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DC Gun Investigations

Contrary to what many people may believe, most gun charges in DC are not the result of long investigations but instead the result of traffic stops for common traffic offenses such as speeding or running a red light. In situations where gun charges may arise, typically a police officer will see a gun in the seat next to the driver or on the floor of their vehicle leading to a search of the vehicle and then an arrest. When this takes place, it is imperative those arrested consult with a gun lawyer in DC, as these offenses are treated very seriously and can carry a wide range of penalties including fines and jail time. To learn more or discuss the specific penalties you may be facing call and schedule a consultation.

How Gun Charges Occur

Beyond simple traffic stops that lead to charges, some other common ways for police to carry out DC gun investigations can be through searches of people’s homes or through gun charges connected with some other crime. For example, a person charged with burglary while armed can also be charged with the separate offense of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

In some circumstances, police may conduct lengthier or more involved investigations if they believe a certain location may hold larger stockpiles of weapons. This could be the result of police surveillance of a person’s house or their phone calls. However in these instances, the police must follow all appropriate legal and constitutional requirements for warrants and searches. A person may come to the conclusion they are being investigated for illegal firearms possession if they frequently see police officers driving by their house and slowing down until they pass by. Sometimes police officers may also use undercover officers or confidential informants to get people to disclose the locations of guns or to get people to transfer or sell guns to undercover officers.

When to Call a Lawyer

A person should always begin contacting lawyers the instant they believe they are involved in DC gun investigations. If a person has no prior notice of an investigation or was simply stopped while driving, they always have the right to inform police officers that they decline to consent to any searches and they would like to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.

Informing an officer they would like to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions is the best way for a person to ensure they don’t unknowingly incriminate themselves or provide the police officers with information that can be used against them in their case. Asking for an attorney also provides someone the best shot at trying to challenge the officer’s search or challenge any interrogation the officer may conduct after the individual has been arrested.