If you have come to the attention of federal authorities in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia for a firearms violation, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. Molly Parmer is an aggressive, persuasive defense attorney in Atlanta who provides clients with an effective strategy when facing federal firearm prosecutions. She understands the federal criminal justice system and how the United States Sentencing Guidelines and changes in federal law will affect your case. Knowledge of the guidelines and of all aspects of federal law is particularly important in federal gun cases, where prison sentences are exceptionally punitive and harsh.
Unlawful possession, illegal transportation and transfer, and using firearms during a crime can all lead to the involvement of federal law enforcement. In many cases, federal firearms laws provide severe penalties for possession of weapons and ammunition. In particular, if the federal government believes you are a violent offender or drug trafficker, the penalties you face may be extremely punitive. For example, possession of firearms by convicted felons or drug users can provide punishments of up to ten years imprisonment. If such possession occurs after you have been convicted of certain felonies offenses involving drugs or violence, you must serve at least fifteen years in prison. There are also mandatory consecutive and enhanced punishments for using or carrying a firearm during the course of a violent or drug trafficking crime, which can significantly increase a sentence.
In many cases, gun possession charges result from a law enforcement investigation into other crimes. Firearms or other weapons may be uncovered during a drug trafficking investigation, or during an arrest following a fight or domestic violence incident. You need an attorney familiar with complex, multicount felony cases, whether they involve violent crime, drug trafficking, or any other serious offense. It is imperative that you hire a lawyer in Atlanta who can handle federal gun charges in relation to other pending investigations.
Federal prosecutors also have the power to enhance a sentence for possessing a firearm under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). The ACCA is a federal law that provides sentence enhancements for felons who commit crimes with firearms, if convicted of certain crimes three or more times. This law imposes a mandatory prison term of fifteen years on a felon who unlawfully possessed firearm, and has had three or more previous convictions for “violent felonies” or “serious drug offenses”. In order to effectively fight allegations that you are an armed career criminal, you need a lawyer familiar with all aspects of the Armed Career Criminal Act, and more importantly, how to argue against it. If you are charged with a federal firearms offense in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, hire an experienced attorney who is not afraid to fight your case from all angles.
