Scottsdale Gun and Weapons Crime Defense Lawyer

If you are facing weapons-related charges in Scottsdale, you are likely dealing with a case that escalated quickly. These cases often involve traffic stops, domestic disputes, or questionable searches, and they require a steady hand from the very start. 

Contact your Scottsdale gun and weapons crime defense lawyer, a former prosecutor, from Suzuki Law Offices to work with a team known for providing excellence through dedication, compassion, integrity, and experience. Your Scottsdale violent crimes lawyer is ready to take your side.

What to Expect After a Gun or Weapons Arrest in Scottsdale

If you were arrested on a weapons-related charge, your next steps can make a significant difference. Whether the arrest involved a misunderstanding, self-defense, or unclear facts, what you do in the first 72 hours matters.

Staying quiet, organized, and focused on protecting your rights helps your defense start strong. Your Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer may be able to fight for reduced charges, especially if the offense involved a non-violent act or unclear intent.

While felony-level weapons offenses are often more complex, some cases are downgraded when the facts are fully reviewed. No matter what the charge is, the first few days are critical.

Steps to Take in the Aftermath of Your Arrest

Here are seven steps to take within 72 hours of a weapons-related arrest:

• Stay silent and do not discuss the case with anyone but your lawyer.
• Avoid posting anything online about your arrest or the incident.
• Write down what happened as soon as possible while the details are fresh.
• Collect any legal documents related to gun ownership or permits.
• Let us know if there are witnesses who can support your version of events.
• Keep all paperwork from your release or court documents in one place and easily accessible.
• Follow court orders exactly, including restrictions on firearm possession.

The sooner your Scottsdale gun and weapons crime defense attorney with Suzuki Law Offices reviews your case, the more options you may have. Every detail you remember or record now could help later. Being proactive after an arrest can protect your future and support your defense.

Arizona Gun and Weapons Offenses 

You do not have to commit a violent act to be charged with a weapons offense. Even legal gun owners can be arrested if a weapon is carried, stored, or used in a way that violates Arizona law. These cases often depend on specific details that may not be clear until your side is heard.

Misconduct Involving Weapons: A.R.S. § 13-3102

Weapon charges are some of the top cases our firm takes on. Under A.R.S. § 13-3102, this charge can apply to several actions, such as carrying a weapon into a school, possessing a firearm as a prohibited person, or discharging a weapon in city limits. 

The statute also covers concealed weapons violations and possession during the commission of a felony. The charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts. For example, someone with a prior felony conviction who is found with a firearm may be charged with a Class 4 felony. 

Prohibited Possessor Offenses: A.R.S. § 13-3101

You can be charged as a prohibited possessor if you are legally restricted from owning or carrying a firearm. This status can result from a past felony conviction, probation terms, or certain court orders. 

Under A.R.S. § 13-3101, it is illegal for anyone classified as a prohibited possessor to knowingly have access to a firearm or ammunition. In some cases, people do not realize they are considered prohibited under state law.

If your firearm was stored in a shared space or discovered during a traffic stop, the situation can quickly escalate. We work to clarify ownership, intent, and whether the state can prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm: A.R.S. § 13-3107

Arizona law makes it illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits except in very limited circumstances. A.R.S. § 13-3107 covers situations where a gun is fired recklessly or without legal justification, even if no one is injured.

A single shot in a residential neighborhood can lead to serious criminal charges. This offense is often charged after reports of gunfire, fireworks, or self-defense scenarios where no one was harmed.

We examine whether the discharge was accidental, justified, or even proven. In many cases, the only evidence is a neighbor’s complaint or a vague description.

Why Gun Charges Often Accompany Other Offenses in Scottsdale

In many cases, weapons charges are not filed on their own. They are added to arrests involving assault, robbery, drug offenses, or domestic violence to increase potential penalties. 

These charges can make an already serious case more difficult to defend, especially when prosecutors rely on Arizona’s enhancement laws to seek mandatory prison time.

Sentencing Enhancements for Dangerous Offenses

Arizona law adds time to a sentence when a firearm is used, displayed, or possessed while committing another felony. Under A.R.S. § 13-704, the state can treat the case as a “dangerous offense” even if the weapon was never fired. 

If this enhancement applies, the court may impose mandatory prison time and eliminate probation eligibility.

These enhancements often appear in cases involving no prior criminal history. Even having a firearm in your vehicle during a drug stop or domestic dispute may trigger a longer sentence. This is why the early decisions made by police and prosecutors must be reviewed carefully by your defense team.

Your Scottsdale Criminal Defense Team Can Push Back on Enhancements

Your lawyer can challenge these enhancements by showing that the weapon was not used in a threatening way, was not connected to the offense, or was found during an illegal search. 

Early negotiations and a close review of the evidence can lead to dismissed gun charges or a more favorable plea. The key is addressing these issues before the case is too far along.

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Work With a Gun and Weapons Crime Defense Lawyer in Scottsdale Who Listens

You need to act fast the moment you are accused of a weapons offense. Your record, your rights, and your reputation are all on the line. 

Your gun and weapons crime defense attorney in Scottsdale with Suzuki Law Offices will help you understand the charges, explore your defenses, and push back against unfair enhancements or added allegations. Submit our contact form today to get started with a defense strategy built around your future.

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form