Serious Defense For Serious Weapons Charges
In Virginia, firearms charges are among the most aggressively prosecuted crimes. Prosecutors and judges in Richmond and the surrounding counties take these offenses seriously, often seeking maximum penalties even for first-time offenders. A conviction does not just mean fines or probation; it can mean mandatory jail time, a permanent criminal record and the lifetime loss of your Second Amendment rights.
At Coates, Battle & Tyree, we understand the stakes. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, including the decades of trial advocacy brought by our senior partners Tom Coates and John Moore, we provide a defense that is zealous, proactive and deeply familiar with the local courts. We do not wait to see what the prosecution will do – we intervene early to protect your liberty.
We Help People Facing Weapons Charges
The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms. But a host of state and federal laws govern the proper use of firearms. Convictions carry penalties ranging from time in jail to a harder time in prison, along with steep fines, probation, driving restrictions, house arrest and more. The laws are complex and vary widely between state and federal jurisdictions. Gun charges at either level require a skilled firearms attorney.
At Coates, Battle & Tyree, we defend individuals charged with a host of violations:
- Carrying a weapon without a permit
- Possessing an unregistered gun
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Brandishing a firearm
- Making a false statement on a permit application
- Being a minor and possessing a firearm
- Being a felon in possession of a gun
- Intentionally/recklessly discharging a weapon
- Unlawfully using/selling a weapon
- Having a loaded firearm in a vehicle
- Illegally transporting weapons
- Having automatic firearms or assault weapons in your possession
We represent clients facing a wide spectrum of weapons charges in Virginia state courts. We understand the nuances of these statutes and how to challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence regarding possession, intent and legality.
How Many Counts Could You Be Facing? Understanding “Stacked” Charges
It is critical to understand how quickly a single incident can escalate into decades of potential jail time. In Virginia, prosecutors have the discretion to charge each individual discharge of a weapon as a separate offense. At their discretion, several charges can be “stacked” onto a single incident.
For example, every shot illegally fired can be considered a separate violation; firing five shots may constitute five counts of unlawful discharge. Shooting from a vehicle and at a vehicle are separate offenses as well. Firing two shots from one car at another car makes four criminal acts. Clearly, the law is complex and often unwieldy, and you will need an experienced gun laws attorney to see you through.
Furthermore, incidents involving vehicles are treated with extreme severity. If you are alleged to have shot from a vehicle or at a vehicle, you may face multiple counts for the act itself, the target and the method. What looks like one event to a layperson can legally be five or six distinct felonies. We know how to navigate these complex indictments and fight to prevent the “stacking” of charges.
Why Hire Coates, Battle & Tyree?
When your freedom is on the line, experience is the only currency that matters. You need a criminal defense team that knows the prosecutors, understands the judges and knows how to try a case in Richmond.
- We are proactive: We believe in the philosophy that “we don’t let the case happen to the client.” We work immediately to uncover evidence, interview witnesses and find procedural errors in how the police handled the stop or search.
- Unmatched experience: With Tom Coates (50-plus years) and John Moore (40-plus years) leading our team, we have seen virtually every variation of weapons charges in Virginia. We know which defenses work and when to negotiate.
- Holistic protection: A weapons charge often affects your family, your job and your standing in the community. As a multi-practice firm, we look at the big picture, ensuring your defense strategy aligns with your long-term family and career goals.
Protect Your Freedom By Calling Us Today
Don’t leave your rights to chance. If you or a family member has been charged with a firearms offense, contact us immediately. Call our attorneys at Coates, Battle & Tyree at 804-729-5537 to discuss your circumstances, or write to us using our online form.