Most people understand that it is legal to purchase and possess firearms for personal protection and hunting, but many do not know where the line is drawn between legal and illegal weapons and the laws regarding possession.
It is important to know the specific laws in your state and realize that weapons possession laws may vary depending on location. If an individual is apprehended while carrying an unlawful weapon, he or she may face serious criminal charges. Depending on the type of weapon and the person’s criminal history the charges may be very serious or relatively minor.
Weapons that may be considered unlawful include automatic weapons, sawed-off shotguns, items that have been modified to become a dangerous weapon, hollow-point bullets, switchblades, butterfly knives, brass knuckles, and other types of items that have been deemed too dangerous for public use. If a person is found to be in possession with such objects, he or she can be charged with illegal weapons possession.
Many people do not realize that although some types of guns and other items may be legal to possess in the safety of your own home, some types of handguns and other weapons may be illegal to carry on certain types of property. Government buildings, schools, establishments that sell and serve liquor, and certain public buildings may be off-limits to persons who are in possession of weapons.
Places that prohibit the carrying of licensed handguns typically post signs warning of their requirements and the potential criminal charges that may come with ignoring such warnings. It is important that individuals pay attention to such signage and follow the rules regarding locations that are off-limits to persons carrying weapons.
If you have been accused of carrying an illegal or unauthorized weapon, you have the right to defend yourself in a court of law. The penalties for carrying unlicensed or unauthorized weapons often range from fines and probation to license revocation and incarceration. It is important to know the laws in your state and to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are accused of such crimes.
If you would like to know more about weapons possession and criminal defense, visit the website of the Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers of Kohler & Hart, LLP.
Joseph Devine