Weapons Crimes

We’re Defense Lawyers 
for Weapons Crimes

Weapons charges can become serious quickly, especially when a case involves a firearm, an alleged unlawful search, a prior record, or another criminal allegation. Even when someone believes they were legally carrying or possessing a weapon, the details surrounding the stop, search, seizure, and arrest can shape the entire case.

Mere possession of a weapon, without more, is not a crime in the State of Arkansas. Concealed and unconcealed carry are permitted without a license. Simply put, the Second Amendment is alive and well in the State of Arkansas.

Weapons Charges Lawyer in Little Rock, Arkansas

Our attorneys have been at the forefront of the right to carry a weapon in the Natural State. Michael Kiel Kaiser achieved an appellate victory in Jamie Taff v. State of Arkansas, 2018 Ark. App. 488, which both houses of the Arkansas General Assembly resolved “gave judicial clarity and affirmed that Arkansas is a constitutional carry state, with no permit required to carry a handgun, either unconcealed or concealed.” Ms. Cassinelli has extensive experience dealing with federal weapons charges, and has even achieved an appellate victory regarding the possession of a machine gun.

If you are charged with illegally carrying or possessing a firearm, call our attorneys today. Frequently, the key in a weapons case is the legality (or not) of the search that led to the weapon’s discovery. Our attorneys have extensive experience arguing suppression issues in both state and federal courts, and have achieved appellate reversals based on these issues numerous times.

Why the Search Matters in a Weapons Crime Case

In many weapons cases, the legality of the search is one of the most important issues. A weapon may be discovered during a traffic stop, pat-down, vehicle search, home search, or another law enforcement encounter. If the search was not lawful, that can affect how the evidence may be used.

A weapons charges lawyer may review questions such as:

• Did law enforcement have a valid reason for the stop?
• Was the search legal under the circumstances?
• Did officers go beyond the proper scope of the search?
• Was the weapon actually in the person’s possession or control?
• Were the person’s constitutional rights respected?
• Is there a basis to challenge or suppress the evidence?

The facts matter. A careful review of the search and seizure issues may make a major difference in the direction of the case.

Facing an Illegal Possession of a Firearm Charge?

An illegal possession of a firearm allegation should be taken seriously. These cases may involve questions about ownership, access, intent, location, prior history, or whether the person was legally allowed to possess the firearm.

Because Arkansas law allows lawful firearm possession in many situations, the difference between lawful conduct and a criminal charge can depend on the specific facts. That is why it is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney before making statements or decisions that could affect your case.

State and Federal Weapons Charges

Weapons charges may be handled in Arkansas state court or, in some cases, federal court. Federal weapons cases can involve more complex investigations, stricter procedures, and serious consequences.

Lassiter & Cassinelli has experience handling weapons-related cases in both state and federal courts. Our attorneys look closely at the evidence, the circumstances of the arrest, and any constitutional issues that may support the defense.

Common Issues in Weapons Crime Defense

Every weapons case is different, but common defense issues may include:

• Whether the weapon was legally discovered
• Whether the person actually possessed or controlled the weapon
• Whether the State can prove intent
• Whether the charge is connected to another alleged offense
• Whether law enforcement followed proper procedures
• Whether the evidence can be challenged in court

A strong defense starts with understanding what the State must prove and what legal issues may exist in the case.

Talk to a Weapons Charges Attorney Today

If you have been charged with a weapons crime in Little Rock or anywhere in Arkansas, do not assume the case is simple just because a weapon was found. The search, the facts of possession, and the State’s evidence all need to be reviewed carefully.

Contact Lassiter & Cassinelli today to talk with a weapons charges lawyer about your case.