Reducing Life Stress, Drama, and Trauma Through Criminal Law
Are you facing a conviction for weapons charges?
The United States Constitution protects citizens’ right to bear arms under the Second Amendment, but weapons are closely regulated by both state and federal law.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re being charged with a weapons offense—like a gun crime—you could face hefty fines, limited future opportunities, and even jail time.
Weapons offenses are often felony convictions, so you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who’s well-versed in gun laws. A Chattanooga weapons charges lawyer will work to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case.
Some weapons are completely outlawed in the Volunteer State. This means it is illegal to knowingly or intentionally manufacture, sell, repair, transport, or possess the barred weapons.
Prohibited firearms in Tennessee include:
The Tennessee criminal law also contains an overarching prohibition of any “implement for infliction of serious bodily injury or death” if there’s no lawful purpose for possessing it.
Penalties for weapons offenses in Tennessee can result in a range of penalties. Some weapon crimes are charged as misdemeanors, and some are charged as felonies.
For example, a simple weapons charge is one where the defendant was found in possession of a firearm, club, or blade longer than four inches and “intended to go armed.” This charge is usually considered a Class C misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of $50 in fines and 30 days in jail.
On the other hand, in criminal cases where defendants were in possession of a sawed-off shotgun or machine gun, these charges are considered Class E felonies. This weapons offense is punishable by one to six years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines.
In any case involving illegal possession of weapons, there are certain factors that—if present—could lead to charges being increased to a more severe offense.
If the defendant has previous gun crimes on their record, a simple weapons possession charge—usually a Class C misdemeanor—could be elevated to a Class B misdemeanor. This charge carries a possible penalty of $500 in fines and six months in jail.
Convicted felons who have previously been convicted of a violent felony or a drug felony are prohibited from possessing a firearm in Tennessee.
When a defendant with a violent felony conviction on their criminal record is found in possession of a firearm, the charge is a Class B felony. Penalties could include up to 30 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
Those with felony drug crimes on their record could face a Class C felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Possession of a weapon on school property—including school buildings, grounds, and athletic fields—is a Class E felony.
Even if the weapon is legally owned and carried, if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Tennessee, you could be facing a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties for this charge include up to one year in prison and $2,500 in fines.
If the defendant is accused of illegally possessing a firearm while committing or attempting to commit a dangerous felony—such as carjacking, aggravated burglary, or murder—the weapons offense is a Class C felony.
Suppose you’re facing a weapons charge in Tennessee. In that case, it’s important to remember that, for you to be proven guilty, the prosecution must convince a jury beyond reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed the weapon illegally and intended to be armed.
With that in mind, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to use one of the following criminal defense strategies for your benefit:
A weapons conviction is no joke. If you’re facing charges for firearm possession, you need legal representation. An experienced Chattanooga weapons charges attorney can help protect your rights and freedom. Contact the Law Office of Sam Byrd today for a consultation on your criminal case.
Our primary goal is to get you to a better life as quickly and painlessly as possible. We are skilled in the art of navigating the legal system to do just that. We know the recipe for success and will guide you toward it with communication and aggressive representation.
Our Intake Team Will Review The General Factors In Your Case So We Know How To Serve You Best
We Will Review Options and Set Goals Together To Step You Through This Difficult Time Into A Better Life
We Have Your Back And Will Negotiate, Advocate, And Litigate If We Must!
And Know We Are Here In Your Corner If And When You Ever Need Us. Your Peace Of Mind Is Our Passion!
I am so thankful I chose Sam Byrd to represent me in my divorce. From the very first meeting two years ago I knew that I had exactly who I needed to guide me through all the legal parts of my divorce. He has always been and continues to be honest, willing, and understanding of my
After reading some really positive reviews I came to Sam Byrd to help me in a custody matter. I was looking for someone I could trust to help me and my daughter through a very emotional and difficult process. I definitely found that with Sam and Brittany! I can’t express enough gratitude for all …
Mr. Byrd was recommended to me through a friend of a friend. I was very impressed with his office. Everyone I spoke with was extremely professional, courteous and my calls and emails were returned. At my first meeting with Mr. Byrd, I …
Sam and his office provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all details of my divorce. Sam’s attitude to the work he does, helped me to avoid emotional divorce complications and got me through it in a timely manner.
Sam Byrd was the right choice for me when I needed a defense attorney. He was available for all my questions and concerns prior to court and was committed to the best interest for my family. He took the time to get witness accounts and details which was above and beyond other …
No parent wants to imagine losing custody of their child. But for parents struggling with drug...
Law Office of Sam Byrd was build on the back of aggressive, proactive legal guidance for clients who are looking for a creative and innovative attorney to get them through some of the hardest times of their lives. Often riddled with fear, anxiety, and pain, Sam and his team have been able to deliver results for people and families in desperate need of something different – instant relief through aggressive and appropriate representation.
Because you are seen as a HUMAN, not a line item on an accounting report or a case number on a court docket. We believe you deserve to be served with diligence and integrity – giving you our best through your worst times to provide the best possible experience from the beginning.
Both state and federal governments have laws restricting the manufacturing, selling, and possession of weapons. For example, you will face federal court and a federal charge if your offense violates federal gun laws. However, if your offense violates state law, you’ll be charged at the state level.
Federal law prohibits the following individuals from possessing firearms or ammunition:
Earlier this year, Tennessee legislators voted to remove the short-barrel rifle or shotgun from the list of illegal firearms in the state. It is now legal for Tennessee residents to possess them.
If you are arrested for both the possession of drugs and unlawful possession of weapons in Tennessee, you could be facing severe penalties. In the Volunteer State, offenders who commit both of these crimes could face consecutive sentences for these crimes if convicted.
You need a second chance to get your life back on track after a regretful mistake
Your drunk driving charges are endangering your livelihood and risking the future for you and your loved ones
You’re facing the legal consequences of a rageful moment and need help getting past it – fast.
You’re struggling under the weight of snowballing and unfair domestic charges
You’re up against burglary or theft charges and need legal representation to get a fair chance
Possession or other drug-related charges are looming and you need legal help to reduce their impact on your life
Your child is facing charges for unwise decisions whose consequences could disproportionately threaten their education, their employment, and their future
You’re up against federal charges for fraud or embezzlement that could quickly snowball into big consequences
You’re facing charges after a violent incident, and the consequences could steal away your freedom and your safety
Over the years it has been gut-wrenching to see how better representation would have changed the lives of those charged with criminal offenses in Chattanooga. I have been in courtrooms where someone felt they had done nothing wrong so they did not get representation because they thought the facts would be enough to maintain their freedom. Although the Tennessee criminal justice process might seem straightforward, it rarely is. The law is complicated and has many small nuances that can create big impacts. Knowing how to navigate the legal system and having an experienced and aggressives criminal defense attorney on your side, and in your corner, is the difference that changes the dynamic in your criminal defense case.
Both criminal charges and drunk driving charges can sometimes be resolved by one of the following:
