The decision to keep or bear a firearm is considered to be a serious one in Alaska. It’s a decision that comes with a lot of responsibility to the firearm owner. Meaning, you are required to know and follow the law related to Gun Owner in Alaska. If you are thinking of owning a firearm, it would be better if you study the law and understand its application. Understanding Alaska specific gun laws maybe a slightly complicated matter. Thus, you may require a gun advocate to help you get to know the gun policies that include who is permitted by the law to carry a firearm and who can’t own one. Again, any attorney who deals with gun-related criminal offenses can be of good help to you.
What you Should know
If you are deciding to be a Gun Owner, the first thing you should do is to take classes for comprehensive gun safety with a qualified instructor. Remember that carrying a firearm poses a considerable risk, which requires a lot of responsibility. Again, there is no room for error since the misuse of a gun could lead you to a life sentence if you are charged with a criminal offense. Some of the gun-related violence that you may be charged with can include but not limited to:
- First class degree murder
- Domestic violence
- Firearm deaths
- Intentional homicide
If you are a Gun Owner, there are some things you ought to know. Most of the people who own guns in Alaska understand how serious it can be when one is caught with a criminal offense related to the firearm. The first thing they do to minimize their risks of hefty charges is to go looking for attorneys in Wasilla Ak to represent them legally. If you own a gun, it’s good to know the dos and don’ts in case anything happens. Here is what to know:
1. Don’t explain what happened
Most people always find themselves on the verge of explaining what happened in case they are arrested due to a gun-related criminal offense. Though the shooting may be justified, you have a right to remain silent. This is according to the 5th Amendment Constitutional right. You shouldn’t be tempted to think that your right to remain silent will be used against you. Things are different in the judicial system.
2. Get an experienced lawyer who deals with gun-related Offenses
Your lawyer will be available to understand the facts of what happened. He/she will obtain the truth and know how to get the best defense for you. He/she will talk to the prosecutor about the criminal case and advocate for the best outcome for your situation. If you want to be safe from prosecution, the evidence provided must be understood by the prosecutor. Meaning, when you need to pull your firearm and use it, ensure that what you do will be considered reasonable to those who are witnessing.
3. Use of Self-defense
This all boils down to reasonableness. The question of what the jury will consider reasonable under the circumstance you were in is always used to determine self-defense. The Second Amendment allows people the right to have guns and use them for self-defense. However, there are self-defense laws that govern how and when to use the firearm to defend yourself. If you are threatened, you can use reasonable force to protect yourself and hence avoid any criminal liability for the force applied.
4. Mandatory sentences for firearm Offenses
Depending on the circumstances of the offense, there will be several mandatory minimum penalties. Gun-related crimes in Alaska carry the guarantee of prison for anyone who is convicted. Even if it’s a first offender. The judge can give you years of decades for prison sentences or certain felonies if you are found to possess or discharge a firearm illegally. Also, the severity of the enhancement always depends on how the gun was used
Final Thoughts
If you own or are likely to own a firearm, you shouldn’t at any time use more force than what is reasonably necessary. It’s always advisable to use the least force where necessary. If the prosecutor finds it fit to accuse you of using a deadly force, his/her decision concerning the charges to apply may change. Though some laws don’t require an individual to retreat, but you can do so to ensure you’re safe and ensure to reduce the chances of danger to someone else. Thus, it’s better to act reasonably at all times if in possession or when using your firearm. If you’re charged with a criminal offense relating to the use of firearms, you can look for an experienced attorney who has dealt with such cases and succeeded. He/she can also help you understand how gun laws apply in Alaska. Having a gun can sometimes be close to worthless unless you learn to use it where necessary.