Introduction
Weapon-related crimes in Arizona range from minor offenses to extremely severe violations. They include assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a gun without a permit, and more. With a weapon charge on your record, you may be facing hefty fines, prison time, and other serious penalties.
Considering the range of items that may count as weapons, it’s imperative that you understand your legal rights at this time. Hiring a weapon defense lawyer in Mesa will improve your odds of getting a reduced sentence.
Weapon Laws in Mesa
A “weapon” (or dangerous instrument) refers to any object used to inflict physical harm, or anything you can use to endanger or threaten someone. Even everyday items such as golf clubs or rocks may count as dangerous instruments or weapons if used to inflict injury. Arizona law designates firearms as “deadly weapons” since they’re designed to be lethal.
Arizona law prohibits weapons such as grenades, bombs, certain chemicals, Molotov cocktails, and more. There are exceptions to these devices or items being classed as weapons. However, if you use them with the intention to harm someone, they legally count as such. If you’ve been charged with illegal possession, weapon-related assault, or another similar offense, speak with a criminal defense attorney today.
Penalties for Weapon-Related Crimes in Mesa
Misconduct involving weapons can fall into several categories under Arizona law. The sentencing and potential classification will depend on the details of your case. Let’s look closer at these categories below:
Class 1 Misdemeanor Misconduct
Class 1 misdemeanor misconduct involving weapons includes concealed carry with no permit or bringing a deadly weapon onto school grounds, public premises, or into an election polling place or event when you were requested not to. Class 1 misdemeanor misconduct in Mesa can carry up to 6 months of jail time.
Class 6 Felony Misconduct
Class 6 felony misconduct includes transferring or selling a deadly weapon to a recipient who is legally prohibited from having one, defacing deadly weapons, unlawfully firing a gun, or having a defaced deadly weapon in your possession. Class 6 felony misconduct involving weapons can lead to up to a year in prison.
Class 4 Felony Misconduct
Class 4 felony misconduct involving weapons includes possessing, selling, or manufacturing a prohibited weapon. It can also include having a deadly weapon in your possession while committing a felony crime, having a deadly weapon in your possession as a felon, or bringing a deadly weapon into a nuclear plant. A conviction for these offenses may come with up to 2.5 years in prison.
Class 3 Felony Misconduct
Class 3 misconduct involving weapons includes furthering gang activity by firing a gun in an occupied space and committing an act of terrorism with a deadly weapon. You may also receive a class 3 felony misconduct charge for selling or giving a gun to someone with the knowledge that they’ll use it to commit a felony offense. This offense carries a penalty of up to 3.5 years in prison.
Defenses to Weapon-Related Charges in Mesa
In some cases, an individual is allowed to possess a firearm or weapon or may have legal authorization to carry a gun in Mesa. For example, having a firearm or weapon in your home, on your business premises, or on property you lease or own. You may also have authorization to possess a weapon if you’re a volunteer sheriff, if you carry it in a visible manner, or in your luggage.
Additionally, you may be authorized to possess a firearm or weapon if you put it in a case in your glove compartment or trunk or carry it as a peace officer or U.S. military forces member performing official duties. There are a few other instances that may allow you to legally carry a weapon. If you have any questions about this, contact a weapons defense lawyer.
JacksonWhite Law in Mesa, Arizona
JacksonWhite Law has been serving clients in the Mesa area since 1983. We offer a full range of legal assistance and have plenty of experience navigating cases just like yours with great success. As one of the biggest firms in the East Valley, we work to provide advanced, insightful legal solutions to families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state of Arizona.
From fines, to probation and jail time, being in legal trouble is no laughing matter. It could harm your opportunities in life and even make it harder to find a place to live. Speak with one of our skilled lawyers today to get answers to your questions and to protect your future.
JacksonWhite Mesa Office
Our Mesa office is on the northwest corner of W. Pepper and N. Center Street. You may park on Pepper or in the parking garage nearby.
The Mesa city court is located on the northwest corner of Pomeroy Street and 1st Avenue. You’ll find a public parking garage behind the building, which you can access from Pomeroy or Main Street.
Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.
