What you Should Know if you Own a Gun
Arizona is known for its gun-friendly laws. It’s a “constitutional carry” state, which means most adults over 21 can carry a firearm openly or concealed without a permit. However, this doesn’t mean that all firearm-related conduct is legal. There are strict regulations about:
- Prohibited possessors (e.g., convicted felons, domestic violence offenders, undocumented immigrants)
- Weapons on school grounds
- Use of weapons during the commission of a felony
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm
- Possession of prohibited weapons (e.g., sawed-off shotguns, silencers without proper licensing)
Violating these statutes can result in misdemeanor or felony charges with penalties ranging from fines to prison time.
Common Gun Charges in Arizona
At Rideout Law Group, we defend clients against a wide range of firearm-related offenses, including:
- Misconduct Involving Weapons (ARS §13-3102): This is a catch-all charge that includes carrying a weapon without legal authority, possessing a gun as a prohibited possessor, or carrying a concealed weapon during the commission of a felony.
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Even brandishing a weapon during an altercation can elevate an assault charge to a felony.
- Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm (ARS §13-3107): Known as “Shannon’s Law,” this statute makes it a felony to fire a gun recklessly within city limits.
Each charge carries unique legal challenges, which is why tailored defense strategies are essential.
Your Legal Defense Options
Defending against gun charges requires both legal knowledge and courtroom experience. Our Scottsdale and Lake Havasu defense attorneys—many of whom are former prosecutors—utilize multiple defense approaches, including:
- Challenging the stop or search: Was the weapon found during an illegal traffic stop or unconstitutional search?
- Questioning possession: Can the prosecution prove the weapon belonged to you or that you had control over it?
- Asserting self-defense: Arizona law permits the use of firearms for self-defense under certain conditions.
- Addressing mental state: Was there intent to use the weapon unlawfully, or was it accidental or misunderstood conduct?
Why Choose Rideout Law Group?
With decades of combined experience, Rideout Law Group offers aggressive, personalized criminal defense across Arizona, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and the greater Mohave and Maricopa County areas. Founding attorney Brad Rideout has handled hundreds of felony trials and brings both prosecutorial and defense experience to every case.
Attorney Carolyn Keist-Gilbert and Attorney Steven Eckhardt further strengthen our team with deep knowledge of criminal statutes, courtroom procedure, and client-centered advocacy.
We understand that facing gun charges is more than just a legal issue—it’s about protecting your future, your family, and your rights. That’s why we offer:
- Same-day consultations
- Local representation from attorney’s familiar with Arizona courts
- A client-first approach with honest advice and responsive communication
Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been charged with a gun-related offense in Arizona, don’t wait. The sooner you contact a defense attorney; the more time we have to build a strong defense.
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225
📍 Lake Havasu City Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104
📞 Call: (833) 854-8181 for a free consultation
🌐 rideoutlaw.com
Let Rideout Law Group help you protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.