconsin’s CCW laws. For example, you cannot carry a firearm into government buildings, airports, schools and correctional facilities, even if you possess a CCW permit. Furthermore, private businesses have the right to ban firearms on their premises, and carrying a concealed weapon onto them could result in criminal charges. You could also face criminal charges if you are stopped for operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI) of alcohol or drugs and there is a gun in your vehicle.
Regardless of how your charges came about, you can count on Stephen Govin‘s experience to protect your rights when it comes to carrying a concealed weapon. His familiarity with Wisconsin’s CCW laws and his extensive trial experience mean you will have a strong advocate on your side throughout the criminal process.
Domestic Violence And Weaponry Can Permanently Threaten Your Gun Rights
One of the less well-known consequences of being convicted for domestic violence is that you may be barred from ever owning a firearm again. According to a federal law, known colloquially as the Lautenberg Amendment, those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence may receive a lifetime ban on gun possession. In some cases, even having a no-contact order placed against you can create significant risk if you are caught with a weapon in your car or home.
Therefore, if you have received a no-contact order or summons to appear on domestic violence charges, speak to Milwaukee criminal defense attorney Stephen Govin as soon as possible so he can begin planning your defense.
Contact A Skilled Defense Attorney Immediately
If you have been charged with a firearms offense or a weapon was involved in your case, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Stephen M. Govin, LLC, right away to discuss your options. Call 414-373-5908 or contact his office online.