Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Norfolk 

If a person is a convicted felon, and they are found unlawfully possessing a firearm in Norfolk, then that person could be charged with convicted felony in addition to the other charges. The charges accumulated will depend on what the person’s past felony was, if it is a violent or non-violent felony, and how long ago that felony was, but the person could be looking at up to five years mandatory prison time.

For example, if a person tries to possess a firearm when the person is not eligible through another misdemeanor conviction, that can be another criminal charge. If you have more questions regarding gun charges, call an experienced Norfolk gun lawyer today.

Guilty of Unlawful Possession of Firearms

Under Virginia law, if a person has been deemed ineligible to own a firearm, whether by actual or constructive possession (whether or not the person had dominion and control over the firearm), then the person could be convicted of possession of a firearm or an illegal possession of a firearm in Norfolk.

Penalties for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

More often, unlawful possession of a firearm in Norfolk will be a misdemeanor. However, if the person was a convicted felon and they possessed a firearm, that is a felony charge and it carries up to 10 years in prison. If a person’s felony was within five years and the person is then convicted of this possession of a firearm charge, there would be a mandatory minimum of two years. If a person is convicted of a violent felony, it could be a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.

Possession vs. Distribution

Norfolk gun laws are more focused on possession than distribution of an unlawful firearm. Illegal firearm distribution is an issue from the court and if it comes up, it is something that they will take seriously. However, it does not have priority over possession. Most guns that are used in crimes, at some point, were bought legally and often they were taken from their rightful owner or they ended up in the hands of felon, but not necessarily through an underground network.

Guns have become more prevalent and more accepted in society.  It is fairly easy for somebody to obtain a firearm either through purchasing a firearm or through someone they know. A lot of times, there are people who are not supposed to have firearms and end up with them, which unlawfully owning a firearm. Police focus on that and make sure that people who should not have guns do not have them.

Crime and Gun Laws

Norfolk does not have excessive crime rates, but the controversy and political atmosphere surrounding guns more often than not escalates certain situations, which is why unlawfully owning a firearm in Norfolk is serious. Law enforcement are strict when it comes to using firearms.

Gun-Free Zones

Schools, federal and government buildings, and courthouses are some areas where a person cannot have guns. Bringing a gun into a gun-free zone is a felony, but it is not a common case because people tend to be aware that they cannot take a gun near a school.