Though the state of Georgia respects and enforces the Second Amendment, there are limits to gun ownership, transport, and usage, and if you are someone who has recently been accused of a gun crime, you must continue reading and contact the Cobb County gun crimes lawyer here at the Miller Law Practice, LLC to learn more about how our firm can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.

Do I Need a Cobb County, GA Gun Crimes Lawyer?

If you are charged with violating Georgia’s gun laws, you may find yourself in hot water. Our Cobb County criminal defense lawyer is a staunch defender of our Second Amendment rights, and he is ready to fight for your freedom as well.

Gun Laws in Georgia

Georgia has various laws in place regarding the ownership, transporting/carrying, and use of firearms, and it is critical that you have a firm understanding of these laws so you do not violate them, even accidentally. Some of the gun laws in Georgia are as follows:

You do not need a permit to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
You do not need to register a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
You do not need a license to own a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
Since the Georgia Constitutional Carry Act (SB 319) took effect on April 12, 2022, you do not need a permit to carry a handgun, openly or concealed, if you qualify as a “lawful weapons carrier” under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126. A Weapons Carry License remains available but is now optional.
You may carry a firearm on your own property, inside your home, in your motor vehicle, or at your place of business without a weapons carry license, provided you are not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
Georgia recognizes the Castle Doctrine, meaning you are authorized to use lethal force if someone enters your home unlawfully.
Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing, receiving, or transporting any type of firearm.
Anyone under the age of 18 is prohibited from owning or using a handgun, unless under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian in certain circumstances.

Penalties for Violating Georgia’s Gun Laws

If you are charged with violating any of these laws, there is a very good chance that you will face a wide array of penalties upon conviction. The consequences of violating the following gun laws are as follows:

Carrying a weapon in public while prohibited from doing so: Permitless carry protects only lawful weapons carriers. If you are barred from possessing a firearm and you carry one anyway, a first offense is a misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent offense within five years is a felony.
Carrying a weapon on school property: If you have a license to carry, you may only receive a misdemeanor for carrying a weapon on school property, however, if you do not have a license to carry, you will most likely face felony charges.
Possessing a firearm as a felon: If you are already a convicted felon and you are caught in possession of a firearm, you will face a felony charge.
Possession of a handgun while under the age of 18: If you are a minor under the age of 18 and you are caught in possession of a handgun, you will most likely face misdemeanor charges. However, for a second offense, you may face a felony.
Possession of prohibited weapons: If you are caught in possession of a prohibited weapon, such as a machine gun or a sawed-off shotgun, you will most likely face felony charges and a potential five-year prison sentence.

Permitless Carry Does Not Apply to Everyone

This is where most gun charges in Cobb County actually begin. Permitless carry extends only to those who could lawfully obtain a license in the first place. If a prior felony conviction, a First Offender sentence, a family violence conviction, or an active protective order bars you from possessing a firearm, carrying one is still a crime — and the fact that your neighbor may lawfully carry without a permit is no defense.

Contact Our Cobb County Gun Crimes Lawyer

As you can see, the penalties for gun crimes here in Georgia are severe, which is why if you’ve been charged with a gun crime, you cannot afford to sit idly by. Contact the Miller Law Practice, LLC today to schedule your initial consultation with our firm so we can begin mounting the best defense possible on your behalf.