District of Columbia Concealed Weapon Charges

Washington, D.C., has the toughest gun laws in the nation. The District of Columbia does not permit anyone to carry a firearm openly or concealed. They currently do not issue concealed weapons permits, and all firearms must be registered. Only the D.C. Metropolitan Police can issue a firearms registration certificate. It is illegal to possess any firearm that has a magazine of ten rounds or greater.

District of Columbia Gun Laws

All firearms are to be kept at a person’s residence or place of business. Before the Supreme Court case of District of Columbia v. Heller, residents weren’t even allowed to keep a loaded gun in their homes for protection. The previous laws required citizens to store their unloaded guns in a locked case, and the ammunition was to be locked in a separate case. The landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court found that the District of Columbia’s laws were unconstitutional because the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. As of March 2011, there is legislation in both the House and Senate that would repeal some of the local gun laws.

Washington, D.C., Weapons Violations

It is unlawful for anyone to carry a gun in the District of Columbia unless he or she is a law enforcement office or military officer on active duty. All registered weapons must be transported with some type of locking mechanism and remain unloaded. Any ammunition must be kept in a locked case separate from the weapon.

How to Plead When Charged with a Crime

The vast majority of criminal cases end up with the defendant opting for a plea bargain. A plea agreement can happen at any time during the criminal justice process and often results in a reduction in jail time and fines. If the defendant chooses to accept a plea deal, he or she must enter a guilty plea in court. First-time offenders may be eligible for a pre-trial diversion program in some cases. An individual who wishes to plead not guilty and proceed to trial should be aware that if he or she is found guilty, the judge could impose a harsher sentence if there are aggravating factors in the case.

Washington, D.C., Criminal Defense Attorney

Any person caught carrying a weapon on federal property will be charged with a federal felony offense. If convicted, he or she risks facing a much longer prison sentence and larger fines. In addition, he or she will be the target of a full-scale investigation by the FBI. The individual will not only be charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon but will also face conspiracy charges if federal investigators believe he or she conspired to harm a U.S. representative or senator. If you’ve been arrested in the District, don’t take any chances with your future. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how the system works and will defend you against all charges.