Defending Felon In Possession Of A Firearm Charges In Milwaukee
A past felony conviction triggers a lifetime ban on possessing any firearm under Wisconsin law. Unfortunately, the state recognizes no exceptions for hunting, sport or even home defense. If law enforcement discovers a weapon in your vicinity, you face a severe Class G felony charge under Wisconsin Statute Section 941.29.
At Laster & Associates, we know that a weapons arrest triggers immediate panic for your entire family. Our attorneys provide the strategic defense necessary to challenge the state’s case and protect your freedom.
Understanding Actual Versus Constructive Possession
Many individuals believe they are safe from a conviction if a firearm was not physically on their body or in their hands. This is a concept known as actual possession. However, Wisconsin prosecutors routinely secure charges using the theory of constructive possession. This applies when you do not have direct physical contact with a weapon, but the state claims you knew about its presence and had both the power and intent to control it.
Because of this distinction, securing an experienced defense attorney is vital if police locate a weapon in a shared bedroom, the trunk of a car or a friend’s house. Our team closely analyzes these scenarios to prove that mere proximity does not automatically equal knowledge or ownership.
Restrictive Regulations And Hidden Penalties
The state treats any firearm violation with extreme severity, particularly when a prior conviction is involved. Individuals often face a complex combination of charges where an alleged felon-in-possession offense is tacked onto a carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) violation, causing the penalties to escalate quickly.
Furthermore, minor changes in location drastically alter your legal liabilities. For example, drivers often ask if they can carry a gun in a vehicle without a permit. While this might be permissible under certain transit laws, carrying that same weapon near a school zone triggers immediate, severe criminal exposure. Managing how these local laws intersect with federal and state restrictions requires clear, definitive legal counsel.
Local Milwaukee Court Insight Applied To Your Case
Dismantling a weapons charge requires an advocate who knows exactly how local judges and prosecutors operate. Our founding attorney, Earlean Laster, has spent over 25 years practicing in these specific circuit courts. This allows us to approach your defense through a highly sophisticated litigation lens.
We closely examine the actions of law enforcement to determine if they violated your constitutional protections during the stop, search or arrest. If the police overstepped their boundaries, we move aggressively to suppress the evidence, chipping away at the prosecution’s case from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review the answers to these common legal queries regarding weapon possession charges to better understand your options under Wisconsin law.
What are the penalties for a felon in possession of a firearm charge in Wisconsin?
This charge is a Class G felony, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Can my firearm rights be restored if my original felony conviction was nonviolent?
Wisconsin law offers incredibly limited paths for restoring firearm rights. For the vast majority of felony convictions, it requires a full gubernatorial pardon.
Reclaim Control Of Your Future
A weapons allegation does not have to dictate the rest of your life. Stand up to the state with a quarter-century of proven litigation experience on your side.
Contact Laster & Associates today at 414-973-1945 or send us a message to arrange your free initial consultation over the phone or in person, and let us begin building your defense.