At Monument Legal, we are deeply committed to providing you with the clear guidance, aggressive advocacy, and unwavering support you need. As your dedicated DC gun lawyer, we’ll demystify the legal process, explain the specific strategies we employ, and address your pressing questions to secure the best possible outcome for your case. If you’ve been accused of illegally possessing a weapon or face any firearm-related charge in Washington DC, this comprehensive guide is for you. Seeking the best DC firearm attorney is a critical first step.
The hours and days following a firearm charge in Washington DC are of utmost importance. Here’s what you should do immediately:
Following your arrest on a firearm charge, you’ll be taken into custody and transported to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) station or a U.S. Marshal’s office holding facility, depending on whether the charges are local or federal. The booking process involves several key steps:
After the booking process, you will be brought before a judge for an initial hearing, also known as an arraignment. In Washington DC, the court in which your case is heard depends on the nature of the alleged offense:
It’s vital to have a Washington DC firearm attorney who is familiar with both court systems.
The arraignment is a critical first step in the legal process. At the arraignment, the judge will:
In felony cases, the prosecution must obtain a grand jury indictment. A grand jury is a group of citizens selected to review evidence presented by the prosecutor and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. If the grand jury finds probable cause, it will issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation charging you with the crime. Having a criminal defense lawyer at this stage is essential to protect your rights.
If you are released pending trial, the judge may impose certain conditions on your release to ensure that you appear in court, do not commit any further crimes, and do not pose a danger to the community. Common pretrial release conditions include:
Throughout the pretrial phase, the court will schedule status hearings to monitor the progress of the case, address any outstanding issues, and set deadlines for various stages of the proceedings. These hearings provide opportunities for your attorney to update the court on the status of discovery, motion practice, and plea negotiations. A skilled DC gun lawyer will use these hearings strategically to advocate for your interests.
One of the most critical aspects of defending any firearm case is challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution. Evidence must be obtained legally and in compliance with constitutional safeguards. If law enforcement officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search and seizure, your Fifth Amendment rights by coercing a confession, or any other constitutional rights, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence. If the motion is granted, the evidence will be excluded from trial, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges.
Our approach to challenging evidence involves a meticulous examination of the following:
While a strong defense is crucial, skilled negotiation with prosecutors can often lead to a more favorable outcome than going to trial. At Monument Legal, we have extensive experience in negotiating with prosecutors to achieve the best possible result for our clients. Our approach to negotiation involves:
At Monument Legal, our commitment to your defense extends far beyond courtroom representation. We take a proactive, client-centered approach to ensure a favorable outcome in your case. This includes:
Our unwavering focus is on protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome in your case. As your lawyer, we take the weight of the legal system off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on rebuilding your life.
While it is impossible to guarantee specific outcomes in any legal case, partnering with Monument Legal significantly increases your chances of reducing firearm charges or avoiding a conviction altogether. The outcome of your case depends on numerous factors, including the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, the specific facts of your case, and the prosecutor’s willingness to negotiate. With Monument Legal as your DC firearm attorney, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated advocate fighting tirelessly for your rights and working towards the best possible result.
Recent Changes Make it Easier!
Even after a firearm charge is resolved, the record of the arrest and any subsequent court proceedings can continue to haunt you, impacting your ability to obtain employment, housing, or educational opportunities. Fortunately, DC law allows for the sealing of certain criminal records, providing you with a fresh start. Changes as of March 2025 have made the process more accessible.
If you are seeking to move forward after a past mistake, it is important to know that the process for sealing criminal records in DC has become significantly more accessible. Recent changes to the law have made it easier for individuals to petition the court to seal their criminal record, preventing it from being accessed by the public. While DC Official Code § 16-802 lays out some procedures, the overall shift toward a more lenient sealing process is making a real difference.
Our team can review your criminal history and assess your eligibility under these updated guidelines. There are often strict waiting periods and other criteria that must be met before a firearm offense is eligible for sealing.
Facing a firearm charge in Washington DC is a serious matter that requires experienced and dedicated legal representation. At Monument Legal, we are committed to protecting your rights, navigating the complex legal process on your behalf, and securing the best possible outcome in your case.
Your future depends on it. Choosing the right Washington DC firearm attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make.