Experienced Weapons Crimes Lawyer Defending Clients in Seattle

In general, gun violence is always a problem for law enforcement. The criminal laws in the state of Washington specify who may possess, carry, and use a weapon and what weapons are legal. Washington’s gun possession laws and concealed carry laws are designed to prevent gun violence and reduce the number of gun violence victims. If you are charged with a fire arms violation in the Seattle area, you’ll need high-quality legal help, and you’ll need it immediately. For more than two decades, experienced Seattle weapons crimes attorney Kevin Trombold has defended Seattle-area residents accused of weapons violations. If you are charged with a weapons crime, criminal defense attorney Kevin Trombold can safeguard your legal rights and advocate aggressively for justice on your behalf. Seattle weapons crimes attorney Kevin Trombold represents persons charged with any and all weapons and concealed carry violations in the state of Washington including the use of a deadly weapon, the illegal possession of a firearm, and the illegal sale of a firearm.

SKILLED LAWYERS DISCUSS WEAPONS CHARGES IN WASHINGTON STATE

People often ask, “Are weapons crimes considered a misdemeanor or felony?” It depends. There are a number of laws that restrict how Washington residents can carry, buy or sell firearms or weapons. The penalties for these charges vary greatly depending on the seriousness of the offense. If you are charged with any weapons crime, you may face prison time, fines and other consequences that will affect you for the rest of your life. What crimes count as weapon crimes? Take a look below to read about some of the most common crimes involving a weapon.

WHAT ARE ILLEGAL WEAPONS? A KNOWLEDGEABLE ATTORNEY IN SEATTLE, WA EXPLAINS

What are illegal weapons in the U.S.? Of course, nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons are outlawed in America, however there are other weapons that are not permitted either. The state of Washington has defined some weapons as “unlawful weapons.” These weapons include machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or any parts belonging to these weapons. It is a crime to manufacture, transport, own, buy, sell or possess any of these unlawful weapons. Unlawful weapon charges are a class C felony that carry severe consequences. You may face up to one year in prison and fines if you are convicted of unlawful fire arms charges.

Washington also defines a group of weapons that are known as “dangerous weapons.” This group includes brass knuckles, slingshots, sand clubs, switchblades and blackjacks. Possessing, selling or buying dangerous weapons is a gross misdemeanor in the state of Washington. This law also makes it illegal to possess a pistol, silencer, firearm, concealed dagger, or any other weapon labeled as dangerous without the proper permits. This gross misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000.

WHAT IS ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION?

Certain criminal convictions on your record prevent you from being legally allowed to own a firearm. If you have a felony conviction on your record and are found in possession of a firearm, you may face illegal gun possession charges. Is illegal possession of a firearm a felony? Yes, this is a class B felony punishable by up to 43 months in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

WHAT IS A CONCEALED FIREARM PERMIT?

You may also be accused of committing concealed weapons crimes if you aren’t aware of the state laws. In Washington, adults over the age of 21 are legally allowed to carry concealed arms with a valid concealed handgun license. If you are over the age of 21, a U.S. citizen, and legally able to carry a handgun, then you qualify for a concealed carry permit in Washington. Many people often aren’t sure how to get a concealed firearm permit. Luckily, the process is not complicated. Bring the proper documentation to your police chief or sheriff’s office in order to apply. A background check will be performed, and if you pass, you will be issued your license within 30-90 days. However, if you are found with a concealed weapon and you do not have the proper permit to carry it, you will face criminal charges.

ATTORNEYS IN SEATTLE CAN HELP FIGHT CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A LOADED FIREARM CHARGES

Unless you have a concealed firearm permit, carrying a loaded firearm in a car, truck, or any other type of vehicle is illegal. What is considered a loaded firearm? A firearm that has ammunition already loaded into the gun is considered loaded. Even if you have a concealed carry permit, there are certain rules you must follow in order to carry a loaded gun. First, the gun must be kept on your person. Also, the person with the permit must never leave the gun unattended in the vehicle.

IF YOU ARE FACING OTHER WEAPONS CHARGES, CONTACT A KING COUNTY LAW FIRM

If you have been convicted of a felony weapons offense in Washington, you may be required to register with the sheriff’s office in your county. Registration includes providing your name, address, phone number and other contact information to law enforcement officers. Failure to register within 48 hours of being released from police custody or 48 hours after a court has advised you to register results in a failing to register as a felony weapons offender charge. This is a gross misdemeanor in Washington.

There are a number of other weapons charges that could be brought against you. For example, cities may have local ordinances that apply to the use or possession of weapons. Many cities prohibit firearm owners from shooting their weapons within city limits unless they are within a shooting range.

Because there are so many laws related to weapons, it’s important that you consult with an experienced Seattle weapons crimes attorney as soon as possible if you have been charged. Contact the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold to speak with a team of knowledgeable attorneys who will provide you with legal advice and walk you through your legal options.

HOW CAN A WEAPON CHARGES LAWYER HELP?

When police officers discover weapons during a traffic stop, a routine arrest, or the investigation of some other crime, Seattle criminal defense lawyer Kevin Trombold can investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest. If the police broke the law or violated your search and seizure rights, Kevin Trombold will argue to have charges against you dismissed. It’s impossible to predict exactly what the punishment will be for a weapons crime. The principles of criminal law dictate that a variety of elements must be considered including the details of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Do not, however, expect leniency if you are convicted of a weapons violation. Expect instead to serve time behind bars. If you are charged with any weapons violation, it’s best to find representation right away. Fight the charge with the help of Seattle defense lawyer Kevin Trombold, who has over 20 years of legal experience.

THE FIRST MEETING WITH ONE OF THE TOP LAW FIRMS IN SEATTLE IS FREE

If you face any weapons charge in the greater Seattle area, call the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold at once. Although the weapons laws are designed to end gun violence, a weapons charge can genuinely destroy your professional and personal life if you don’t have an attorney on your side. Kevin Trombold’s law firm practice areas include drug cases, DUI, assault, sex offenses, theft and domestic violence. Seattle criminal defense attorney Kevin Trombold along with his team can immediately begin to review your case and determine an appropriate defense strategy. With decades of experience, Kevin Trombold is well-known among prosecutors and judges as a skilled and experienced lawyer in the Seattle area. If you or a loved one has been charged with a weapons crime in Seattle, Tacoma, Snohomish County, Bellevue, Everett, or any of the nearby communities, please contact the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold. You can reach us by phone by calling 206-249-9656 or sending an email through the form on this website to schedule your no-cost first consultation. For driving directions, please consult the map on this site.