Scottsdale Weapons Charges Lawyer

Trusted Weapons Charges Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ

Facing a weapons offense could result in serious criminal consequences and impact your right to own firearms. Hiring a knowledgeable Scottsdale weapons charges lawyer is a good place to start if you’ve been charged with violating Arizona’s weapons laws. Understanding what you’re charged with and how the law applies to your case is paramount to your case outcome. 

Get to Know Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm has defended clients against all types of criminal charges in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other communities in Maricopa County. Our criminal defense lawyers can explain Arizona criminal statutes, protect your legal rights, uphold your legal obligations, and assess the prosecution’s evidence. We offer clients candid legal advice so they can make informed decisions about their criminal cases.

The Local Landscape

Scottsdale is host to major commercial centers, shopping destinations, and residential areas connected by Loop 101, Scottsdale Road, and Shea Boulevard. Arrests for weapons offenses may arise from traffic stops, searches at concerts or special events, or interactions with law enforcement in high crime areas such as Old Town Scottsdale. In Scottsdale in 2025, there were 149 weapons violation arrests, accounting for 11.8% of crimes against society arrests.

Understanding Arizona Weapons Charges Laws

Weapons charges include any offense that is deemed unlawful as it pertains to weapons, particularly firearms, in the state of Arizona. State weapons charge laws are established by A.R.S. § 13-3 102. The statute prohibits certain weapons-related conduct, including the acts listed below: 

• Being a prohibited possessor of a firearm
  
• Carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited place
  
• Possessing a prohibited weapon
  
• Failing to truthfully answer questions by a peace officer 

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right of U.S. citizens to keep and bear arms. However, this right has limitations under both state and federal law. 

Weapons Violation Penalties 

Weapons offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the facts of the alleged offense. The penalties for weapons violations vary depending on the type of offense, whether the weapon was a firearm, and if the defendant has prior convictions. Some of the weapons violation penalties often handed down in a weapons offense conviction are listed below:

• Incarceration
  
• Probation
  
• Fines
  
• Loss of firearm rights
  
• Criminal records
  
• Increased charges, particularly if it involved another crime

Felony charges may be brought if the offense involves a prohibited possessor of a weapon or firearm. Dangerous weapons or aggravating factors may also increase the severity of any charges. 

Hire a Weapons Charges Lawyer With Experience in Scottsdale

When you hire a weapons charges lawyer, you gain a legal advocate who can evaluate the evidence against you in a weapons charges case. An experienced Scottsdale weapons charges attorney knows how to analyze whether police performed a legal search or seizure. They can identify if there were any defects in how a stop or search was conducted, which could be crucial to a criminal defense case.

A qualified attorney can also effectively perform a review of police body camera footage, witness statements, and more in support of a defense strategy. They can investigate whether prosecutors are able to prove every element of the crime and invalidate any evidence that doesn’t do so.

Legal counsel can inform you of your legal options, draft court documents, appear with you in court, and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf if the situation warrants. If your case involves constitutional concerns, your lawyer may be able to file a motion to suppress evidence gained from illegal police activity or processing. Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can help. Contact us for a consultation.