Knowledge Builders

what happens if you have a felony and get caught with a gun

by Mose Hintz Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

If you are a felon caught in possession of a firearm, you will likely face criminal charges. In most states, this is a felony offense. The penalties for this crime can be quite severe, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is classified as a felony of the third degree. This charge, if convicted, comes with a presumptive sentence of up to 5 years in prison and / or fines of up to $10,000.

Full Answer

Can a convicted felon carry a gun?

The first and foremost rule for the convicted felon to follow is to stay out of trouble. This is because, as convicted felons, they will already have a stigma attached to them. Carrying a gun or firearm as a person convicted of a felony is a crime in itself. Henceforth, there could be implications if a convicted felon is caught with a firearm.

What happens if you are caught with a firearm?

Felon in Possession of a Firearm: What Happens If You’re Caught? If you are a felon caught in possession of a firearm, you will likely face criminal charges. In most states, this is a felony offense. The penalties for this crime can be quite severe, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

What is the punishment for possession of a firearm by a felon?

Possession of a firearm by a felon is a serious crime, a Class G felony. If convicted, you could face a prison sentence of 12 -26 months. The punishment may increase to 31-47 months if you have other criminal convictions. You can also face probation, fines, or other penalties.

What happens to a convicted felon when they get arrested?

3 In most cases, the convicted felon would have the chance to plea to reduce the charges against them. 4 They also get some years of probation. If the convicted felon was already on probation or parole while getting arrested, then the probation is most likely to get canceled.

How long can you be in jail for carrying a firearm?

What Are the Penalties for Possession While Armed?

What factors affect the level of offense with which a defendant is charged?

What drugs are convicted of possession while armed?

How long is a state prison sentence?

How long is a drug trafficking sentence?

Is possession of a controlled substance a felony?

See 4 more

About this website

image

Can a felon go to jail for being around a gun?

As a result, a convicted felon found in possession of a gun can face severe penalties. Criminal possession of a dangerous weapon is classified as a felony. The individual will face arrest for possession of a firearm regardless of whether the gun found by police actually belongs to them or not.

Can a felon be around a gun in Virginia?

Any person who violates the law by knowing and intentionally possessing or transporting a firearm in Virginia who is previously convicted of a violent felony, it is a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years.

How much time can a convicted felon get for possession of firearm in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, it is a crime to possess a handgun if you have been convicted of any felony offense, regardless of the nature of the offense. Felon in possession of a handgun is a Class E felony, punishable by one to six years in prison and a maximum fine of $3,000.

What weapons can a felon own in Virginia?

Possession of a firearm by a felon in Virginia is a separate felony that could be punished with mandatory minimum prison time under Va. Code §18.2-308.2. This statute also criminalizes possession of ammunition, stun weapons, explosives, or concealed weapons in Virginia by a convicted felon.

What can felons not do?

A person may not vote, serve on a jury, obtain commercial driver's licenses, possess a gun or join the U.S. armed forces.

Is it illegal for a felon to be around ammunition?

Convicted Felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) See Statute It is against federal law for a convicted felon to possess [a firearm; ammunition] that was connected with interstate [or foreign] commerce.

What is the sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon?

The average sentence for all felon in possession of a firearm offenders was 64 months. The average sentence for offenders convicted of violating only section 922(g) and under ACCA was 186 months. The average sentence for offenders convicted of violating only section 922(g) but not sentenced under ACCA was 59 months.

What felonies Cannot be expunged in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, certain offenses cannot be expunged, including the following:Assault.Domestic assault.Aggravated assault.Aggravated burglary.Stalking.Unlawful sexual contact.Child abuse.Child neglect and endangerment.More items...

Can felons own guns in Tennessee?

Tennessee law prohibits people from possessing a firearm if they: Have been convicted of a felony crime of violence, an attempt to commit a felony crime of violence, or a felony involving the use of a deadly weapon. Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

How much time can a convicted felon get for possession of firearm in Virginia?

5 yearsWhat is the Penalty For Possession A Firearm As A Felon? This is a serious offense. Generally, possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class 6 Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. For a conviction with 10 years of any previous felony, there is a two year mandatory minimum sentence.

Can a felon get their gun rights back in Virginia?

Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their civil rights - the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm. The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights, not including firearm rights.

Can a felon get a concealed weapons permit in Virginia?

If a person has a weapons offense conviction, they will not be able to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Depending on the charge, the person will be a convicted felon, which will affect the person's Constitutional rights and forever prohibit the person from possessing a firearm in Virginia.

What rights do felons lose in Virginia?

Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their civil rights - the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm. The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights, not including firearm rights.

Can you have a loaded gun in your car in Virginia?

According to Virginia law, vehicle carry of a loaded handgun is allowed in a secured compartment, or plainly visible without a permit.

Can a convicted felon own a black powder gun in Virginia?

The prohibitions of subsection A shall not prohibit any person other than a person convicted of an act of violence as defined in § 19.2-297.1 or a violent felony as defined in subsection C of § 17.1-805 from possessing, transporting, or carrying (i) antique firearms or (ii) black powder in a quantity not exceeding five ...

How much time can a convicted felon get for possession of firearm in Virginia?

5 yearsWhat is the Penalty For Possession A Firearm As A Felon? This is a serious offense. Generally, possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class 6 Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. For a conviction with 10 years of any previous felony, there is a two year mandatory minimum sentence.

Is it Legal to Have a Firearm While Under the Influence If I Have a ...

It is almost always a crime to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. Many states also prohibit people from carrying a firearm into establishments that serve liquor (such as bars and nightclubs), even with a concealed carry permit, and even if you are not drinking.. The laws that apply to you depend on the state in which you live.

Do you use drugs? If you own a gun, the feds could put you in prison ...

Mathew Lavon Payne had taken to shouting and waving around an AK-47 rifle at his home. The 44-year-old Sulphur Springs man struggled with drug addiction and...

Drug User in Possession of a Firearm Sentenced to Federal Prison as ...

Memphis, TN – Isca Johnson, 24 of Covington, Tennessee has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm.This case was developed as part of the first "Operation Crime Driver" in Tipton County. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

What happens if you are a felon?

Being named a felon creates many barriers in your life for what you can and cannot do. You end up living with a more strict set of rules than the rest of society, and you can face more serious consequences if these rules are broken. For example, a felon cannot carry a gun on his or her person at any time, and they cannot own one either.

What happens if a felon doesn't get a lawyer?

There’s no telling what may be the outcome of a convicted felon’s case if they don’t get a lawyer as soon as possible. This is the support they need to face a judge and jury whenever they’re facing any kind of case, but especially something gun related.

How long does a convicted felon have to be tried?

One convicted felon may have a gun-related charge pending for months while another may be caught and tried within a few weeks. Every person’s situation is different, but a few things are the same across the board.

What is the responsibility of a convicted felon?

As such, it’s the responsibility of each convicted felon to research and fully understand their new set of rights . They can work with a lawyer like the professionals at Grieco Law Center to do this. Getting professional insight is ideal in situations like these; it helps felons get an absolutely clear definition of what they can and cannot do as a member of society.

How long can a felon go to jail?

Typically, though, federal gun charges range from 5 years – life sentences. Each person’s sentence depends on the intent they had for having/using the gun as determined by the court of law.

What does it mean to have a gun?

To have possession of a gun means to have it on your person. This could mean an individual has it in their pocket or slipped into their jeans or inside a carrying item (backpack, briefcase, purse, etc.).

Can a convicted felon go to jail?

When felonies start to add up like this, the individual’s freedom becomes more and more difficult to maintain. It’s not unlikely for convicted felons to end up back in jail for longer terms when they commit additional crimes.

2 attorney answers

You can also be charged by the Feds, which carries more jail time. You need an attorney, now. Jensen Legal 206 617-9173,

Kris R. Jensen

The answer depends on whether or not you have any other prior criminal history, and any number of other factors. Assuming that you have an offender score of "1" (that's counting your felony eluding charge as your only prior offense, and assuming that it hasn't "washed out" yet) you are looking at a standard sentencing range of 3-8 months. But that's only a preliminary estimate based upon the truly sketchy details that you provided in your question.

The Cleansing Period

The provisions of this Section prohibit the possession and carrying of concealed weapons by felons who have not been convicted for 10 years after completing their sentence. However, these restrictions do not apply to those individuals that were granted an interim release from prison or mental institution.

Penalties

Louisiana is known for its hard and fast laws on possession of illegal drugs, as well as illegal firearms. The punishment for violating the provisions of this Section shall be imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 5 nor more than 20 years without benefit of probation, parole, or suspended sentence and an extremely high fine.

Further Guidance

It is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess a firearm in New Orleans. Convicted felons are not allowed to possess dangerous instrumentalities like knives, bombs, or guns without express written permission from the government. Failure to abide by the law comes with serious consequences.

Penalties for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

This ban means that if you have been convicted of a felony (or a crime in any other state or country that has penalties of over a year in prison), you lose your second amendment rights.Even worse, the penalties for possessing or carrying a firearm as a convicted felon are serious. You can be charged with a second degree felony.

Recent Clarifications

There is one exception to this law, which was clarified, decided, and adjusted only a few weeks ago. In Weeks vs. State, a convicted felon was arrested for using an antique rifle to hunt.He challenged his arrest. Pre-1918 antiques and replicas of antiques are listed in Florida’s statutes as instruments separate from firearms.

What about Stand Your Ground?

There is another law that trumps the rules about convicted felons and firearms: Florida’s infamous Stand Your Ground law.In 2013, a convicted felon named Aaron A. Little was put on trial for the murder of Demond Brooks. Brooks had approached and pulled two handguns on Little. After attempting to flee the scene, Little shot and killed Brooks.

How long can you be in jail for carrying a firearm?

A term of no less than 5 years imprisonment in a standard case for carrying a firearm while in possession of enough drugs to find for drug distribution or trafficking; and

What Are the Penalties for Possession While Armed?

In most instances, possession while armed will be charged as a felony offense. Thus, the penalties that a convicted defendant can receive will likely involve serving some amount of time in a state prison facility and paying criminal fines of up to $10,000 or more.

What factors affect the level of offense with which a defendant is charged?

For example, a defendant will likely be charged with commission of a felony crime if the prosecutor can prove they intended to distribute, sell, or transport the drugs that were in their possession beyond a reasonable doubt. The type and quantity of drugs or controlled substances can also affect the level of offense with which a defendant is charged.

What drugs are convicted of possession while armed?

In most cases, possession of a controlled substance while armed involves possession of “harder” drugs, including: Cocaine. Methamphetamine. Heroin. PCP. To be convicted, the person usually must have knowledge that they are holding both the drugs and the firearm.

How long is a state prison sentence?

Penalties may include 2-4 years in a state prison and fines of up to $10,000. Penalties will be more serious depending certain factors, such as: Some states also impose very serious collateral consequences for possession while armed.

How long is a drug trafficking sentence?

Up to an 87-month prison sentence if the defendant has a criminal record that includes a conviction for drug trafficking or a violent crime;

Is possession of a controlled substance a felony?

Depending on state laws and the amount possessed, possession of a controlled substance can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. In some jurisdictions, possessing a controlled substance while armed with a firearm is a separate charge. This is a more serious charge than simple possession of a controlled substance.

How long can you be in jail for carrying a firearm?

A term of no less than 5 years imprisonment in a standard case for carrying a firearm while in possession of enough drugs to find for drug distribution or trafficking; and

What Are the Penalties for Possession While Armed?

In most instances, possession while armed will be charged as a felony offense. Thus, the penalties that a convicted defendant can receive will likely involve serving some amount of time in a state prison facility and paying criminal fines of up to $10,000 or more.

What factors affect the level of offense with which a defendant is charged?

For example, a defendant will likely be charged with commission of a felony crime if the prosecutor can prove they intended to distribute, sell, or transport the drugs that were in their possession beyond a reasonable doubt. The type and quantity of drugs or controlled substances can also affect the level of offense with which a defendant is charged.

What drugs are convicted of possession while armed?

In most cases, possession of a controlled substance while armed involves possession of “harder” drugs, including: Cocaine. Methamphetamine. Heroin. PCP. To be convicted, the person usually must have knowledge that they are holding both the drugs and the firearm.

How long is a state prison sentence?

Penalties may include 2-4 years in a state prison and fines of up to $10,000. Penalties will be more serious depending certain factors, such as: Some states also impose very serious collateral consequences for possession while armed.

How long is a drug trafficking sentence?

Up to an 87-month prison sentence if the defendant has a criminal record that includes a conviction for drug trafficking or a violent crime;

Is possession of a controlled substance a felony?

Depending on state laws and the amount possessed, possession of a controlled substance can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. In some jurisdictions, possessing a controlled substance while armed with a firearm is a separate charge. This is a more serious charge than simple possession of a controlled substance.

image

Defining A Felon

Image
The word criminal gets tossed around a lot, but most people understand it’s a more serious offense to be a felon. Still, not everyone understands what exactly a felon is To be a felon means a person has been convicted of a crime that is punishable by over a year in prison. The crime can be violent or non-violent. The conditions for b…
See more on lateet.com

Various Forms of Gun Possession and Charges

  • Under federal law, a felon cannot own a gun or carry it on their person. This should be a straightforward rule for convicted felons to follow, but there is one caveat. The law doesn’t apply if the gun has not been transported across state lines before it came into the possession of the felon. When a gun stays within one state, it’s a local issue, not a federal offense. Other details a…
See more on lateet.com

from Being Caught to Getting Charged

  • As with any other kind of case, a convicted felon who is caught with a gun is innocent until proven guilty. Thanks to the United States Judicial System in place, the felon does have a chance of winning their case and walking away from a potential gun charge. This kind of chance is usually slim, but it’s there. It’s up to the individual in question ...
See more on lateet.com

1.What Happens If A Convicted Felon Is Caught With A Gun?

Url:https://www.ncesc.com/what-happens-if-a-convicted-felon-is-caught-with-a-gun/

25 hours ago Felon in Possession of a Firearm: What Happens If Caught? Possession of a firearm by a felon is a serious crime, a Class G felony. If convicted, you could face a prison sentence of 12 …

2.What happens if you get caught with a gun if you are a …

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-happens-if-you-get-caught-with-a-gun-if-you-are-a-felon

18 hours ago  · What happens when a felon gets caught with a gun? Possession of a firearm by a felon is considered a felony crime in itself. It is usually punishable by a prison sentence …

3.What happens if i get caught with a gun being a felon?

Url:https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-happens-if-i-get-caught-with-a-gun-being-a-fe-352034.html

1 hours ago If you have been convicted of a felony, under the federal law popularly known as the Brady Law and the laws of many states, you are not allowed to knowingly possess a gun. However, to …

4.What Happens When A Felon Is Caught With A Gun In …

Url:https://kcdefensecounsel.com/what-happens-when-a-felon-is-caught-with-a-gun-in-new-orleans/

18 hours ago  · The answer depends on whether or not you have any other prior criminal history, and any number of other factors. Assuming that you have an offender score of "1" (that's …

5.What If a Convicted Felon Is Caught with a Firearm in …

Url:https://www.davidolsonlaw-firm.com/post/what-if-a-convicted-felon-is-caught-with-a-firearm-in-florida

35 hours ago  · Felon in possession of a gun is one of the most serious crimes you can commit. If you are caught with a gun, it will be nearly impossible to avoid jail time, even if the weapon …

6.What Happens If You Get Caught with Drugs and a …

Url:https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/possession-of-a-controlled-substance-while-armed.html

23 hours ago  · If you have a felony on your record, you cannot legally purchase a gun unless you have successfully petitioned to have your gun rights restored.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9