Fairfax County Gun Lawyer
While many people are aware of the second amendment, you may not realize that the government may still put restrictions on your right to bear arms. You may carry a weapon to protect yourself, but there are times when the police may arrest a person merely because they had a gun in their possession or owned a firearm.
You may face arrest if you have a gun in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is important to be aware of your rights as well as the local laws and how you can avoid jail time.
If the police have arrested you or you want more clarity on your rights, be sure to reach out to a Fairfax County gun lawyer. You may be able to learn more about the laws and how they apply to you. If the police have arrested you, you will want an aggressive defense attorney on your side to aid you in the fight to protect your freedom and rights.
Common Gun Laws in Fairfax County
Some firearm-related crimes are felonies. If a court convicts someone of a felony, the government can restrict or prohibit their right to own and carry a gun. The following are a list of some common gun laws:
- Unlawful possession
- Waving a gun around in public
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Firing a weapon in public
- Using a weapon while carrying out a felony
- Attempting to purchase or possess a gun illegally
- Drunk hunting with a firearm
- Carrying a gun in a courthouse, school or airport
- Reckless handling of a firearm
Open Carry and Stand Your Ground Gun Laws
In Fairfax County, the government allows people to openly carry their weapons as long as their possession of the gun is legal and the carrying does not occur in a prohibited area. The government does not allow a personto openly carry a loaded semi-automatic rifle or pistol or shotgun which holds more than seven rounds, as noted in Code of Virginia §18.2-287.4.
The law also lets people protect themselves if someone attacks them or enters their home, which refers to “stand your ground.” However, there are also limits on exercising this right.
Carrying a Gun in a Prohibited Area
A person may not carry a weapon into a church, courthouse or airport, which is found in Code of Virginia §18.2-283, 283.1, and 287.01. Bringing a gun into a place of religious worship is a Class 4 misdemeanor. If a person carries a gun into a courthouse or airport, that is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Presence of Gun during Commission of a Felony
If a person commits a felony, such as rape, murder, or burglary, that is a separate crime. If the court convicts someone, on top of the sentence for the felony, the court must sentence that person to an additional three years for the first offense, as described in Code of Virginia §18.2-53.1. Individuals facing firearm penalties, should reach out to a dedicated gun lawyer in Fairfax as soon as possible.
Learn More from a Fairfax County Gun Attorney Today
If you are a gun enthusiast or just hoping to protect yourself with a firearm, you may want to learn more about exactly how the law allows you to possess and transport a gun. An attorney may be helpful in explaining your rights to you.
If the police have accused you of violating some statute, it may be vital to seek out the services of a Fairfax County gun lawyer to ensure the best possible outcome.
You have individual rights and the police may not be looking out for your best interest. A representative may help you understand how best to protect yourself and what you can expect going forward.
