Gun Crimes

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.

The maximum penalty for carrying a pistol without a license in DC is 5 years in prison. 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.

Other gun crimes in DC include felon in possession, which 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.