Kentucky has liberal gun laws, but that does not mean there are no laws governing the use and possession of weapons. For example, criminal charges related to carrying a concealed weapon in Kentucky carry harsh penalties.
If you are charged with a concealed weapon offense, contact our Lexington concealed weapon defense lawyer at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, for help. Our criminal defense attorneys have over 100 years of legal experience between them.
Contact us for a free consultation at (859) 569-4014 to discuss your case with an experienced weapons charges attorney. Let us use our decades of experience to defend you against criminal charges.
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How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, Can Help After an Arrest for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Lexington
Kentucky gun laws allow individuals to carry firearms openly. Concealed carry laws also exist in Kentucky. However, complicated restrictions apply to open and concealed carry rights in Lexington.
Our Lexington concealed carry lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers include former prosecutors and police officers. Therefore, we understand criminal law and the criminal justice system. Through decades of representing clients in criminal cases, we have fostered resources that assist our lawyers in developing a defense strategy for clients.
When you hire our Lexington weapons charges lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Analyze the facts of your case to offer sound legal advice and guidance regarding the potential outcomes of your case
- Explain the criminal charges and the possible penalties for a conviction
- Investigate your case to determine if law enforcement officers violated your rights
- Use weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to negotiate favorable terms for a plea deal or argue reasonable doubt if we go to trial
- Pursue the best outcome for your criminal case, including fiercely representing you in court and aggressively negotiating a plea agreement
- Seek a reduction of charges, dismissal of your case, and alternative sentencing options
A conviction for a gun crime in Lexington, Kentucky, carries immediate penalties. However, it also creates a criminal record that can have long-term consequences, including losing your right to carry a firearm.
Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, to schedule a free case review with an experienced Lexington criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Kentucky Laws for Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Kentucky repealed the law requiring individuals to complete a gun safety course and background check to obtain a concealed firearm license. Current gun laws in Kentucky allow anyone 21 years or older to legally carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
However, there are restrictions to carrying concealed weapons in Kentucky. Specific people may be ineligible to carry a concealed weapon. Furthermore, carrying a concealed gun or weapon in certain places in Kentucky is illegal.
For example, concealed weapons are prohibited in:
- Certain areas of an airport
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Daycare facilities
- Jails and prisons
- Courthouses
- Police stations and sheriff’s offices
- Drinking establishments and bar areas serving alcohol in restaurants
- Anywhere federal law prohibits concealed carry
A private business can prohibit individuals entering the premises from carrying a concealed weapon on the property. However, concealed carry is permitted in most city-owned facilities.
Common Conceal Weapons Charges in Lexington, KY
Even though you can carry your gun openly or concealed, you could still be arrested for weapons charges. Common weapons charges you could face related to concealed carry include, but are not limited to:
- Illegal possession of a gun or firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon on school property
- Defacing a gun or firearm
- Selling or providing a firearm to a felon
- Providing or selling a handgun to a minor
- Illegal possession of a firearm by a minor
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
Your arrest is not the time to argue that Kentucky law allows you to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Instead, ask for an attorney and refrain from talking. The more you talk to the police officers, the greater chance you say something the prosecutor can use against you in court.
Potential Punishments for Concealed Carry Offenses in Lexington, KY
Gun owners are responsible for knowing where they can carry concealed weapons legally. Most charges for carrying a concealed weapon relate to carrying the weapon in a prohibited place.
For example, carrying a concealed weapon on school property is a Class D felony charge. A conviction could result in a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to five years in state prison.
Likewise, possessing a firearm by a convicted felon is a Class D felony. The charge can be enhanced to a Class C felony for a handgun, which carries up to 10 years in prison for a conviction.
If you were arrested for carrying a concealed weapon in Kentucky, contact our Lexington carrying a concealed weapon attorneys to discuss the potential penalties you face during a free consultation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lexington Carrying a Concealed Weapon Lawyers
Despite your right to carry a concealed weapon in Kentucky, you could be charged with one or more criminal defenses if you make a mistake. You could be charged with a serious felony offense that carries a lengthy prison sentence.
Get help with your defense by calling Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers. Our lawyers are here to help you when you need trusted legal counsel. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with a concealed weapons lawyer in Lexington, KY.
