Gun Charges Defense Attorney in Douglas County

Defending Your Future After a Gun Crime Arrest

Navigating gun crime allegations in Douglas County requires a gun charges defense attorney who understands local laws, courts, and law enforcement priorities. At Howard Law Group, we help you understand your rights, prepare a strong response, and work to protect your future.

Our firm recognizes that Douglas County's approach to gun crimes combines Georgia state law with local priorities. Judges and prosecutors here weigh public safety and the specifics of each case when handling firearm-related allegations. 

By tailoring our guidance to community expectations, we help clients address charges quickly and confidently. Engaging an attorney familiar with the area ensures you have an advocate from the start, which gives you greater clarity and control throughout the legal process.

Protect your Second Amendment rights. Call a dedicated gun charges defense attorney in Douglas County at (678) 922-9743 or reach out online now for a free consultation and immediate legal intervention.

Understanding Gun Crimes Laws in Georgia

Georgia's laws regarding firearms are extensive and often confusing, leading to accidental violations that are nevertheless prosecuted as serious crimes. A competent Douglas County gun crimes lawyer must understand the technical definitions and exemptions that apply to your case.

We defend clients against a wide range of state and federal gun crimes, focusing primarily on the following serious offenses under O.C.G.A. §16-11:

Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131)

It is a felony offense for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess, manufacture, transport, or sell a firearm. The charge remains a felony even if the prior conviction occurred in another state or was an old conviction. The penalty is typically a minimum of five years in prison. 

We aggressively challenge the validity of the prior conviction used to enhance the current charge, or argue lack of knowledge of possession.

Carrying a Weapon in a Prohibited Place (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127)

Georgia allows for the possession of a firearm in most public places (including the ability to carry without a license under certain circumstances). However, the law strictly prohibits carrying a weapon in specific locations, including:

• Government Buildings (Courthouses, Jails, etc.)
• School Safety Zones or School Functions
• Polling Places
• Churches (unless authorized by the church)
• Nuclear Power Facilities

Carrying a firearm in one of these locations is a serious misdemeanor or, in the case of a school safety zone, often a felony. We focus on challenging the definition of "possession," the signage, and the client's knowledge that the area was prohibited.

Possession of Prohibited Weapons (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-122)

This includes possessing illegal weapons like sawed-off shotguns or rifles, machine guns, or firearms equipped with a silencer or destructive device. These are felonies, regardless of whether the person has a clean record.

Penalties and Mandatory Minimums for Georgia Gun Crimes

The penalties for gun crimes in Georgia are severe, often involving mandatory sentences that a judge cannot reduce.

Direct Legal Penalties

• Felon in Possession: Minimum of five years in state prison (felony).
• School Zone Violation: Felony, punishable by two to ten years in prison.
• Carrying without a Valid License in Prohibited Area: High and Aggravated Misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail, up to $1,000 fine).

Consecutive Sentencing and Federal Charges

The most devastating threat in many Douglas County gun crimes cases is consecutive sentencing. If the gun crime is committed during a violent felony (e.g., Armed Robbery or Aggravated Assault), the sentence for the gun charge must often be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying crime, dramatically increasing prison time. 

Furthermore, any state charge involving a firearm can lead to a parallel federal indictment (18 U.S.C. §924(c)), which carries lengthy federal mandatory minimum sentences that stack onto the state sentence.

We recognize the gravity of this felony stacking. Our firm aggressively defends these high-stakes cases to mitigate the severe impact of consecutive and federal sentencing.

Collateral Consequences

A conviction for almost any gun crimes charge in Georgia results in:

• Permanent Loss of Firearm Rights: A lifetime ban on possessing firearms under federal law.
• Loss of Concealed Carry Permit: Permanent revocation of any Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL).
• Felony Record: Permanent restrictions on employment, housing, and voting rights.

Why Trust Our Gun Charges Defense Lawyers in Douglas County

We combine years representing both sides of Georgia’s criminal justice system. Our team features former prosecutors and defenders, giving us unique insight into how gun crimes are investigated and charged within Douglas County. 

Your case receives attention from an experienced attorney—not from staff or paralegals. We focus on maintaining your well-being from start to finish, so you never feel like just another file number.

• Comprehensive defense strategies: We build a defense plan that fits your specific circumstances.
• Direct communication: Clients always communicate with an attorney—not intermediaries.
• Cost-effective representation: Our approach provides quality defense without unnecessary financial strain.
• Knowledge of local courts: We know Douglas County procedures and understand how local prosecutors prepare these cases.
• Client-centered solutions: Every decision we make starts with your best interest in mind.

The Defense Process & Guidance from a Gun Crimes Lawyer in Douglas County

Working with our gun crimes lawyers means you receive communication and guidance focused on your situation from the start. As your gun criminal defense lawyer in Douglas County, we review all available evidence and use our background as former prosecutors to anticipate law enforcement and prosecution tactics. 

We reduce confusion by keeping each step clear, helping you feel prepared and supported.

• Quick review and response: We promptly evaluate your situation and explain your legal standing.
• Personalized representation: Every client’s background, goals, and concerns are part of our planning from the start.
• Tactical defense methods: We draw on courtroom experience in Douglas County to push back against overreach or unsupported charges.
• Consistent updates: You stay informed and never feel left in the dark about what comes next.
• Judgement-free support: We focus on solutions, not on how you ended up charged, so you keep your dignity and control at all times.

Every gun charge brings its own set of facts and challenges. Our representation adapts to the details of your case, factoring in local law enforcement practices and the Douglas County court calendar as we craft a defense plan with you. 

We take care to explain deadlines and court expectations, protecting your future using proven approaches customized to our region. With clear guidance and direct answers, we make each step less daunting so you can move ahead with confidence in your defense.

Contact Us & Take the Next Step with a Gun Criminal Defense Lawyer in Douglas County

Taking the first step with a gun criminal defense lawyer gives you someone who understands how Douglas County handles fiream cases and what matters most to local judges. Timely legal guidance can reduce stress, help you avoid costly mistakes, and improve your chance of moving forward with confidence. We know the local court system and focus on giving you the information you need at every moment.

Call (678) 922-9743 or reach out online now to consult with a gun charges defense lawyer who keeps your well-being central at every step.