When you or someone you love has been charged with a gun crime, you need to act fast. The sooner you connect with a Bexley criminal defense lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, the better. We will provide immediate guidance and protection.
Our managing attorney and our firm-at-large have been recognized by Best Lawyers and other legal organizations. The excellence that earned those accolades is available to you when you partner with a Bexley gun crime lawyer from our firm.
What to Do After Being Charged With a Gun Crime
When you have been arrested for a gun crime, use your right to speak with a gun crime attorney in Bexley as soon as possible. You will be taken through the booking process immediately after your arrest and most likely detained until your arraignment. An arraignment is a hearing before a judge where you are informed of the charges against you and find out your bail amount.
You can connect with us before that arraignment—and you should. You should also avoid saying anything to law enforcement about:
- The alleged crime
- Your whereabouts during the time the crime was committed
- Information about your friends or associates
- Anything that could connect to the reason for and the circumstances of your arrest in any way
By securing representation, you protect yourself from saying or doing anything that could be used against you later. Your Bexley gun crime lawyer will guide you through the best path forward. Our goals are to protect your rights and build you a strong defense.
For a free legal consultation with a gun crime lawyer serving Bexley, call (614) 884-1100
Gun Laws in Ohio
The Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2923 details the extensive laws governing guns and weapons. The State allows law-abiding citizens aged 21 and older to apply for gun licenses and even carry concealed weapons if approved. Still, carriers must follow specific rules to avoid being charged with a crime.
The laws establish illegal behaviors regarding:
- Gun possession
- Places where guns are prohibited
- Transporting guns
- Discharging the weapon
- Informing law enforcement of a gun when stopped
If guns are involved when a person commits an unlawful act, the charges for that crime will likely be increased. For example, if a person uses, or even just shows or brandishes a firearm as part of an assault, they typically face a mandatory prison sentence.
Bexley Gun Crime Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Penalties for Gun Crimes
A gun crime can bring misdemeanor or felony charges. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, but can still bring jail time, substantial fines, and other penalties. The discharge of a firearm in prohibited areas may be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor per Section 2923.162 of the Ohio Code. If someone is injured as a result of this offense, however, the charges can rise to first-degree felony.
Other gun crimes are serious enough to start in the felony category. Misdemeanors and felonies are classified by degree, with first-degree classifications carrying the highest penalties. A first-degree misdemeanor can result in a six-month jail sentence and fines. A first-degree felony conviction has mandatory prison sentences that could last for years, decades, or life, per Section 2929.14
A fine or period of incarceration is not the only cost of being convicted of a crime. A criminal history can also reduce your employment and housing opportunities, and for divorced or unmarried parents, change child-custody agreements. A Bexley gun crime attorney will fight to have your charges reduced, if not dismissed completely, so that you can avoid the most severe and life-altering penalties.
Click to contact our Bexley Criminal Defense Lawyers today
How a Gun Crime Lawyer in Bexley Can Help You
It is easy to become overwhelmed with fear when facing gun charges, and fear can affect your judgment. The team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt is here to keep you grounded by reminding you that you are not fighting alone. We are on your side, and you can trust our judgment. Once you partner with us, we will take the lead.
We will immediately get to work building you a powerful defense. The strategy will depend on the specifics of your case, but some common defenses for gun crimes include:
- Self Defense: You used or showed your gun to protect yourself or someone else from harm.
- Rights Violations: The authorities did not have a valid search warrant when they found your gun, did not have probable cause to stop you, or otherwise infringed on your rights.
- Lack of Knowledge: You were not aware the weapon was in your car, on your associate’s person, or otherwise present when the alleged offense occurred.
- Mistaken Identity: You were arrested erroneously and mistaken for another person.
We will study your case to design the best defense strategy. Our client testimonials show our commitment to our clients and to providing exceptional representation. You can expect that same dedication when we take your case.
Negotiate a Plea or Fight at Trial
Some cases resolve through negotiations. Your gun crime attorney in Bexley will negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges and penalties reduced. We will:
- Present mitigating factors, which are elements of your case that lessen your culpability
- Challenge the strength of the prosecution’s evidence
- Put all of our collective experience to work negotiating the most favorable case outcome available
Still, our team will not encourage you to accept an unfair plea deal just to end your case. If we take your case to court, you can count on us for superior representation at all proceedings. We will present a formidable defense and call out any acts of prosecutorial misconduct at trial. You have the right to fair treatment by the criminal justice system, and we will work to ensure you get it.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Do Not Fight Your Charges Alone
Fighting gun charges demands a strategic, experienced defense team. Anything less risks your freedom, finances, and future opportunities. With 30 years of experience and 300 five-star reviews, Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt is the defense team in the best position to lead your fight.
Contact us as soon as possible for a free case evaluation. We are ready to get to work.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
