Weapons Charges Defense Attorney In Yuma, AZ

Arizona has strict laws regarding firearms and weapons offenses. A weapons charge can result in years in prison, loss of your Second Amendment rights and a permanent felony record. Whether you're accused of being a prohibited possessor, weapons misconduct or illegal possession of a firearm, these charges must be taken seriously and defended aggressively.

Attorney Joshua Cordova has defended clients throughout Yuma County against all types of weapons-related charges. He understands Arizona gun laws, prohibited possessor statutes and how prosecutors pursue these cases. Many weapons charges arise from misunderstandings, improper searches or situations where you had no knowledge of the weapon's presence.

If you've been arrested for a weapons offense, contact Cordova Law PLC immediately at (928) 783-0112. The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the better your chances of protecting your rights and achieving a favorable outcome.

Weapons Charges We Defend

Arizona law criminalizes various weapons-related conduct. Mr. Cordova can defend clients facing the following charges:

• Prohibited possessor: Possession of a firearm by someone legally prohibited from owning or possessing guns (felons, individuals with domestic violence convictions, certain misdemeanor offenders)
• Weapons misconduct: Unlawful possession, use or sale of deadly weapons or prohibited weapons
• Possession of a weapon during a drug offense: Being found with a firearm during a drug-related arrest can result in enhanced charges
• Possession of weapons at schools: Firearms on school grounds carry serious penalties
• Deadly weapon enhancements: Using or possessing a deadly weapon during the commission of another crime can add years to your sentence

Prohibited Possessor Charges In Arizona

One of the most common weapons charges in Arizona is "prohibited possessor," which makes it a crime for certain individuals to own or possess firearms. You can be charged as a prohibited possessor if you:

• Have been convicted of a felony (unless your rights have been restored)
• Have been convicted of domestic violence
• Are currently on probation for a felony or domestic violence offense
• Are subject to a protective order
• Have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
• Are an undocumented immigrant

Prohibited possessor is typically charged as a Class 4 felony in Arizona, which carries potential prison sentences ranging from 1 to 3.75 years for a first offense. If you have prior felony convictions, the penalties increase significantly.

Many prohibited possessor cases involve situations where the accused had no knowledge that a firearm was present or had borrowed a vehicle containing a gun. Others arise from illegal searches where police had no warrant or probable cause. These cases are defensible, and an experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the government's evidence.

Understanding Arizona Weapons Penalties

The penalties for weapons charges in Arizona vary depending on the specific offense and your criminal history. Consequences can include:

Weapons charges can also have collateral consequences beyond legal penalties. A felony conviction for a weapons offense will permanently bar you from owning firearms, may affect your professional licensing and can create barriers to employment and housing. If you're not a U.S. citizen, a weapons conviction can lead to deportation or denial of immigration benefits.

Defending Against Weapons Charges

Every weapons case is unique, and an effective defense strategy depends on the specific circumstances of your arrest. Mr. Cordova will thoroughly investigate your case and explore all available defenses, including:

• Illegal search and seizure: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unlawful search of your person, vehicle or home, we can move to suppress any evidence obtained illegally.
• Lack of possession: The prosecution must prove that you knowingly possessed the weapon. If the weapon belonged to someone else or you had no knowledge it was present, you may have a strong defense.
• Lack of knowledge: Simply being near a firearm is not enough for a conviction. The state must prove you knew the weapon was there and had control over it.
• Constitutional violations: Your arrest must comply with constitutional requirements. Any procedural violations can weaken or invalidate the charges.
• Rights restoration: If you were previously a prohibited possessor but had your gun rights restored, you may have a complete defense to the charges.
• Affirmative defenses: Certain situations, such as self-defense or defense of others, may justify possession of a weapon even if you're technically prohibited.

Why Choose Cordova Law For Weapons Charges Defense

What To Do If You're Arrested For A Weapons Offense

If you've been arrested or charged with a weapons offense in Arizona, take these immediate steps:

1. Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not explain the weapon's presence or try to talk your way out of the situation. Anything you say will be used against you.
2. Do not consent to searches. Police need a warrant or probable cause to search your vehicle, home or person. Politely refuse to consent to any searches.
3. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Weapons charges are serious, and early legal representation can make a significant difference in your case outcome. We're available for emergency arrests 24/7.
4. Document the circumstances of your arrest. Write down everything you remember about the stop, search and arrest while it's fresh in your mind.
5. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Statements to friends, family or on social media can be discovered and used against you.

Remember: you have constitutional rights, and the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced defense attorney can challenge the evidence, investigate the circumstances, and fight to protect your freedom and your Second Amendment rights. Ready to discuss your case? Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weapons Charges