What Arizona Gun Laws Might Impact an Armed Theft or Robbery Case?

The circumstances of each case are unique to the individuals involved and there is a myriad of factors that might impact an armed theft or robbery case up to the location of the robbery and the gun itself. You should be aware of which gun laws in Arizona might impact your case and what defenses may be available to you.

If you were involved in an armed theft or robbery case, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help. The Law Office of Michael Alarid III can help you better understand the weapons charges you face and can expertly defend you in court.

What Is Considered Armed Robbery?

Armed robbery is defined as taking another person’s property by force involving a deadly weapon. This weapon can be a knife, a gun or any other type of weapon that could potentially kill a person.

Armed robbery is a Class 2 felony. If convicted, the defendant can face three to twelve and a half years in prison if they have no other prior felonies. If they have prior felonies, the consequences of the charge can increase, and the sentence might be more severe.

If a deadly weapon used during the armed robbery caused physical harm, the penalties for the robbery will drastically increase as it would be considered a “dangerous offense.”

The severity of the charge can vary depending on several factors including the legality of the weapon used or found in possession of the defendant in Arizona.

Examples of Illegal Weapons in Arizona

• Automatic weapons
• Short-barreled rifles
• Short-barreled shotguns
• Sawed-off weapons
• All explosives excluding fireworks

Silencers or any other tool used to disguise the sound of a firearm being fired are also illegal and can increase the severity of the charges levied at the defendant because they can signal premeditation.

Guns that have been altered to hide their serial number are illegal on a federal level and possession of one can impact an armed robbery case in Arizona.

If the defendant is not legally allowed to be in possession of a gun, they might be looking at increased penalties.

Who Is Not Allowed to Possess a Deadly Weapon?

Federal law creates a standard for the possession and acquirement of deadly weapons and outlines where some individuals might be prohibited. On a federal level, individuals who have been convicted of a felony, some domestic violence crimes, or have a serious mental condition are prohibited from acquiring or being in possession of a firearm.

Arizona law details stricter guidelines for the possession of a firearm. If you are legally prohibited from being in possession of a firearm and are charged with armed robbery, the penalties you face as a defendant might be greater.

Some instances where Arizona gun law prohibits individuals from being in possession of a firearm include:

• Being convicted of a felony
• Being a youth offender who has been convicted of a criminal offense
• Serving probation pursuant to a domestic violence offense, felony or parole
• Serving house arrest
• Being an undocumented alien or a nonimmigrant alien
• Having been found to constitute a danger to themselves or others

Who You Choose to Defend You in Court Matters

While looking for a criminal defense attorney you should consider credentials. Criminal defense lawyer Michael Alarid III has years of proven success in court, including appearances before the Arizona Supreme Court. He is experienced in all aspects of criminal defense, including armed theft and robbery, and has taken cases across the state of Arizona.

Contact The Law Office of Michael Alarid III by calling (602) 818-3110 to request a free case review from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Arizona.