FIGHTING GUN POSSESSION CHARGES
Gun Possession
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Fighting Gun Possession Charges in Columbus, Ohio
Facing gun possession charges in Ohio is serious. Whether it’s for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit or possessing a firearm illegally, the consequences can be severe. Nathan Akamine, a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Columbus, is here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OHIO GUN LAWS
Ohio has strict laws about gun possession. For example, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit can lead to fines and jail time. If you’re charged, it’s important to understand your rights and possible defenses.
A common defense might involve questioning the legality of the search that led to the discovery of the weapon. If your rights were violated during the search, the evidence could be thrown out, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES OF GUN POSSESSION?
Gun possession charges can come with heavy penalties, including:
- Fines: These can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Jail Time: You could face time behind bars, especially if you have prior offenses.
- Loss of Gun Rights: A conviction might mean losing your right to own or carry a firearm permanently.
HOW WE CAN DEFEND YOU
1. In-Depth Case Analysis
We start with a detailed review of your case. This involves examining the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence presented, and the procedures followed by law enforcement. Were your rights respected during the arrest? Was the search that uncovered the firearm legal? We’ll meticulously look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be leveraged to your advantage.
2. Challenging Evidence
Evidence is the cornerstone of any criminal case, and we know how to challenge it effectively. If the firearm was discovered during a traffic stop or a home search, we’ll scrutinize whether the police had the right to conduct that search in the first place. If your rights were violated, for example, if the search was conducted without a warrant or probable cause, we can argue for the evidence to be suppressed, meaning it cannot be used against you in court. This could lead to the dismissal of the charges or a significant reduction in their severity.
3. Negotiating with Prosecutors
Not all cases go to trial and we understand that sometimes the best outcome is achieved through negotiation. We are skilled in negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charges or penalties you face. Whether it’s securing a plea deal that minimizes your exposure to jail time or reducing a felony charge to a misdemeanor, our goal is always to secure the best possible outcome for you.
4. Personalized Defense Strategy
Every case is different, and we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all defense strategy. We take the time to understand your circumstances, whether it’s your first offense or you have a prior criminal record and tailor our defense strategy accordingly. For first-time offenders, we might push for a diversion program or probation instead of jail time. For repeat offenders, we might focus on challenging the credibility of the evidence or seeking alternative sentencing options that keep you out of prison.
5. Preparing for Trial
If your case goes to trial, Nathan Akamine is a formidable advocate in the courtroom. Our team prepares meticulously, building a strong defense that could involve expert witnesses, forensic evidence, and a compelling argument that casts doubt on the prosecution’s case. Our goal in trial is not just to defend you, but to win.
6. Post-Trial Support
Even after the trial, we remain committed to our clients. If you are convicted, we will explore all options for appeal, seeking to overturn the conviction or reduce the sentence. We understand the long-term impact a gun possession conviction can have on your life, and he’s dedicated to fighting for your future.
What Our Clients
Are Saying
Nathan Akamine has been recognized as one of the top Columbus criminal defense lawyers in the region. Let Akamine Criminal Defense Law fight for you.
What Our Clients
Are Saying
Nathan Akamine has been recognized as one of the top Columbus criminal defense lawyers in the region. Let Akamine Criminal Defense Law fight for you.
Why choose us?
When facing gun possession charges in Ohio, you need a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. Our approach to defending clients against gun possession charges is comprehensive, thorough, and rooted in years of experience.
Personalized Defense
You won’t be just another case number. Every case is unique, and so is our approach. We take the time to understand the specifics of your case and develop a defense strategy that aims for the best possible outcome.
Local Experience
Years of experience in Columbus courtrooms have allowed me to build professional relationships with local prosecutors and judges that can benefit your case through more productive negotiations and respected advocacy.
Highly recommended
Most of my clients come from word of mouth. My past clients know how I’ve helped them and they recommend me to their family and friends. That’s the best endorsement I could ask for.
Proven Results
We get the results you need while taking a human-based approach. We care about you, we’re here for you, and we recognize this is the toughest time of your life.
Talk to Nathan Akamine for FREE
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, let's talk.
Common
Questions
01
Can I legally carry a firearm in Ohio without a license?
In Ohio, you can legally own and carry a firearm in your home, vehicle, or place of business without a permit. However, to carry a concealed firearm in public, you must obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL). Carrying a concealed weapon without a license is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Ohio also allows open carry of firearms in most public places, but there are restrictions, especially in sensitive areas like schools or government buildings.
02
Can a prior conviction affect my current gun possession case?
Yes, a prior conviction can significantly impact your current gun possession case. If you have a previous felony conviction, it is illegal to possess a firearm in Ohio, and doing so can result in severe penalties, including additional felony charges. A prior conviction may also influence sentencing, with repeat offenders facing harsher penalties. However, we can work to minimize the impact of your prior record on the current case.
03
How can an attorney help reduce or dismiss gun possession charges?
An attorney can challenge the legality of the search that led to the discovery of the firearm, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, or argue for lesser penalties based on mitigating factors. They can also explore options like diversion programs or plea deals, depending on the case’s specifics. In some cases, if the evidence was obtained unlawfully, an attorney might successfully get the charges dismissed altogether.
04
Can a gun possession charge be dismissed?
Yes, a gun possession charge can be dismissed under certain circumstances. An experienced attorney may argue that the firearm was discovered during an unlawful search, violating your Fourth Amendment rights, which could lead to a dismissal of the charges. Additionally, if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove possession or if there are mitigating factors, your attorney might be able to negotiate for a dismissal or reduction of the charges. Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to have a skilled lawyer review the specifics of your situation.
05
What happens if I’m caught carrying a concealed weapon without a permit?
If you are caught carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Ohio, you could face serious criminal charges. Typically, this offense is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a possible suspension of your driver’s license. However, if you have a prior conviction or if the weapon was used in the commission of another crime, the charges and penalties could be more severe. Legal representation is essential to potentially reduce the consequences or challenge the charges.
Still have questions?
If you’re facing a gun possession charge, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building a robust defense strategy on your behalf. Let us be your trusted advocate during this challenging time.
Contact us for a free consultation.
If you’re facing gun possession charges, don’t go through it alone. Nathan Akamine offers free consultations to discuss your case and figure out the best defense strategy. Reach out today to get the help you need.
Call us now at (614) 433-6818 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Remember, when it comes to gun possession charges in Columbus, early intervention is key.
Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work towards the best possible outcome for you.
