Tempe Weapons Charges Lawyer

Trusted Weapons Charges Attorney in Tempe, AZ

The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States grants citizens the right to keep and bear arms. However, all states have their own laws governing the possession and use of weapons, with the goal of preserving the peace and safety of society at large. If you find yourself facing weapons charges in Arizona, you may not know what to do next. Reach out to a seasoned Tempe weapons charges lawyer for insight and legal support. 

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm – Client-Focused Criminal Defense Attorney 

Weapons charges are serious. If convicted of weapons charges, you may have a permanent mark on your criminal record, along with far-reaching consequences, such as disqualification from certain lines of work, housing opportunities, and social opportunities. When you face a high-stakes situation like this, you need an attorney who knows how to navigate the Maricopa County Superior Court. 

At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we have what it takes to effectively advocate for you in the court of law and in every moment leading up to courtroom proceedings. Our attorney, Joshua S. Davidson, spent years as a prosecuting attorney before establishing his own firm. During that time, he became deeply familiar with the strategies prosecutors use to pursue criminal charges against defendants. 

Because Mr. Davidson has this unique knowledge and experience, he is especially well-equipped to defend our clients. He can often anticipate a prosecuting attorney’s next move, thereby remaining a step ahead. 

Weapons Crimes and Potential Penalties in Tempe

As of 2025, there were an estimated 393 million firearms owned by civilians in the United States. In 2023, there were around 46,000 deaths attributed to firearms nationwide. In 2025, 60% of homicides that occurred under the jurisdiction of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office were carried out with a firearm. Handguns were involved in 20% of homicides, rifles were used in 6.7% of homicides, and 33.3% involved firearms of some other type.

Although the Constitution enshrines the right to bear arms, states unanimously recognize that some measures must be in place to prevent violent offenders from possessing them. These efforts exist to prevent unlawful actions from being carried out with firearms. Firearms are not the only weapons subject to regulation. In addition to guns, Arizona law establishes definitions of offenses involving explosives, knives, and stun guns.

Some examples of weapons crimes in Tempe, and their potential associated penalties are listed below:

• Prohibited possessor offenses. Some people, such as convicted felons or people who have been convicted of domestic violence offenses, are prohibited from owning or controlling a firearm under federal law. If such a person is found to be in possession of a firearm, they can be charged with a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by up to 16 years in prison, depending on the person’s prior record.
  
• Possession of prohibited weapons. Some weapons are entirely outlawed by the state of Arizona. These include sawed-off shotguns, grenades, firearm silencers, and others as defined in Section 13-3101 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. This offense also usually results in a Class 4 felony charge.
  
• Bringing weapons to restricted locations. Certain locations in public, such as schools and government buildings, are generally restricted areas for weapons. Carrying weapons in restricted areas can be a felony or a high-level misdemeanor, depending on the weapon and the location in question.
  
• Disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon. A person can be charged with disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon if they handle or discharge a weapon in a reckless manner. This is a Class 6 felony, which is punishable by up to three years in prison on the first offense.
  
• Aggravated assault. If a person commits an assault with a deadly weapon, they can be charged with aggravated assault. Assault with a deadly weapon is usually at least a Class 3 felony, punishable by up to eight years in prison on the first offense. 

There are other possible weapons offenses in Arizona that are not mentioned on this list. If you have questions about the particulars of the charges against you, your Tempe weapons charges attorney can help you understand your legal position. 

Hire a Weapons Charges Lawyer 

It is imperative that you hire a weapons charges lawyer as soon as you can if you are facing weapons charges in Tempe. Although it is possible for you to represent yourself in court, it is not advisable because most people do not have the extensive knowledge of Arizona weapons laws that is necessary to successfully defend themselves against criminal charges. 

The sooner you bring a lawyer into the situation, the more likely it is that the outcome of your case can be improved.

FAQs

What Court Handles Weapons-Related Charges for Tempe Residents? 

Weapons charges for Tempe residents can be handled through either the Tempe Municipal Court, located on East 5th Street in Tempe, or the Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix, on Jefferson Street. Which court your case is assigned to depends on the seriousness of the charges. Lower-level, misdemeanor charges are usually processed through the municipal court, while the superior court handles felony charges.

How Much Does a Weapons Charges Defense Lawyer Cost in Tempe? 

Attorneys usually set their own hourly rates and fee structures, so the total cost for a lawyer’s services can span a wide range. Factors like the complexity of the case and the amount of time an attorney must spend working on it also contribute to the final cost. Usually, a client must pay a retainer fee to begin using an attorney’s services. The lawyer then bills their working time against the retainer. 

Do Weapons Charges Always Result in Jail Time? 

No, weapons charges do not always result in jail time, as some lower-level offenses can be charged as misdemeanors rather than felonies. There are very few situations in which misdemeanors carry mandatory jail time, and judges often have a great deal of discretion when deciding whether to impose confinement sentences or less severe penalties such as probation. 

Can an Attorney Successfully Defend a Client Against Weapons Charges in Tempe? 

Yes, an experienced lawyer may well be able to successfully defend you against weapons charges in Tempe. Each case is different, but there are several defense strategies attorneys can use to help their clients push back against criminal charges, including those involving weapons. Your lawyer can discuss the particulars of your case with you and decide on a reasonable strategy. 

Contact Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

If you find yourself facing criminal charges for weapons offenses in Tempe, you need an experienced attorney who understands the strategies the prosecutor may use against you. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to effectively advocate for you. Contact us today to discuss your needs.