DC Gun Crimes Attorney

DC does not honor gun licenses or concealed carry permits from other states. If you’re found with a gun in DC and it’s not registered locally, you could face serious charges, even if it’s legally owned elsewhere.

The District of Columbia prosecutes a range of gun-related offenses, including:

• Carrying a Pistol without a License (CPWL): Carrying a firearm without a DC Concealed Carry Permit.
• Unregistered Firearm (UF): Possession of a firearm not registered in DC.
• Unregistered Ammunition (UA): Possession of bullets not registered with the DC government.
• Felon in Possession: Possession of a firearm with a prior felony conviction.
• Carrying a Dangerous Weapon: Illegal possession of a dangerous weapon, charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
• Possession of a BB Gun: Illegal possession of a BB gun.
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon: Misdemeanor for possessing an illegal weapon or using an object unlawfully as a weapon.
• Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence (PFCOV): Carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years upon conviction.

Due to legal challenges, DC recently began allowing applications for conceal carry permits. However, obtaining such permits remains difficult due to stringent regulations, leaving many individuals vulnerable to felony charges for mere possession.

Navigating DC’s intricate gun laws demands the expertise of a qualified legal team. At Monument Legal, we fight to protect your constitutional rights, including your Second Amendment rights. Our attorneys provide comprehensive case evaluations and aggressive defense strategies tailored to your situation.

Penalties depend on the charge:

• Up to 5 years in prison for CPWL (Carrying a Pistol Without a License)
• Mandatory jail time for at least a year if you have a prior felony conviction
• Felony record
• Fines, probation, and possible mandatory jail time
• Restrictions on employment, housing, or future gun ownership

Additionally, the government often charges separate misdemeanor crimes. Possession of an unregistered firearm (UF) or unregistered ammunition (UA) carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine each. This means you could face charges just for having bullets.

DC law also prohibits the possession of certain weapons like switchblades, brass knuckles, certain self-defense sprays, and knives with blades longer than 3 inches. Possession of a BB gun is also prohibited and carries a maximum penalty of a $300 fine. However, owning a BB gun could still lead to arrest, court appearances, and a criminal record.

In DC, Felon in Possession mandates a minimum penalty of either 1 year or 3 years in prison, depending on the nature of the prior felony offense. If the felony is classified as a “crime of violence,” the minimum prison sentence is 3 years.

Penalties for gun offenses in DC are severe, so it’s crucial to consult with a qualified DC gun attorney before carrying a firearm in the District.

That may be a defense. Your attorney can explore ownership, possession, and whether law enforcement violated your rights during the search. We’ve had success suppressing evidence and getting cases dismissed based on these issues.

Yes, in some cases. If you have no prior criminal history and didn’t intend to break the law, there may be options to avoid jail time or even have the charge dismissed. This is especially true for out-of-state residents who legally own the firearm and have a valid license to carry in their home state.

In these situations, a skilled DC illegal firearm possession attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction of the charge, such as lowering a Carrying a Pistol Without a License (CPWL) arrest to a misdemeanor, or pursue a Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA) that could result in dismissal after completing certain conditions.

The outcome depends on the specific facts of your case, but experienced legal guidance can make a major difference.

Most gun convictions in DC are felonies and stay on your record. This can affect jobs, background checks, and gun ownership. But under certain conditions, you may be able to seal your record later. We can advise on your eligibility.

• Don’t talk to police without a lawyer
• Don’t agree to searches or interviews
• Write down everything you remember about your arrest
• Call an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately for guidance
• If applicable, collect copies of your firearm registration and license to carry