Possession of Firearm During Commsission of a Crime

Firearm Possession During Crime

Possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of certain crimes is a serious felony in Georgia, punishable up to five years in prison.

Depending on circumstances, anyone arrested for this charge may face related State and Federal weapons charges.

Firearms Possession During Commission of a Crime

In Georgia, it is a felony crime to be in possession of a knife, firearm, stun-gun, or taser when committing certain types of crime. A key point here is "in possession". Even if you do not use, brandish or convey you have a weapon you can be found guilty of this felony.

Sentence for Possession of a Firearm During a Crime

A conviction for possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime in Georgia is a felony. In addition to the sentencing for other crimes, this felony can add up to five years to the total punishment. It is important to note that a conviction for possession of a firearm during commission of a crime in Georgia cannot be suspended or addressed with only probation.

Georgia Code § 16-11-106

Possession of firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain crimes.

• (a) For the purposes of this Code section, the term "firearm" shall include stun guns and tasers. A stun gun or taser is any device that is powered by electrical charging units such as batteries and emits an electrical charge in excess of 20,000 volts or is otherwise capable of incapacitating a person by an electrical charge.
• (b) Any person who shall have on or within arm's reach of his or her person a firearm or a knife having a blade of three or more inches in length during the commission of, or the attempt to commit:
• (1) Any crime against or involving the person of another;
• (2) The unlawful entry into a building or vehicle;
• (3) A theft from a building or theft of a vehicle;
• (4) Any crime involving the possession, manufacture, delivery, distribution, dispensing, administering, selling, or possession with intent to distribute any controlled substance or marijuana as provided in Code Section 16-13-30, any counterfeit substance as defined in Code Section 16-13-21, or any non-controlled substance as provided in Code Section 16-13-30.1; or
• (5) Any crime involving the trafficking of cocaine, marijuana, or illegal drugs as provided in Code Section 16-13-31, and which crime is a felony, commits a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by confinement for a period of five years, such sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence which the person has received.
• (c) Upon the second or subsequent conviction of a person under this Code section, the person shall be punished by confinement for a period of ten years. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the sentence of any person which is imposed for violating this Code section a second or subsequent time shall not be suspended by the court and probationary sentence imposed in lieu thereof.
• (d) The punishment prescribed for the violation of subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section shall not be reducible to misdemeanor punishment as is provided by Code Section 17-10-5.
• (e) Any crime committed in violation of subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section shall be considered a separate offense.

Weapons Charges Lawyer in Cherokee County GA

If you need help with felony weapons charges charges in Georgia you need to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Any criminal charges can be devastating to your finances, personal relationships, and ability to get a job. Contact a TOPIC lawyer online or call 770-956-1400.