At Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our skilled criminal defense lawyers in Raleigh believe that just because you have been arrested or charged with a weapons crime, does not mean that you will be convicted of those charges.
Our criminal defense lawyers in North Carolina will fully outline your case, so you understand what your gun charges mean to your future — whether your legal challenges stem from possessing a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime, or using a deadly weapon during an assault — so you can pursue the best outcome available for your unique circumstances with confidence.
In just over a decade, our criminal defense law firm in Wake County has handled over 5,000 cases with uncompromising precision for clients throughout North Carolina to ensure their criminal charges do not define their futures.
Our talented team of criminal defense attorneys has established themselves as an authoritative presence inside and outside both state and federal courtrooms, reputably producing real results for our clients through case dismissals, reduced charges, and other recognizably favorable outcomes.
What is the North Carolina Gun Laws?
North Carolina has progressive gun laws that allow for both open and concealed carry if the individual has legal clearance and the proper permit to do so.
Individuals may privately purchase a handgun in North Carolina when he or her:
- Is at least 21 years old
- Obtained either a concealed carry permit or a pistol purchase permit
Applicants must go through a thorough background check to obtain purchase or concealed carry permit, which may be run by the county sheriff’s office or the establishment where the purchase is taking place.
North Carolina residents may purchase a rifle or shotgun privately or from a dealer once they are 18 years old and do not require a permit or background check to do so.
What is the North Carolina Open Carry Gun Laws?
North Carolina allows lawful gun owners to openly carry their firearms in public, if they are visible, except in off-limit areas, including government and law enforcement buildings, the state fair, school campuses, establishments serving alcohol, and businesses with “No Weapons” signs.
North Carolinians may also transport legally owned firearms in their vehicles, but they must be visible or stored in the trunk if the owner does not have a concealed carry license.
You may not keep a firearm hidden beneath your clothing, in the glove box, or concealed in any way without the proper concealed carry permit to do so, or you could be charged with a serious gun crime.
If you own firearms in North Carolina, you must understand when and where you may carry them, as not being aware of our guns laws is not a sufficient defense strategy and may lead to serious convictions that can change your life.
Our skilled gun crimes attorneys in North Carolina can help build your defense, so you can put these charges behind you and move forward with confidence.
What are the Most Common Types of Weapons Charges in North Carolina?
There are both state and federal firearms laws that apply to North Carolina residents.
When they are in violation, our residents will likely be charged with a crime.
Some of the most common types of weapons charges may include, but are not limited to:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
This charge is broad and may include someone possessing a firearm when he or she is underage, carrying a concealed weapon without a concealed carry permit, or when they have been prohibited from possessing handguns due to a previous felony conviction, domestic violence conviction, or current restraining order.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm on City Property/Airport
It is illegal to carry a firearm on airport property and other city locations.
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
Willfully or wantonly discharging or attempt to discharge a firearm, either within city limits, from within a building, structure, or vehicle toward another person or group outside the enclosure, or as part of criminal gang activity, you will be charged with a felony.
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
If an individual has been previously convicted of a felony, it is illegal for him or her to own, possess, or have custody or control any firearm.
Larceny with a Firearm
Theft of goods worth more than $1,000 can result in felony charges. If the stolen property involves a firearm, regardless of the property’s value, the crime will be charged as a felony.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Assaulting another person with a deadly weapon causing serious injuries with or without the intent to kill will lead to felony charges, which will be classed based on intent.
If you are charged with a weapons crime, the potential penalty depends on the level of the offense and your criminal history, with the minimum or maximum penalties for gun crimes in North Carolina could be lower or higher based on mitigating or aggravating factors in your case.
In addition, if your North Carolina gun crime is filed as a federal charge, you must know that our North Carolina defense law firm is equipped to handle federal gun charges.
At Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our federal criminal defense attorneys have represented clients in every federal courtroom in North Carolina.
We understand the various statutes relating to grand jury indictments, evidence discovery, and deadlines for filing legal motions because, in federal court, experience makes a difference.
Whenever possible, we fight to have your felony charges to be reduced and returned to the state criminal justice system, where will continue to represent clients facing gun crimes with over 110 years of combined criminal defense experience and skill to pursue the best outcome for each of our client’s unique weapons charges.
If you have been charged with a federal gun crime in North Carolina, partnering with experienced and influential criminal defense attorneys will allow you to prioritize your freedom, which is the most crucial element of any criminal case.
Contact our skilled federal crimes attorneys in North Carolina today to get the representation you need to pursue actual results.
Marcilliat & Mills PLLC: Established Gun Crimes Criminal Defense Attorneys. Real Results.
If you have been accused, charged, or investigated for a gun crime in North Carolina, do not leave your future to chance by discussing your case with the investigator or prosecutor’s office without an accomplished criminal defense attorney by your side.
Contact our weapons crime defense attorneys in North Carolina at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC today by calling 919-838-6643 or online to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can empower you to take a stand and pursue real results.