Being arrested for possessing a stolen firearm in Arkansas is no simple legal matter. The state prosecution will take this offense seriously, and you need to face these charges with just as much gravitas. Even if you are not the individual who stole the firearm, merely possessing it could bring about intense legal ramifications. If you find yourself facing charges of firearm theft or possessing a stolen firearm, you need the assistance of a Little Rock stolen firearms lawyer.
Possessing a stolen firearm is a felony in Little Rock, and a successful conviction can carry harsh consequences. You may wonder, how do I know if a firearm is stolen or not? Typically, if you purchased the firearm and no paperwork was signed in the exchange, there is a good chance it is stolen property. If you are convicted of this crime, not only can you face the loss of your future gun rights, but you can also face substantial fines and a lengthy jail sentence.
If you find yourself facing charges of stolen firearms or possession of stolen firearms, the legal team at Lemley Law Partners is here to serve you.
In the state of Arkansas, you can be guilty of theft if you receive, dispose of, or retain an item of stolen property, including a stolen firearm, if you know the property was stolen or have a good reason to believe the property was stolen. It is also important to understand how a firearm is defined in the state when facing stolen firearm charges. In Arkansas, a firearm is any instrument that is used in the propulsion of a shot, bullet, or shell.
It is important to note that even if the firearm is not actually in working order, it can still count as a stolen firearm charge. This means that a jammed or broken gun can still count in these charges if that gun can be fixed and made to work again. In many stolen firearms cases, the individual charged with this crime is not the actual individual who committed the theft and is not aware that the gun they are purchasing is stolen property.
You may be able to use this as a defense. However, the prosecution will try to demonstrate that you should have had reasonable knowledge that the firearm was stolen.
They may ask you the following questions, and it is important to keep these questions in mind when purchasing a firearm:
Depending on how you answer these questions, you may not be able to use the defense that you were unaware the gun was stolen property.
If you are facing charges of stolen firearms in Little Rock, it is vital that you retain the services of a criminal defense attorney. At Lemley Law Partners, our legal team has been assisting clients for over 20 years. We understand how frightening these times are, especially if you purchased a stolen firearm without knowledge. Allow us to come alongside you at this time and offer a solid defense strategy that can stand up in court and against the prosecution’s case.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your stolen firearms charge, there are several defenses that may be used.
These defenses can include the following:
A: No, if you are charged with a felony in the state of Arkansas, you cannot possess a firearm. This is one of the many reasons why, when facing charges of any kind in the state, you should hire an attorney who can work to reduce your charges or have your case dismissed altogether. You can lose out on several other rights, as well, when convicted of a felony, so it is vital that you work with an attorney.
A: Depending on the classification of the charge itself, you could face a lengthy prison sentence for possession of a stolen firearm charge in the state of Arkansas. A knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney can review your case and work toward a lesser charge, reduced sentencing, or a case dismissal altogether.
A: In addition to lengthy prison sentences, you can also face substantial fines and the loss of certain rights, including the right to possess a firearm in the future. You may also suffer devastating personal consequences in Little Rock, such as the loss of your reputation and even harm to your professional career. It’s important to engage an experienced lawyer for help.
A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a criminal defense attorney might charge for their services in the state of Arkansas, as each case and each attorney’s fee structures are different. However, there are certain factors that can influence the fees involved in all cases, including the duration of the case, the severity of the charges brought against you, and the experience of your attorney.
If you have been charged with stolen firearm crimes in Little Rock, you need a competent criminal defense attorney. There is much on the line in these cases, and you could lose out on many rights should a successful conviction be handed. Contact the offices of Lemley Law Partners today to schedule your initial consultation. Let us work to protect your rights, freedoms, and future.