Zionsville Gun Crimes Attorney
Weapons offenses in Indiana can range from nonviolent possession offenses to violent crimes committed with the use of a firearm. Even some possession offenses can carry serious felony penalties, however, so you should not take them lightly. If you are facing gun offense charges, you need a Zionsville gun crimes lawyer. A strategic legal defense greatly improves your chances of minimizing your penalties or even avoiding conviction entirely.
Hire a Gun Crimes Lawyer at The Criminal Defense Team
The Criminal Defense Team offers a combined century of legal expertise, and we brainstorm innovative strategies for each case. We have five attorneys who are board-certified* criminal trial specialists. With a former prosecutor at our firm, we have a deep understanding of government felony and homicide case theories, allowing us to exploit all weaknesses in the case against you.
We’ve managed many successful gun crimes and weapons offenses charges, and we can help you manage the charges you face. When you bring your case to us, we create a team of responsive attorneys for your criminal defense team, so you get a stronger defense for your case.
Our criminal defense is aggressive and diligent, while remaining compassionate when we work with our clients. We know how overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges, especially when you are worried about the effects it can have on your future. Our team gives you the support you need when you need it with an attorney on call 24/7. You don’t have to navigate this case alone. The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin, Perry & Wiley, PC can help.
Understanding Gun Crime Offenses in Indiana and Zionsville
Between 2020 and 2025, there were 40 weapons law violations reported by the Zionsville Police Department. 66% of these offenses involved a handgun. In 2019, there were 1,202 arrests in Indiana for carrying and possession of weapons law violations reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Gun crimes can be charged at the state or federal level. Indiana laws outline how guns are sold, used, and who can possess them. Some state-level gun crimes can include:
- Carrying a handgun without a license. Individuals can carry a handgun without a license in Indiana if they are on their own property, at a shooting range, or in other specific circumstances. Outside of these limited circumstances, however, it is unlawful to carry a handgun without a license. It is a class A misdemeanor at a minimum. It can become a level 5 felony in aggravated circumstances.
- Unlawful possession of a handgun or firearm. It is illegal for certain individuals to carry firearms, including fugitives, those convicted of domestic battery, those under the age of 18, and those who have been dishonorably discharged.Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon is a level 4 felony. Possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer is a class A misdemeanor. Unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal non-citizen is a level 6 felony.
- Criminal transfer of a firearm. This is the offense of providing a firearm to someone with the knowledge that the firearm is going to be used to commit a crime. It is also the offense of providing a firearm to someone who should not be able to purchase or receive a firearm. It is a level 5 felony.
- Delivering a firearm to an intoxicated person. This includes the sale of or giving a gun to someone who is clearly intoxicated or has a habit of being intoxicated. It is a class B misdemeanor.
- Criminal recklessness with a dangerous weapon or firearm. Criminal recklessness is the offense of knowingly and purposefully committing an act that puts someone else at risk of serious bodily harm. It can become a level 5 or level 6 felony when a deadly weapon or firearm is involved.
There are several other offenses involving firearms, including possession of firearms in restricted locations like schools, or possessing a firearm with the serial number changed or removed. At the state level, these charges are often handled in Lebanon at the historic Boone County Courthouse on Courthouse Square.
Penalties for Weapons Violations and Gun Crimes in Zionsville
Any of these offenses can have very serious consequences, especially when charged as a felony.
Depending on the severity of the weapons violation you are charged with, you could face some of the following penalties:
- Class B misdemeanors can result in up to 180 days of imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines
- Class A misdemeanors can lead to up to one year of imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines
- Level 6 felonies can carry between six months and two and a half years of imprisonment, as well as $10,000 in fines
- Level 5 felonies carry between one and six years of imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines
- Level 4 felonies can result in between two and 12 years of imprisonment, and fines up to $10,000
When a firearm is used to commit another criminal offense, it can lead to an enhancement of the sentence for that crime. This enhancement can last between five and 20 years.
The penalties for these weapons offenses can cause you immediate financial harm and have a long-term impact on your freedom. In addition, felony convictions can affect your gun rights, immigration status, and other rights. A criminal conviction can have collateral consequences well into your future. This is why exceptional legal defense can often avoid or mitigate these penalties.
Federal Gun Crimes Defense
Some gun crimes are charged at the federal level, which is more likely if there is a significant amount of firearms in the alleged offense or if the offense crossed state lines. Crimes charged at the federal level are more serious because federal agencies have more resources to put into gathering evidence, and prosecutors also have more resources. Penalties also tend to be more serious.
At The Criminal Defense Team, we can help you navigate state or federal gun crime charges.
Zionsville Gun Crimes Attorney You Can Trust
The right defense for weapon violations depends on your unique circumstances and the facts of your arrest. At The Criminal Defense Team, our five board-certified* criminal trial specialists can evaluate the options for your defense prior to trial, during trial, or during negotiations with the prosecution. Our goal is to limit the impact these charges have on your future. Reach out to our firm today and learn how we can help you in Zionsville.
*Our attorneys are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.