Can police charge me for possessing a gun if they also find
marijuana?
Utah criminal law contains a number of statutes that make it a crime to
possess a weapon in certain circumstances. Two of the most
common
conditions that can turn an otherwise legal weapon into a criminal
charge involve Utah's concealed weapons laws and Utah's controlled
substance laws.
Unless you have a concealed weapons permit ("concealed carry permit"),
you can be charged criminally for
carrying
a concealed weapon
that is "readily accessible for immediate use." The statute
does
make certain exceptions for people who carry a weapon in their own home
or business. Otherwise, carrying a concealed loaded firearm
can
charged as a class A misdemeanor. Carrying a concealed
sawed-off
shotgun or rifle can be charged as a second degree felony.
Other
concealed weapons can be charged at the class B
misdemeanor
level.
Even
if your weapon is not concealed, you can still be charged criminally if
you are considered to be a "restricted person." You can be
considered a "restricted person" under Utah law for a number of
different reasons, including if you are "an unlawful user of a
controlled substance," if you have been convicted of a violent
felony,
or if you are on probation or parole for any felony.
Possession
of a firearm by a restricted person can result in a felony conviction.
If police find a gun and even just a little bit of
marijuana
in your possession, you could be facing a felony criminal case.
If you have been charged or are under investigation for a
criminal charge in Utah, you should consult immediately with an
experienced
criminal defense
attorney.
Based in
Salt
Lake City, Stephen Howard has successfully handled thousands
of serious
criminal charges - more than most Utah attorneys will see in an entire
career.
Contact us now to
schedule an initial consultation.

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