Southgate Weapons Charges Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with a weapons offense in Southgate, including carrying a concealed weapon (CCW), you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and your future. Weapons charges are serious and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. The Law Office of Julian Poota is here to defend you and fight for the best possible outcome.

What Are Weapons Charges in Michigan?

In Michigan, weapons charges can include a wide range of offenses, such as:

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW): This charge applies if you are found carrying a firearm or other weapon on your person, in a vehicle, or in a location where concealed weapons are not allowed without a proper permit.
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon: If you have a prior felony conviction, possessing a firearm can lead to severe charges and penalties.
• Illegal Discharge of a Firearm: Firing a weapon in public or in areas where discharge is prohibited can lead to criminal charges.
• Unlawful Sale or Transfer of a Firearm: Selling or transferring firearms without proper authorization or to prohibited individuals is illegal under Michigan law.
• Assault with a Firearm: If a weapon is used to threaten, harm, or assault another person, this charge is serious and carries significant consequences.

While carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is one of the most common weapon-related charges in Michigan, each weapon offense can come with its own set of penalties, depending on the circumstances.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) Charges in Southgate

Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) is one of the most common weapons-related offenses in Michigan. This charge occurs when a person is caught carrying a firearm or other dangerous weapon without the proper permit. Michigan law allows for concealed carry if you meet specific eligibility requirements and have obtained a concealed pistol license (CPL). If you do not have a CPL, carrying a concealed weapon is illegal, and you may face serious criminal charges.

Penalties for a CCW conviction include:

• Up to 5 years in prison for a felony charge
• Fines of up to $2,500
• Probation or additional restrictions

It is important to understand that even if you legally own a firearm, carrying it without the proper permits or in restricted areas can lead to criminal charges.

Consequences of Weapons Charges in Southgate

The consequences of a weapons charge can be severe, depending on the type of offense. If convicted, you may face:

• Prison time: Weapons charges, including CCW violations, can lead to lengthy prison sentences, particularly if you have prior convictions.
• Fines: Criminal fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Probation: If granted probation, you may face restrictions such as mandatory drug testing, community service, and regular check-ins with a probation officer.
• Criminal record: A conviction for a weapons offense will appear on your criminal record, which can impact your ability to find employment, secure housing, and obtain professional licenses.
• Loss of gun rights: A weapons conviction can lead to the permanent loss of your right to possess firearms, which can have long-lasting effects.

Given the potential consequences, defending against weapons charges is essential to protect your future.

Why You Need a Southgate Weapons Charges Lawyer

Weapons charges, especially CCW offenses, require a skilled attorney who understands the complexities of Michigan gun laws. Here’s why you need legal representation:

• Investigating the facts: We will review the circumstances of your arrest and examine the evidence to ensure that your rights were not violated. If there were procedural errors or violations during your arrest or search, we may be able to have the evidence dismissed.
• Negotiation with prosecutors: We will work with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that may reduce charges or penalties. In some cases, we may be able to get the charges dropped altogether.
• Defending your rights: Whether you were unaware of the law or had a valid reason for carrying a weapon, we will work to present your side of the story and build a strong defense.
• Exploring alternative sentencing: In some cases, we may be able to secure reduced penalties or alternative sentencing, such as community service, rehabilitation programs, or probation.

Our goal is to help you avoid the harshest penalties and keep your criminal record clean.

Common Defenses for Weapons Charges

Several defenses may apply to weapons charges, depending on the circumstances. Some common defenses include:

• Lack of intent: If you didn’t intentionally carry the weapon or weren’t aware that you were violating the law, we may be able to argue lack of intent.
• Self-defense: If you were carrying a weapon for self-defense purposes, we may be able to present this as a defense, especially if the weapon was used to protect yourself from harm.
• Unlawful search and seizure: If law enforcement violated your rights during the search or arrest, we may be able to have the evidence thrown out.
• Lack of knowledge: If you were unaware that you were carrying a concealed weapon, we may be able to argue that you did not knowingly commit the offense.

At The Law Office of Julian Poota, we will explore every option to build a solid defense for your weapons charges.

Why Choose The Law Office of Julian Poota?

Julian Poota is a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney in Southgate, specializing in weapons charges, including CCW violations. We are committed to providing you with a thorough defense strategy and working tirelessly to minimize the consequences of your charges.

We offer free consultations to discuss your weapons charge case and explain how we can help you. Contact us today to get the defense you need.

Southgate Criminal Matters Are Heard at the 28th District Court

Address: 14720 Reaume Parkway Southgate, Michigan 48195 
Phone: 734-258-3068
Link to Southgate District Court