Gun Charges In Northern Kentucky And Ohio
The Second Amendment extends gun rights to Americans. Kentucky is one of many permit-less carry states that allows open and concealed carry without a permit for those 21 and older. Moreover, no permit is required to purchase firearms, and there is no firearm registration or waiting period. The commonwealth also has a “Castle Doctrine” law, which allows using force in self-defense at home. Still, there are complex state and federal guidelines that govern gun possession and use, including specific locations, such as schools and government buildings, that restrict firearm carry. Guns involved in committing crimes also elevate the charges.
Common Gun Charges In Kentucky
In Kentucky, like in many other states, there is no tolerance for people who illegally possess or use guns. The list includes the following:
- A felon having a gun: Having or trying to have a gun when you have a felony record.
- Illegal gun selling: Selling or giving guns without a license or to people who aren’t allowed to have them.
- Owning a banned gun: Having a gun that is banned or illegally changed such as sawed-off shotguns or altered machine guns.
- Using a gun in a crime: Using a weapon to commit a crime, such as drug dealing, can lead to additional charges.
- Showing a gun in public: Displaying a gun in a threatening way in public.
- Firing a gun in restricted areas: Shooting a gun where it’s not allowed, like in city limits or residential areas.
- Not securing a gun: Failing to properly lock up a firearm, thereby allowing unauthorized access such as by minors.
- Violating gun-free zones: Bringing a gun into places where they are not allowed such as schools, airports or certain government buildings.
- Making illegal explosives: Creating illegal bombs such as pipe bombs.
We can vigorously defend you against charges and have extensive experience defending clients in court.
Need To Learn More?
Here are a couple of questions we often hear when discussing gun charges with clients:
What are the penalties for illegal gun possession?
Illegal gun possession can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the situation and the individual’s criminal history. Possession by a convicted felon is a Class D felony, carrying a penalty of one to five years in prison. Class C felonies for handguns have penalties including one to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Other violations can result in misdemeanor charges.
What are the penalties for gun charges in Kentucky?
Penalties for gun charges in Kentucky include:
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $500
- Class D felony: One to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- Class C felony: Five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
Contact Us Today To Discuss Your Gun Charge
Call Gatlin Voelker, PLLC, Northern Kentucky office in Covington at +1-859-535-0155 or use this website to schedule an appointment to discuss your issue with a gun charges attorney.