Firearms Offenses

Gun laws broadly cover activities related to the sale, possession, and use of firearms. Violating state or federal firearm laws can result in criminal charges, even if you were unaware that your conduct was illegal. If you have been arrested for a firearms offense, a Reno gun crime lawyer can provide crucial assistance in helping you defeat or reduce the charges. William J. Routsis has over 25 years of experience representing people accused of violent crimes and other offenses in many areas of Nevada and California. He has the skill and dedication needed to mount a strong defense against the prosecution.

Many gun charges in Nevada arise from unlawful possession, since Nevada law prohibits the ownership or possession of a firearm by certain types of people. These include people who have been convicted of any state or federal felony, people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes, fugitives from justice, addicts and unlawful users of any controlled substance, people deemed mentally ill by a state or federal court of law, and people who are unlawfully in the United States, among others. It is also illegal to sell a gun to these people as well as others prohibited from owning or possessing a gun. Nevada wholly bans the sale or possession of certain kinds of firearms and ammunition, such as short-barreled shotguns and metal-penetrating bullets.

People who legally own a firearm are subject to Nevada’s open and concealed carry laws as well as other rules governing firearm use. Open carry refers to a firearm that can be perceived by ordinary observation, such as a holstered handgun on a belt. While Nevada does not require a permit to openly carry a firearm, there are places in Nevada where guns are banned, such as public school grounds, child care facilities, and many government buildings. Carrying a concealed firearm in public without a valid permit, on the other hand, is a felony. Other Nevada firearm offenses include using a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime, possessing a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and drawing a deadly weapon in a threatening manner. If you are facing any of these charges, a dedicated gun crime attorney in the Reno area can help you explore the full scope of your options in mounting a defense.

Self-defense, lack of requisite intent, mistaken identity, and insufficient evidence are just a few of the defenses that may be available to contest a Nevada firearms charge. The circumstances surrounding the charge may affect various aspects of your case, such as potential defenses, plea agreements, and final sentencing. In addition, the penalties upon a conviction of a gun crime vary widely depending on the offense charged, the criminal history of the defendant, the people involved in the crime, and other factors, but they often include prison time and fines.

Federal laws also regulate firearm possession, and these laws may overlap with or supplement Nevada firearm laws. For example, although Nevada law is silent on the issue of machine guns, federal law prohibits the possession of a machine gun with very few exceptions. In some cases, federal gun charges are brought in conjunction with other charges, such as drug trafficking or violent offenses committed with a gun. Federal law also covers the transport of firearms by dealers and individuals throughout the U.S. An experienced criminal attorney can further discuss the details of a federal or state firearms charge.

William J. Routsis is an established criminal lawyer with decades of courtroom experience. With a firm belief that every person should have equal access to justice, Mr. Routsis works tenaciously to defend his clients regardless of their financial situation. He can handle any Nevada or California criminal case, from firearms offenses to white collar crimes. To schedule a free consultation with a Reno gun crime attorney, call our office at (775) 337-2609 or contact us online. We also represent people in Carson City, Sparks, Truckee, Winnemuca, Elko, Lake Tahoe, and other communities in Nevada and California.