Knoxville Weapons Violations Attorney

Lawyer for Gun and Firearm Offenses in Knoxville, TN

For most of its history, the state of Tennessee has maintained laws regarding firearms and other weapons that seemed to be relatively permissive compared to laws in other states. Over the last few years, however, lawmakers in the Volunteer State have enacted more stringent measures in an effort to increase public safety. If you are facing any type of charges related to a weapons violation, the situation is quite serious, and you could be facing severe criminal consequences. Fortunately, the experienced team at the law firm of Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney is equipped to help you protect your rights and avoid a conviction if possible.

Tennessee Counsel Guarding Your Second Amendment Rights

According to the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the government is not permitted to infringe on "the right of the people to keep and bear arms." While there is an ongoing debate over what our nation's founders meant at the time and how the right to bear arms should be treated in today's world, federal and state courts around the country have determined that a person has the right to own, possess, and carry a weapon with certain limitations.

These limitations, however, vary by state and sometimes by individual municipalities. Our team is fully versed in the laws regarding illegal weapons in Tennessee, as well as in local ordinances and other applicable rules and restrictions. We know that weapons can be incredibly dangerous in the hands of the wrong people, but we also know that most gun owners are responsible, law-abiding citizens who attempt to follow the rules. Often, weapons violations charges are the result of oversights or careless mistakes, such as a person with a carry permit not realizing that he or she is not allowed to carry a firearm in certain local parks. If you are facing charges related to carrying a weapon illegally, we will work with you in exploring your available options.

Other Illegal Weapons

In addition to controlling the possession and carrying of firearms, Tennessee law also prohibits a number of specific types of other weapons as well. It is illegal for a person in Tennessee to knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell:

• Explosive weapons, such as grenades or mines;
• Devices designed to shoot explosives, such as a grenade launcher;
• Machine guns;
• Rifles or shotguns with short or sawed-off barrels;
• Brass or ceramic knuckles; or
• Any other weapons designed to inflict serious injury or death.

The law also prohibits "hoax" devices, which are defined as anything intended to look like a weapon or explosive used with the intent of alarming another person or persons. The severity of a criminal charge associated with an illegal weapon will depend on the type of weapon involved, and specific charges can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony.

Attorney Jeffrey Coller and his team understand that weapons charges are not always clear-cut, as the law does make some exceptions. For example, it is not illegal to possess a machine gun in the performance of one's duties as a member of the United States armed forces or the Tennessee national guard. A person might also be permitted to display certain weapons in a public museum or exhibition without breaking the law. We will investigate the circumstances and details of the charges against you and help you build a responsible, aggressive defense.

Contact Our Knoxville Weapons Violations Defense Lawyers

If you are facing weapons charges, or if other criminal charges against you have been elevated because a weapon was involved, contact our office right away. Call 865-281-1000 today for a free, confidential consultation and case review. We represent clients in and around Knox County, Union County, Anderson County, Blount County, and Campbell County, Tennessee.