How to Avoid Firearm Criminal Charges in Las Vegas
If you visit or live in Las Vegas, numerous federal, state, and local laws regulate your possession, ownership, and use of firearms. Knowing the laws that apply locally will help you avoid facing firearm criminal charges in Las Vegas, by preventing an inadvertent violation of those laws.
Conviction of a Nevada firearm offense can result in substantial fines and prison time. A conviction on your record can negatively impact your life in many ways. For any criminal charge relating to guns, assistance from an experienced Las Vegas gun charge defense attorney is essential. At The Gersten Law Firm, we do not charge for your initial consultation and case evaluation.
Nevada Gun Registration and Open Carry Laws
Nevada does not require registration of guns. The state does not require a license to own or carry a gun, but a license is necessary to use a gun for hunting. A minor under the age of eighteen (18) cannot handle or possess a firearm unless the minor is under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
Nevada is an open carry state, which means it is legal to carry a firearm in a way that it is visible. Open carry does not include permission to have a concealed weapon.
A valid CCW permit is required to carry a concealed weapon in Nevada. Nevada honors CCW permits from thirty (30) other states under a reciprocity agreement. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) issues CCW permits that are valid throughout the state.
The open carry law does not permit guns at some locations, including:
- Secured areas in airports and in airplane cabins
- Childcare facilities, without written permission
- Public and private schools, without written permission
- Post offices
- Legislative buildings
- Veterans Administration facilities
- Federal facilities, including military bases, with some exceptions
Even if you have a CCW permit, you may not carry a concealed weapon in:
- Law enforcement agency facilities
- Prisons, jails, or detention facilities
- Courthouses
- Any public building with a metal detector or “no firearms” signs posted at public entrances
- Any school facility, without written permission
- Public airport or public building located on public airport property
- Buildings in national parks
Laws prohibit specific categories of individuals from owning, possessing, or carrying a gun, including:
- A person with a felony, stalking, or domestic violence conviction
- Individuals subject to a domestic violence protective or restraining order prohibiting gun possession
- Illegal immigrants
- Fugitives
- Unlawful users or addicts of controlled substances
- Mentally ill persons
Criminal Offenses Involving Firearms
Federal and Nevada laws prohibit specific conduct involving guns. Offenses that can be charged in Las Vegas include:
- Possessing a gun while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana purchased legally)
- Purchasing or possessing a gun by users of federal illegal controlled substances (including medical marijuana)
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid CCW permit
- Carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in a car
- Aiming a gun at another person
- Brandishing a gun
- Shooting a gun from inside a vehicle or structure
- Using a gun to threaten another person
- Discharging a firearm on a public street or in a public place
- Altering serial numbers on a gun
- Possessing a gun with an altered serial number
- Selling or giving a gun to a fugitive, illegal immigrant, mentally ill person, or person charged with or convicted of a felony
- Assisting a minor under age eighteen (18) in obtaining a gun, if there is a substantial risk of violence
- Unlawful sale or distribution of firearms
In addition to these offenses involving conduct relating to firearms, a number of criminal offenses involve use of a weapon. If a firearm is used in committing or attempting to commit a felony, enhanced penalties of up to twenty (20) additional years of prison time may be imposed by the court. In some cases, use of a deadly weapon in a crime results in mandatory minimum prison terms on conviction.
Penalties for Las Vegas Firearm Criminal Charges
Penalties for criminal charges involving firearms vary greatly. Some offenses are misdemeanors. Others are felonies. A conviction can result in substantial prison time and fines. The potential severity of the penalties and consequences makes it imperative to have a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense attorney represent you.
Las Vegas firearms and weapons defense attorney Joseph Gersten understands the significant implications that a gun or weapon conviction can have on your future. He understands firearm offenses and firearms. He is an approved Concealed Firearm Instructor for Nevada and Utah and is certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA) in more than nine (9) disciplines.
Attorney Gersten has the investigative and analytical skills that are essential in defending against firearm charges. His background working for the United States Secret Service, Intelligence Division, and the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations provide him with unique qualifications in defending against criminal charges.
Any charge involving a firearm is extremely serious. You need a lawyer who can carefully analyze your case, develop a solid defense strategy, and aggressively negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. Regardless of what gun charge you face, Attorney Gersten will apply all his experience and knowledge of the local courts and legal processes to secure the best possible resolution on your behalf.
Talk With a Trusted Attorney for Firearm Criminal Charges in Las Vegas
Attorney Joseph Gersten defends Nevada residents and visitors on all federal and state criminal charges, including firearms and weapons charges. If you are facing gun charges in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Clark County, contact The Gersten Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.
