Glendale Gun Crimes Lawyer

Gun Crimes Attorney in Glendale, AZ

Arizona’s laws on firearm possession are fairly lenient. Even so, those who choose to exercise this right must be sure to understand their obligations under the law, or they may end up needing a Glendale gun crimes lawyer. This includes both demonstrating responsible gun ownership and avoiding the illegal use of these weapons.

Gun charges in Arizona can come with severe consequences, and incidents involving the alleged use of a firearm to commit a crime can bring the harshest penalties under state law. In addition, merely bringing a gun into certain places can result in felony charges. 

If you are facing criminal charges related to the improper ownership or use of a firearm, reach out to a Glendale gun lawyer now. The skilled attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group are ready to explain your rights under the law and develop a defense to protect your way of life.

CHARGES FOR ALLEGED USE OF A GUN DURING A CRIME

In many instances, gun charges involve accusations of firearm use while engaging in other criminal behavior. For example, having a gun in one’s possession during the commission of a crime is an aggravating factor that can immediately make a criminal offense more serious. An experienced attorney at our Glendale office is prepared to help if you are facing allegations related to criminal acts while in possession of a weapon. This can include cases involving supposed assaults, robberies, or sex crimes.

GUN POSSESSION IN BURGLARY CASES

One common example of these types of gun cases involves alleged burglary. According to Arizona Revised Statute § 13-1506, a burglary in the third degree is a class 4 felony. However, AZ Rev. Stat. § 13-1508 describes a burglary in the first degree as an event where a person commits this offense while having a gun or other deadly weapon. The only differentiating factor here is a defendant’s supposed possession of a firearm.

Burglary in the first degree is at least a class 3 felony. This can bring a minimum prison sentence of five years, with some sentences extending to eight years. If a defendant has a prior felony conviction, these prison terms will be even longer. A Glendale gun lawyer at our firm can fight to avoid these outcomes.

WHO CAN LEGALLY OWN A FIREARM IN GLENDALE?

Not every criminal allegation related to firearms in Arizona alleges that a person has illegally used a weapon. Some statutes make it a criminal offense to merely possess these items. For instance, AZ Rev. Stat. § 13-3102 prohibits people with a prior felony conviction involving drugs from ever legally possessing a firearm. This same statute also prevents people from bringing guns into a school, discharging weapons during supposed gang activity, or possessing illegal weapons, such as sawed-off shotguns.

Convictions under this statute can be either misdemeanors or felonies. A knowledgeable gun attorney at our firm is prepared to create a defense against the specific allegations of illegal possession or use.

Potential Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction

A drug crime conviction in Arizona carries penalties that can be far harsher than fines and probation. In Glendale neighborhoods such as Arrowhead Ranch, Manistee Ranch, and the Ocotillo District, prosecutors frequently pursue enhanced penalties when a case qualifies as a “dangerous offense.” 

Under Arizona law, a dangerous offense involves the use, discharge, or even simple possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. Serious offenses can become non-probationable and require mandatory prison time.

The state averages 1,344 gun-related deaths per year, or 20.9 deaths per 100,000 residents, and recorded a violent-crime rate of 422 offenses per 100,000 people in 2024. Any felony drug conviction can also result in the loss of firearm rights, affecting hunting, employment, and future background checks. Most individuals arrested in Glendale are booked at the Maricopa County Fourth Avenue Jail, 201 S. 4th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003. 

Why You Should Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer

If you are facing serious gun crime charges, your top priority should be to hire a gun crime lawyer with years of experience managing complex gun crime cases. When you partner with a Glendale gun crimes attorney, you benefit from their years of experience looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s cases that can benefit the defendant. 

A defense attorney can play a key role in protecting your rights and negotiating the terms of a plea deal that protects your freedom. Lawyers are also skilled investigators who can gather new evidence that can prove your innocence. If law enforcement collected evidence unlawfully, anything they gathered can be suppressed, significantly weakening the state’s case. 

FAQs

Q: Can I Be Charged for Owning a Gun in Glendale Even if I Didn’t Use It?

A: You can be charged for unlawful possession of a firearm in Glendale even if you did not use the firearm. Felons and other individuals who have lost their right to own a firearm cannot be in possession of a gun. If they are, they can face serious consequences. With legal representation, you can hold prosecutors to their burden of proof by allowing your attorney to review the evidence to find weaknesses that can support your defense. 

Q: What Makes a Gun Crime a “Dangerous Offense” in Arizona?

A: There are varying degrees of gun crimes in Arizona. Some are misdemeanors while others are serious felonies. In Arizona, a gun crime becomes a “dangerous offense” when a firearm is used, displayed, discharged, or even possessed during the commission of a felony. 

A dangerous offense triggers mandatory prison time and cannot be reduced to probation. This designation applies to crimes such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, and felony drug offenses involving a weapon.

Q: Can a Gun Crime Affect My Career and Housing?

A: Yes, a gun crime can affect your career and housing opportunities. If you are convicted of a gun crime, you will have a criminal record that is publicly viewable. Felony firearm offenses appear on background checks and may prevent you from obtaining jobs that require licensing, security clearances, or handling of sensitive information. Employers often view gun-related convictions as serious red flags.

Q: Should I Talk to Police Without a Lawyer if Arrested for a Gun Offense?

A: If you are arrested for a gun offense, you should not discuss any details of the allegations with law enforcement. Doing so could lead to police gathering incriminating evidence that can greatly weaken your chances of fighting your charges. You are only required to provide your name and basic identifying information. Politely tell the police that you are exercising your right to remain silent until you speak to an attorney.

REACH OUT TO A GLENDALE GUN ATTORNEY FOR HELP

Even if a gun charge is only a misdemeanor, a conviction will create a criminal record, could jeopardize your future ability to own a firearm, or require you to spend time in jail. Other cases are felonies that carry mandatory-minimum prison sentences, even if you have no criminal record. It is crucially important that you act swiftly to protect yourself.

Consult with a Glendale gun lawyer about the next steps to take in your case. The dedicated attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group can evaluate the reason for your arrest and determine the strength of the prosecutor’s case. We will work to develop a defense that aims to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation. Call our team now to discuss your options.

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