Little Rock Lawyers Defend You Against Weapons Charges

Firearms possession and enhancements in Arkansas

Felonies such as kidnapping, sexual assault and drug trafficking become even more serious if the prosecution can prove that you used a firearm during the crime. Some other weapons charges include possession of a firearm by a felon, removing the serial number from a firearm and furnishing a weapon to a minor without a parent’s permission.

At the James Law Firm, our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the serious nature of firearms offenses. We work hard to clear you of the underlying offense and any aggravating circumstances.

What are the weapons charges and penalties in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Code outlaws a number of firearms-related behaviors, including:

• Possessing an instrument of crime — A person commits the offense of possessing an instrument of crime if he or she possesses any instrument of crime with a purpose to employ it criminally. Possessing an instrument of crime is a Class A misdemeanor. The maximum sentence is one year in prison.
• Furnishing a deadly weapon to a minor — A person commits the offense of furnishing a deadly weapon to a minor if he or she sells, gives, or otherwise furnishes a firearm or other deadly weapon to a minor without the consent of a parent or guardian. Furnishing a deadly weapon to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor. The maximum sentence is one year in prison. However, furnishing a deadly weapon to a minor is a Class B felony (maximum sentence of 20 years in prison) if the deadly weapon is:
  • A handgun
  • A sawed-off or short-barrel shotgun
  • A sawed-off or short-barrel rifle
  • A firearm equipped with a silencer
  • A machine gun
  • An explosive or incendiary device
  • Metal knuckles
  • A firearm whose serial number has been removed
  • Any other implement for the infliction of serious physical injury or death that serves no common lawful purpose
• Criminal use of prohibited weapons — A person commits the offense of criminal use of prohibited weapons if he or she uses, possesses, makes, repairs, sells or otherwise deals in any bomb, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun or rifle, metal knuckles, firearm equipped with a silencer, or other implement for the infliction of serious physical injury or death. Criminal use of prohibited weapons is a Class B felony (maximum sentence of 20 years in prison) if the weapon is a bomb, firearm with a silencer, or machine gun. Otherwise, criminal use of prohibited weapons is a Class D felony (maximum sentence of six years in prison).
• Defacing a firearm — A person commits the offense of defacing a firearm if he or she knowingly removes, defaces, mars, covers, alters or destroys the manufacturer’s serial number or identification mark. Defacing a firearm is a Class D felony. The maximum sentence is six years in prison.
• Furnishing a handgun or a prohibited weapon to a felon — A person commits the offense of furnishing a handgun to a felon if he or she sells, gives or otherwise furnishes a handgun to a person who he or she knows to be a convicted felon. A person commits the offense of furnishing a prohibited weapon to a felon if he or she knowingly sells, gives or otherwise furnishes a convicted felon a bomb, machine gun, metal knuckles, sawed-off shotgun or rifle, firearm equipped with a silencer, or other implement for the infliction of serious physical injury or death. Furnishing a handgun or a prohibited weapon to a felon is a Class B felony. The maximum sentence is 20 years in prison.

In addition, a firearms enhancement may apply to a number of violent felonies. If you use a gun in a crime, the sentence enhancement can be as much as 20 years in some cases.  The James Law Firm attorneys begin working on your case as soon as you retain us. We investigate the facts, research the law, and go to court prepared with powerful arguments and evidence.

Knowledgeable attorneys defend your rights in Little Rock

At the James Law Firm, our team of experienced lawyers is available 24/7. Contact us at (501) 375-0900 or online to schedule your free consultation. Hablamos español.