Lincolnton Gun Crime Lawyer

Lincolnton Gun Crime Attorney

Facing criminal gun charges in North Carolina can be incredibly stressful. While you do have a 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms, there are laws in place that limit who can own, sell, or possess firearms. The state takes gun-related crimes seriously. If you’ve been charged with a gun crime, your reputation, freedom, and future are all at risk. A Lincolnton gun crime lawyer can help you fight your charges and protect your freedom.

Common Types of Gun Crimes

Gun crimes in Lincoln County can take many different forms. While they’re often classified as felonies, lower-level offenses could be charged as misdemeanors. Common types of gun crimes in North Carolina include the following.

• Concealing a firearm without a concealed carry permit
• Possessing a firearm with an active domestic violence order in place
• Possessing a gun without a serial number
• Firing a weapon in an enclosed space
• Providing a handgun to a child
• Possessing a gun as a felon
• Assault with a deadly weapon

Using a firearm while committing another crime comes with even harsher penalties than simple possession. Speak with a Lincolnton gun crime attorney if you’ve been charged with any of these crimes.

Firearm Laws in North Carolina

North Carolina no longer requires background checks to purchase firearms from private sellers. However, federal law still requires federally licensed dealers to conduct background checks. So far in 2025, North Carolina arms sellers ran over 606,583 background checks for firearm sales, making it the 12th-leading state in background checks. While the state has relaxed its laws on purchasing guns, you still need a permit to conceal your firearm on your person while in public.

Additionally, North Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law means you are not legally required to attempt to remove yourself from danger before you fire upon someone in self-defense. So long as you are somewhere you are legally allowed to be, you have no obligation to retreat before using force.

There are caveats to the Stand Your Ground law. It does not apply if the threat has ended, and the force you use must be proportional to the threat. Additionally, you cannot use deadly force against police officers or other law enforcement.

Penalties for Gun Crimes

Gun violence is something of an epidemic in the U.S., with North Carolina ranking near the top 50% for gun deaths. In fact, the state saw 1,803 firearm deaths in 2023, which includes homicides and suicides. It’s no surprise that the penalties for gun crimes are often quite severe.

In most cases in Lincolnton, gun crimes are charged as felonies. That means they come with potential prison sentences exceeding one year behind bars and hefty fines. You may also be given probation or community service, and you will lose your right to own a firearm in the future. You may be able to apply to regain those rights if your offense is considered nonviolent.

Why You Should Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer from The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A.

The attorneys at The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A. have over 60 years of combined experience. Headed by the father-sons trio of John Jr., David, and John Schweppe III, the firm has deep ties to the community, and its Lincolnton violent crime attorneys have held numerous roles in state and county bar associations. We know the state’s gun crime laws and how to take on the prosecution.

The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., gives clients the compassionate and competent representation they need to face gun crime charges and protect their freedom.

FAQs About Lincolnton, NC Gun Crime Law

How Strict Are North Carolina’s Gun Laws?

North Carolina is considered a relatively gun-friendly state. Citizens are allowed to legally open carry without permits, and the state repealed its law requiring a permit to purchase a handgun in 2023. There are still restrictions on concealed carry and where you can possess a firearm. Violating these laws comes with harsh penalties.

Can a Felon Live in the Same House With Someone Who Owns a Gun in North Carolina?

While there is no specific law that prevents a felon from living in a home with someone else who owns a gun, a convicted felon does run the risk of breaking constructive possession laws. If a felon is aware that a gun is in the home and has the ability to access and control it, they may be considered to be in constructive possession of the firearm. It may be wise to keep all guns out of the house.

Can I Have a Loaded Gun in My Car in North Carolina?

You can have a loaded gun in your car, but how you are transporting it can violate the law. If the weapon is hidden and unsecured, you might be in violation of concealed carry laws if you don’t have a permit. Otherwise, the firearm must be fully visible to comply with state law. Whether it is loaded or unloaded does not affect its legality.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal Gun Possession in North Carolina?

The penalties for illegal gun possession vary in North Carolina depending on the circumstances of the case. Some gun crime cases might be tried as misdemeanors, with less than one year in jail and minimal fines, while others are felonies that come with lengthy prison sentences, expensive fines, and other consequences. Keep in mind that felony convictions also mean you lose your right to own a gun.

Lincolnton Gun Crime Attorneys You Can Count On

A gun crime conviction can upend your life. You can lose your freedom and your rights, along with the irreparable harm to your reputation. You don’t have to face the justice system alone. Hire a gun crime lawyer from The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., today. We know how prosecutors try these cases, and we are prepared to provide the defense you deserve, whether that means working toward a plea deal or fighting for you in front of a jury.

Contact us today to speak with our team in a free consultation and learn how we can help you.