{"id":414652,"date":"2026-11-04T08:52:04","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T13:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=414652"},"modified":"2026-11-04T08:46:23","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T13:46:23","slug":"weapons-charges-explained","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/weapons-charges-explained.html","title":{"rendered":"Weapons Charges Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Weapons Charges Explained<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A weapons charge<\/span> is a criminal offense for the illegal possession<\/span>, use, sale, or trafficking of a firearm or other deadly weapon<\/span>. These charges can be classified as misdemeanors<\/span> or more serious felonies, depending on the type of weapon, the location of the offense, and the individual’s criminal history. Because weapons laws exist at both the state and federal levels, the specific penalties can vary significantly.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

A weapons charge<\/span> can carry years in prison and other consequences, such as a permanent ban on owning a firearm. Whether the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor<\/span> often depends on:<\/p>\n