If you face gun charges in South Carolina, you may wish to speak with an experienced lawyer. These charges can be serious, regardless of the Second Amendment Rights you enjoy under the Constitution. Various state and federal laws may be at play, and it could be challenging to determine the most appropriate defense strategy. That’s why you need an experienced gun charges attorney in Greenville, SC.
Types of Gun Charges We Defend
Gun charges can arise in many forms, from simple possession allegations to very serious violent-crime enhancers, and each type carries its own legal consequences and defense challenges. At Beasley Tomlinson Law, we defend against a full range of firearm-related charges, including but not limited to:
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: Carrying or having control of a firearm when prohibited, including by prior conviction, domestic violence restraining order, or other legal disqualifications.
- Carrying Without a Permit or Concealed Carry Permit Violations: Charges for having a loaded or concealed weapon without required licensing or permit documentation.
- Felon in Possession: Allegations that a person with a prior felony record unlawfully possessed a gun — a serious felony offense with long-term consequences.
- Brandishing or Displaying a Firearm: Facing charges for pointing or displaying a weapon in a threatening manner, often combined with other violent offense allegations.
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of Another Crime: When a firearm is used during a violent act, drug offense, or robbery, prosecutors often add enhancements or separate gun-related charges that drastically increase penalties.
Every one of these charges can drastically affect your freedom and rights, including potential imprisonment, huge fines, and life-altering collateral consequences like loss of gun rights and employment challenges. Defense begins at the moment you are accused, and we stand ready to protect your interests at every stage.
Federal Gun Laws Still Apply in South Carolina
While state laws may be less strict in South Carolina, many federal gun laws still apply. Perhaps the most obvious law is the prohibition of gun possession for convicted felons. If you are caught in possession of a firearm as a felon, you face serious consequences.
The good news is that, unlike many other states, South Carolina does not have a “red flag law.” This type of law can rob you of your gun rights even if you haven’t yet committed a crime.
How Our Gun Charge Defense Attorneys Can Help
A gun charges attorney may be able to help in various ways. If you have been charged with possession of an illegal firearm, a defense attorney may be able to challenge the constitutionality of the underlying search. For example, officers might have searched your vehicle without “probable cause.” Perhaps they lied about seeing signs of a crime you never committed and then used that as a pretense to search.
Of course, the most appropriate defense strategy depends entirely on your situation. For example, you might face charges due to criminally negligent storage of your firearms. Perhaps you have been accused of a “negligent discharge” of your guns. Whatever the case may be, your lawyer can devise a fitting strategy.
Why Gun Charges Are Treated Seriously
Gun charges are often treated more harshly than other criminal offenses because the presence of a firearm elevates public safety concerns. Prosecutors may pursue enhancements that increase sentencing exposure if a gun was present during another crime or if aggravating circumstances exist, such as the alleged use of the weapon or prior convictions.
Speak With Beasley Tomlinson Law About Your Gun Charges
If you’ve been searching for a gun charges defense attorney in Greenville, SC, Beasley Tomlinson Law can help. You can determine the most appropriate defense strategy based on your unique situation with our assistance. Our experienced defense attorneys can help you pursue positive outcomes if you face state or federal charges. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
