by Zayed Al-Sayyed

NewsDecember 22, 20230 comments

Penalties for Illegal Possession of a Firearm in Arizona

 Arizona laws are constantly changing, especially surrounding firearm possession. Generally, Arizona residents have the right to carry firearms unless the law deems them a prohibited possessor. Seems pretty straightforward, doesn’t it?

Well, not exactly. An Arizona resident can be considered a prohibited possessor for a variety of reasons, which is why you need to understand the basics of Arizona gun laws and the potential penalties for illegal firearm possession.

What are Arizona Gun Laws

Arizona gun laws are fairly lenient compared to other states in the nation. There is no rigorous background check, state permit, or license needed to buy a firearm. In addition, your firearm doesn’t need to be registered, even if you conceal carry. However, there are specific places where firearms are prohibited, including:

• Schools
• Childcare centers
• Restaurants and bars
• Jails and prisons
• Power and nuclear plants
• Polling places during elections
• Posted private property
• Courthouses and other federal buildings

Understanding where firearms are specifically prohibited can help you avoid stiff penalties and criminal charges.

What is a Prohibited Possessor?

Unless you are considered a prohibited possessor, Arizona residents have the right to own guns. Immigration status and life history are the two main reasons why an Arizona resident would receive prohibited possessor status. Here are a few more situations where you might be considered a prohibited possessor:

• You are a danger to yourself or others and fit the definition under Arizona Statute 36-640.
• You are a convicted felon.
• You are incompetent to stand trial.
• You are found not guilty as a result of insanity in a criminal case.
• You are incarcerated, on house arrest, parole, or other monitoring.
• You are a foreign national present in Arizona with a nonimmigrant visa.

In some situations, you can have your gun rights reinstated.

What are Penalties for Illegal Possession of a Firearm in Arizona?

Illegal possession of a firearm in Arizona can come with serious penalties and fines, including:

• Providing a firearm to a person with a known gang conviction is considered a class 3 felony, with up to seven and a half years in prison.
• Possession of a firearm as a prohibited possessor is a class 4 felony, with up to three years in prison.
• Possession of a firearm on school property is a class 6 felony, with up to one and a half years in prison.
• Providing a firearm to a prohibited possessor is a class six felony, with up to one and a half years in prison.

If you are accused of any of these items, contact a lawyer right away to minimize your jail time and penalties.

Summary

Are you considered a prohibited possessor and trying to get your status changed? How about being convicted of illegal possession of a firearm in Arizona? Regardless of your situation surrounding firearms, you want to be sure you have the right professional standing behind you. Contact to our team at The Z Lawyer today to see how we can help you navigate Arizona firearm laws.