If you are charged with a weapons offense, it can be a frightening time in your life. You likely know that gun charges are serious business, and you might be wondering how the outcome of the situation will affect your life. It can be easy to get overwhelmed when facing gun charges, but an experienced attorney can help you through the process and work to get you the best possible outcome. Contact our Oklahoma City criminal defense attorneys at the office of Josh Lee & Associates today for a free consultation and to learn how we can help you minimize the lasting effects of these charges.
Why Choose Us?
Gun charges can carry serious penalties, so you need an attorney who has experience representing clients facing these situations. The founding attorney, Josh Lee, at Josh Lee & Associates has over 20 years of experience, and he has dedicated most of his career to representing defendants in criminal matters. At our office, you will always get direct access to your attorney, and we will take the time to get to know you and every detail of your case. Our extensive experience in this area of the law allows us to put together a defense strategy to help get you the outcome you desire. Give our weapons offenses lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK a call today to get the legal representation you deserve.
Common Types Of Weapons Offenses
Even though Oklahoma loves the Second Amendment, there are some situations in which you cannot legally carry or use a firearm. For instance, it is generally against the law to carry a firearm onto school grounds, into a government building, or into a jail or courthouse (Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1277). Additionally, it is unlawful for anyone previously convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm. Some other common weapons charges include the following:
- Unlawful transportation of weapons
- Allowing a minor to possess a firearm
- Carrying a firearm where liquor is consumed
- Unlawful pointing of a firearm
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
If you have been charged with any of these offenses or other weapons offenses, contact the team at Josh Lee & Associates today to put our experience to work for you.
Potential Penalties For Gun Charges
Weapons charges are taken very seriously by prosecutors, and the penalties associated with these charges can be quite severe. For less severe weapons offenses, a conviction could require you to pay fines and serve up to a year in jail. More severe offenses can result in jail time of up to 10 years, and when associated with another crime, a weapons offense can carry up to a lifetime jail sentence. In addition to criminal penalties, you may also be subject to civil forfeiture proceedings. This means that your weapons could be seized by the state if they are used in a crime. An experienced weapons offense attorney can assist you with both the criminal charges and any associated civil forfeiture proceedings.
What Steps Can I Take if I Am Arrested for a Weapons Offense in Oklahoma City?
If you were just arrested on a weapons charge, you are probably feeling a little shocked, a little anxious, and unsure of what to do next. That is completely normal. What you do in the first few hours can make a real difference in how your case plays out, so let’s talk about a few smart moves you can make right away. Here are some of the first steps we recommend to protect yourself and your case:
- Stay calm and avoid arguing with the police
- Do not consent to any searches
- Clearly state that you want to remain silent
- Ask for a lawyer right away
- Do not try to explain or justify anything at the scene
- Avoid discussing the case with others, including on social media
- Do not handle or move the weapon again once law enforcement is involved
- Write down what happened as soon as possible
- Know your rights under Okla. Stat. tit. 22 § 15
These early decisions are more important than most people realize. They can impact what evidence gets used, how your case is charged, and whether we can fight to get it dismissed. At Josh Lee & Associates, we walk with you from day one and build your defense with the full picture in mind.
You should never have to guess your way through something this serious, and with our team in your corner, you will not have to.
What Evidence Is Typically Involved in a Weapons Offense Case?
Evidence plays a major role in how weapons charges are handled in court. Prosecutors build their case based on what they can prove, not just what they believe happened. That proof usually falls into two main categories, and both can carry weight depending on how the case was investigated and what your defense team can uncover.
Physical Evidence Collected by Law Enforcement
In most weapons cases, physical evidence is the first thing police and prosecutors lean on. That can include the firearm itself, ammunition, holsters, shell casings, fingerprints, or even trace amounts of gunshot residue. Where the weapon was found and who had access to it are often key points that shape the entire case.
Testimony, Surveillance, and Digital Records
Sometimes, what people see or say can carry as much weight as the physical evidence. Witnesses might claim they saw you with the weapon or heard something that connects you to the case. Surveillance footage, text messages, phone calls, or even social media posts can be pulled in as supporting pieces.
How Can Prior Criminal History Affect My Weapons Offense Case in Oklahoma City?
If you already have a criminal record, that history can have a serious impact on your current weapons charge. Prosecutors often use prior convictions to push for tougher penalties or to argue that you are a repeat offender. That can change the entire tone of your case and raise the stakes quickly. The good news is that a prior record does not mean you are out of options.
Under Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1283, people with certain felony convictions are not allowed to possess firearms. If you are charged with having a gun and you have a past felony on your record, that alone can lead to a separate felony weapons charge. The sentence can be longer, and the judge may have less flexibility when it comes to alternatives like probation.
Speak To An Oklahoma City Weapons Offenses Attorney Today
Josh Lee & Associates has represented clients in every county across Oklahoma, and we are ready to go to work for you. While you have the right to appointed counsel, public defenders are often overworked and might not have the time to dive deep into the details of your case. Our Oklahoma City weapons charge attorneys will always diligently go through all the facts and evidence to come up with the best defense strategy for your situation. Call our office today at (405) 759-5529 to let us get started helping you.
