Gun Control Laws in Georgia
Augusta GA Gun Crime Defense Lawyer
Lenient laws govern guns in the state of Georgia. Possession of rifles and shotguns need no permission or are not regulated by any government laws. But if these are used for purposes of hunting, hunting laws would have to be reckoned with. In Georgia, it is legal to carry a gun with correct permit, if you are in a business like liquor sales. The most restrictive gun law of Georgia is applied to possession of handguns.
The restriction includes:
• Handgun cannot be purchased by a minor.
• Carrying and concealing of handgun is permissible for only those of 21 years and above.
• Once permit is enough to allow carrying and concealing of handguns.
• Application period is usually fifty to sixty days and permit issued is valid for a period of five years.
• The permits can be renewed after the prescribed period.
Carrying guns fall into both categories of crimes, felony and misdemeanor. Carrying a gun without appropriate permit is a misdemeanor, but a second and subsequent offense is a felony. Carrying of guns with altered gun permit or counterfeit is a felony and you can expect a penalty of one to five years of imprisonment. Selling of guns to convicts and those with criminal records is a felony and punishment can range from one to five years in jail. Trying to force a firearm dealer to hand over a gun already bought by someone to a third person is also considered as a felony with penalties levied on the offender.
Gun Purchasing Law
If you are an adult above 21 years of age, purchasing guns in Georgia is very easy. There are absolutely no specified requirements regarding permit stated by the state on purchasing guns. Those below 21 also can buy them but handguns but sale and possession of handguns are allowed only for adults. There is no registration needed while buying a gun. State decrees that criminal background checks are performed on business, individual or organization before purchase of gun.
Federal Gun Control
The Gun Control Act of 1968 states that certain residents are not allowed possession of firearms. Federal gun controls make it mandatory to conduct background checks before sale of firearms. The US residents ineligible for possession of firearms are convicted felons, fugitives from justice, military people with dishonorable discharge, people with restraining order and those who have conviction history for domestic violence.
The interaction of state and federal gun laws makes it imperative that an attorney be consulted before the purchase of firearms. In the event of you being charged with violation of gun laws it would be wise to have a criminal defense attorney who would be able to counsel you regarding your rights.