Hickory Gun Crime Lawyer

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Hickory Gun Crime Attorney

Best Hickory Gun Crime Lawyer

When facing gun-related charges, having a Hickory gun crime lawyer is essential in protecting your rights. A gun charge can be detrimental to your criminal record and future, even if the situation was not a serious one. If you are facing a gun charge, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Cody Law Firm can help.

Why Choose Us?

At Cody Law Firm, we have extensive knowledge of local and state laws. We can provide you with legal representation to help you navigate the complex law surrounding gun crimes. Choosing the right Hickory criminal defense attorney can make a huge difference in your case.

We understand how serious a gun charge can be, and we are dedicated to providing you with an effective and tailored defense strategy to help you strive for the greatest possible outcome. We want to ensure that your rights are protected and that you go through the legal process efficiently.

Gun Crime Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina has strict laws regulating the possession, use, and sale of firearms. Being convicted of these crimes can lead to harsh penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record.

In North Carolina, both open and concealed carry of firearms are allowed as long as certain conditions are followed. Open carry is generally allowed without a permit. However, there are certain locations where open carry is prohibited like schools and government buildings. Concealed carry requires a permit, which a person must meet certain requirements and go through a background check.

Requirements to Carry a Gun in North Carolina

To carry a concealed weapon in Hickory, North Carolina, a person must obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). To obtain one, a person must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Completing an approved firearms training course and
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and resident of North Carolina for at least 30 days prior to applying.

Who Is Allowed to Carry a Gun

While many people are allowed to carry firearms in North Carolina, certain groups are legally prohibited from possessing firearms. The ones that are allowed to carry have met the requirements to carry a permit. However, if a person falls under the following categories, they would be forbidden from carrying a gun:

  • They are a convicted felon.
  • They have a domestic violence protective order against them.
  • They have been declared mentally incompetent.
  • They were dishonorably discharged from the military.
  • They were convicted of a crime involving violence or firearms.

Places Forbidden From Carrying

Even with a permit, there are certain places where carrying a firearm is prohibited in North Carolina. These include:

  • Schools and educational businesses
  • Government buildings
  • Courthouses
  • Religious establishments
  • Private property.

Violating these restrictions can result in serious gun charges.

Examples of Gun Crimes

Gun crimes in North Carolina can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Examples of gun crimes include:

  • Illegal possession of a firearm by someone who was convicted of a felony
  • Discharging a firearm in a public space
  • Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
  • Trafficking firearms
  • Possession of a stolen firearm
  • Using a firearm while committing another crime, such as robbery.

Penalties for Gun Crimes

The penalties for gun crimes in North Carolina vary depending on how severe the crime is. Some possible penalties for gun crimes include:

  • Hefty fines
  • Jail or prison sentences that can range from months to several years
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Participation in firearms courses
  • Criminal record (which can impact your ability to secure housing or employment in the future)
  • Revocation of your gun rights.

In addition to these penalties, certain gun crimes may result in federal charges, which can bring even harsher consequences.

Defenses to Gun Charges

Gun charges go beyond simply discharging a firearm. Therefore, there are a range of defenses that are used in gun cases. Some of these include:

  • The defendant didn’t know they were breaking the law or had no intention to do so, such as unintentional possession.
  • Law enforcement performed an illegal search, violating Fourth Amendment rights.
  • The defendant acted in self-defense.
  • The defendant claims they were wrongly accused.
  • The defendant claims they had the proper license or permission to carry their gun.
  • The defendant was forced to commit a gun crime through coercion or duress.
  • The defendant’s lawyer scrutinizes the prosecution’s evidence, questioning its validity and reliability.

FAQs

Q: Can I Carry a Gun in North Carolina Without a Permit?

A: In North Carolina, you can openly carry a firearm without a permit, meaning the firearm is visible. However, there are restrictions on where you can openly carry a gun. Guns are forbidden in schools, government buildings, and places that serve alcohol. For concealed carry, you must have a Concealed Handgun Permit, where certain requirements must be met, including completing a state-approved firearms training course and passing a criminal background check.

Q: What Are the Firearm Restrictions in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, there are many firearms restrictions. This includes restrictions from carrying a firearm in certain places, including schools, government buildings, courthouses, and religious institutions. There are also restrictions imposed on who can carry a gun. Some forbidden groups include convicted felons, those with restraining orders due to domestic violence, and those committed to a mental institution.

Q: Can I Carry a Gun in my Pocket in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, you cannot carry a concealed firearm without a legitimate Concealed Handgun Permit. Carrying a gun in your pocket would generally be considered concealed carry, which means the firearm is hidden from general view. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

Q: Can I Carry a Loaded Handgun in My Car in North Carolina?

A: You can carry a loaded handgun in your car in North Carolina, but it comes with certain requirements. You may carry a gun in your car if you have a Concealed Handgun Permit. If you do not have one, you can still have one in your car, but it must be in open view.

Contact Cody Law Firm Today

If you have been charged with a gun crime, Cody Law Firm can help. We can help you through this legal process. Contact us today for more information.

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