Facing a gun charge in Murrells Inlet can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. The potential consequences are severe – hefty fines, a permanent criminal record, and even prison time.
During this stressful period, you need a Murrells Inlet gun charge lawyer you can count on to fiercely protect your rights and mount an aggressive defense on your behalf. At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, our experienced criminal defense lawyers have successfully defended many clients against firearms charges. We are here to guide you through the legal process and fight tenaciously for the best possible outcome in your case.
The Severity of Gun Charges in South Carolina
South Carolina has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. Even a first-time offense for unlawful carrying of a handgun is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. More serious weapons charges like possession of a stolen firearm, unlawfully selling guns, or committing a violent crime while in possession of a gun are felonies that carry multi-year prison sentences. If you are facing any type of firearm charge, no matter how minor it may seem, you need competent legal representation right away. The sooner you involve a Murrells Inlet gun charge lawyer, the better your chances of getting the charges reduced or dismissed.
Common Types of Firearms Charges We Handle
At Swilley Law Firm, our gun charge attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against a wide range of weapons offenses, including:
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Unlawfully selling or transferring guns
- Discharging a firearm within city limits
- Committing a violent crime while possessing a gun
- Possession of a firearm by certain convicted felons
Under United States Code 18 U.S.C. 922(g), it is unlawful for anyone who is convicted of an offense that could carry over a year in jail to possess a firearm or ammunition. Regardless of what specific gun charges you are facing, we have the knowledge and skills to build a robust defense tailored to the unique facts of your case. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest, gather exculpatory evidence, and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to leverage in your favor.
Potential Defenses Against Gun Charges
There are several possible defenses a skilled gun charge attorney may raise to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely, such as:
- Unlawful search and seizure: If the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search, any evidence they seized (like an unlawfully possessed gun) may be deemed inadmissible in court. Without this key evidence, the prosecution may have no choice but to drop the charges.
- Lack of knowledge: In some cases, you may have a valid defense if you did not know the gun was in your possession. For example, if a friend left their gun in your car without your knowledge and you were pulled over, a gun charge lawyer could argue you lacked the requisite knowledge for the charge.
- Self-defense: If you used a gun to defend yourself or others against a reasonable threat of imminent bodily harm or death, your lawyers can raise self-defense as a complete justification for your actions.
These are just a few examples of the many defenses a gun charge lawyer in Murrells Inlet may raise, depending on the specific facts of your case. When you hire Swilley Law Firm, we will explore every possible avenue to secure the most favorable outcome, whether that is an acquittal at trial, a plea to reduced charges, or a complete dismissal.
How Swilley Law Firm Can Help
When you hire the Swilley Law Firm to defend you on gun charges, you will have a team of relentless advocates fighting for your freedom and future. We are very familiar with the defenses against weapons charges, and we know how to strategically navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. Our gun charge attorneys will:
- Conduct an independent investigation into your case
- Identify and preserve favorable evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Analyze the police report for inconsistencies
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case
- Vigorously defend you at trial
- Negotiate for dismissal or reduced charges when appropriate
- Argue for minimized sentencing after conviction
Get Help From Our Murrells Inlet Gun Charge Lawyer
Do not let a gun charge derail your life. Turn to the trusted criminal defense attorneys at Swilley Law Firm, LLC for the aggressive advocacy you need now. We are here to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. To discuss your case with an experienced gun charge lawyer, contact our Murrells Inlet office today.
