Fighting Weapons Charges At The Federal Level

Any sort of gun charge can threaten not only your right to own a weapon but also your freedom and future. Gun offenses vary in severity and penalties can be harsh. At The Region Lawyers, our attorneys have more than a decade of experience with criminal charges at both the state and federal levels, including with jury trials. It is important to speak with a lawyer as early on in your case as possible to protect your gun ownership and guard against serious consequences.

Understanding Gun Charges In Indiana

While everyone has a constitutional right to bear arms, there are still regulations citizens need to abide by. Misuse can result in gun charges. This includes the improper purchase, sale and possession of firearms, especially when these activities cross state lines. Charges can also result from the use of weapons and firearms that are illegal to all citizens, such as short-barreled shotguns and machine guns. It is illegal to possess a firearm on or near school grounds in Indiana, as well.

In Indiana, residents must meet certain criteria to legally own a gun, such as:

• Mental competency
• Clean record (i.e., no serious felony charges, domestic battery charges or prior gun charges)
• Not posing as a known danger to yourself or others
• No record of drug or alcohol abuse

Indiana does not allow open carry and requires a license to carry a concealed weapon. However, there is no license requirement to simply purchase or own a gun.

However, as with most criminal charges, federal laws still trump most state laws when it comes to gun ownership and regulation.

What If You Are Charged?

If you are charged with a firearms-related crime or illegal possession of a gun, it is critical to contact an attorney. At The Region Lawyers, we can discuss your options with you, as well as what to expect. In some cases, we may be able to work to get your charges dismissed or reduced based on extenuating circumstances.

These rules and regulations can be confusing, but one of our experienced attorneys can answer your questions and help you navigate a gun charge. Contact us for a free consultation by using our contact form or by calling 219-961-3814. Based in Merrillville, we work with clients in Gary, as well as throughout the state of Indiana and in northern Illinois.