The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution protects your right to lawfully bear arms. Despite this Constitutional protection, there are laws in place to help ensure these weapons are more regulated. As such, if you own a weapon, familiarizing yourself with Oklahoma firearm laws is critical to avoid criminal charges. However, if you are facing gun charges, connecting with an Oklahoma City gun crime lawyer is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about owning a firearm and what to do if facing charges.
What Firearm Laws Should I Know About?
Oklahoma is more relaxed than other states when it comes to your right to carry a firearm. As such, you are legally allowed to own a gun and do not need a permit or license to purchase a handgun, shotgun, or rifle. This also applies to “open-carry,” which means that you can carry a gun in public without a permit, with the only restriction being that you must be at least 21.
It’s important to understand that Oklahoma is also a Castle Doctrine state, which means that you have the right to protect your home using any means necessary in the event you are faced with an unlawful threat. For example, if someone illegally enters your home with the intent to commit a crime, you may use deadly force if necessary to protect yourself and the other inhabitants.
This goes hand in hand with the “Stand Your Ground” law, which states that you do not have to attempt to flee or run from harm before taking necessary self-defense measures.
What Should I Do if I’m Accused of Violating Gun Laws?
In many instances, violating gun laws can result in a misdemeanor crime. However, there are instances in Oklahoma in which you will find that you can be charged with a felony. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Aiming a gun at someone
- Possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felony
- Having a firearm while committing a felony crime
When you are accused of gun crimes, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible, as your Constitutional rights are at risk. Many assume they can represent themselves during these matters, which is far from the truth. In reality, working with an attorney will provide you with the best opportunity to protect yourself and receive a favorable outcome.
At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand that you want to exercise your right as an American and Oklahoman to own a firearm. As such, we will carefully examine the charges against you to determine the best course of action for your unique circumstances. If you are in legal trouble, connect with our dedicated team today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist.
