While the right to keep and bear arms is a constitutionally protected liberty, all states limit a person's ability to carry or possess certain weapons in certain situations. Each state has its own laws that establish the types of weapons that are illegal to own or possess. Anyone who possesses a weapon that is specifically prohibited by state or federal law can be charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
Criminal possession of a weapon is similar to the crime of carrying a concealed weapon, though there are important differences. When the state prohibits a certain weapon, it doesn't matter if you own it, carry it in the open, or have it hidden somewhere on your body or in your car (within reach). It's enough that you have the weapon or have control over it to be convicted of possessing a prohibited weapon. But if you carry a prohibited weapon in a concealed manner, you may also be charged with carrying a concealed weapon.
Individuals Prohibited From Possessing Weapons
In addition to prohibiting certain types of weapons, state and federal laws also prohibit possession of guns or other dangerous weapons by certain individuals, including people convicted of felonies or domestic violence misdemeanors, those who are subject to domestic violence restraining orders, illegal drug users, and former military members who were dishonorably discharged (18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (2019)). Under so-called red flag laws in some states, people who’ve been identified as posing a danger of gun violence are also barred from possessing firearms while subject to extreme risk protection orders.
Possessing a prohibited weapon is often charged as a misdemeanor, though in some situations it can count as a felony offense. Misdemeanors are crimes for which the punishment is up to one year in jail, while a felony can lead to incarceration in a prison for at least a year or more. In many jurisdictions, the dividing line between a misdemeanor and felony charge depends on whether the person convicted of the crime has been previously convicted of the same crime, or convicted of any other felony.
Though the type of sentence associated with the conviction for possessing a prohibited weapon can vary widely from case to case, they typically involve one or more of the following penalties:
While being charged with possessing a prohibited weapon may seem like a minor offense, it is always in your best interest to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney whenever you face a criminal charge. Even if you believe you are not guilty of the crime and do not believe you can be convicted, it's important you speak to an attorney so you can receive competent legal advice about the options you have and what steps you have to take. Only a criminal defense attorney will know how to properly analyze your case and provide legal advice based on the law and the facts in your particular circumstances.
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