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Dale City Gun Lawyer

Gun laws are a hot-button issue in Dale City because of how they can limit your Second Amendment rights. Changing political attitudes can not only cause radical changes to the law, but they can also alter how police and prosecutors enforce the existing laws. The result is confusion and uncertainty that can make it difficult to abide by the law.

Talking to a Dale City gun lawyer is essential if you want to make sure that you are complying with the law. It is even more critical if you have already been charged with a gun crime and are facing the potential repercussions of a conviction. Call today and set up a consultation with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Gun Laws in Dale City

While Virginia has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the U.S., Prince William County—and therefore Dale City, as well—have some additional regulations that place extra restrictions on how and when citizens can exercise their Second Amendment rights. Violating these laws and regulations, however, can result in criminal charges. To learn more about gun laws, contact a seasoned Dale City gun attorney.

Open Carry Laws

Prominently carrying a firearm is perfectly legal in the state for people aged 18 or over. There is not even a permit requirement.

However, there is a regulation in Prince William County and Dale City that exempts assault weapons from this law. In Dale City, therefore, a permit is required to openly carry the following weapons:

  • A shotgun with a magazine that can hold more than seven rounds
  • Any firearm with a magazine that can hold more than 20 rounds
  • Any firearm that was designed to accommodate a silencer
  • Any firearm equipped with a folding stock

Concealed Carry Laws

Carrying a firearm or other dangerous weapons in a way that is hidden to the public requires a concealed carry permit. However, obtaining such a permit is relatively easy, and is available to anyone over the age of 21. State residency is not required, though there needs to be proof of completion of a gun safety course.

Other Gun Crimes in Dale City

There are numerous other types of gun crimes in Dale City. Among them are:

  • Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
  • Using a firearm for the commission of another type of crime
  • Illegally brandishing a firearm when a permit is required
  • Firing a gun in a public place

The penalties for these offenses vary widely. However, in addition to fines and potential jail time, gun crimes also frequently lead to a revocation of gun ownership rights.

Stand Your Ground and Self-Defense

One of the most common situations to arise regarding gun laws in Dale City is the state’s “stand your ground” law and how it impacts self-defense with a firearm.

The state’s “stand your ground” portion of self-defense law does not require someone to withdraw from a place where they are being confronted by an aggressor. Of course, who was the initial aggressor and whether using a firearm was self-defense or an act of aggression is a fact-intensive issue.

However, so long as someone had no part in the original act of aggression, wielding a firearm and using force—even deadly force—can be a justified act of self-defense. For more information about self-defense regarding firearms, reach out to a skilled lawyer.

How a Dale City Gun Attorney Could Help

Complying with the numerous and complicated rules that govern guns and firearm possession and use can be difficult. Talking with a Dale City gun lawyer could be the best way to make sure that you are abiding by the law, and avoid the difficulty and confusion that can come with a surprising charge for a gun crime.

Additionally, if you are already facing a charge for a gun crime, hiring a Dale City gun attorney could be a good way to defend against the charge and prove that your firearm use was an act of justified self-defense. Call today to learn more about how a legal professional could help you.