A Law Firm That Fights for You
The State of South Carolina takes weapons charges very seriously, which means that if you’re facing a charge, you should do the same. The penalties for convictions are steep, and the negative consequences you face can have a profound impact on your future. If you’ve been charged with a weapon-related crime, you shouldn’t wait to consult with an experienced Spartanburg criminal defense law firm.
Common Weapons Charges in the State
Weapons charges in South Carolina break down into the categories of use, possession, and sale of weapons, and some of the most common charges include all the following:
- The unlawful carrying of a handgun, such as if you don’t qualify under the state’s constitutional carry guidelines
- Unlawful possession of weapons, which refers to illegally storing, possessing, or keeping a machine gun, rifle, military firearm, or sawed-off shotgun
- Sale of a handgun to a restricted person or sale of a stolen handgun
- Unlawful sale of weapons, which includes machine guns, rifles, military firearms, or sawed-off shotguns
- Unlawful transportation of weapons, which refers to illegally transporting a machine gun, rifle, military firearm, or sawed-off shotgun
- Pointing or presenting a firearm at another person
- Carrying a weapon on school property or possessing a firearm on school property
Penalties are determined in accordance with the severity of the crime, and examples include:
- The unlawful carrying of a handgun is a misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of up to a year and fines of up to $1,000.
- Pointing or presenting a firearm at another person is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 5 years and fines of up to $5,000.
- The unlawful possession of weapons is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to $10,000.
Stand Your Ground Laws
South Carolina’s castle doctrine says that you have no duty to retreat before employing deadly force against someone who unlawfully entered your home and whom you reasonably believe poses a threat. The addition of stand-your-ground language means that you have no duty to retreat in places other than your home – as long as you’re legally entitled to be at the location – before resorting to deadly force to protect yourself.
It can, however, be exceptionally difficult to prove that these protective actions fall within the parameters of castle doctrine and stand-your-ground rights. In other words, if you’re facing a weapons charge of any kind, seeking the professional guidance of a well-respected weapons charges attorney is always in your best interest.
Our Weapons Charges Defense Law Firm is Standing by to Help
If you are facing a weapons charge, it’s a serious matter that can lead to serious consequences, and proceeding without trusted legal representation isn’t advised. Monier Abusaft is a focused Spartanburg weapons charges attorney at The Law Office of Mo Abusaft who is committed to fiercely advocating for a case resolution that supports your rights and future. Don’t wait to learn more about what we can do to help you. Contact us online or call us at 864-606-8941 today.