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Jefferson Parish Gun Lawyer

Jefferson Parish Gun Lawyer

When you are in serious trouble for a gun offense in Jefferson Parish, you need more than just a criminal defense attorney — you need experienced trial lawyers who understand Louisiana firearm laws, constitutional search protections, and how prosecutors build weapons cases.

Gun charges in Louisiana are aggressively prosecuted. Many firearm offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, felony convictions, and long-term consequences that affect your ability to own a weapon, secure employment, or even vote.

If you are facing a gun-related criminal charge in Jefferson Parish, it is critical to contact an experienced defense attorney immediately.

At Marino & Ehle, LLC, attorneys Joe Marino and Davidson S. Ehle are seasoned trial lawyers with extensive experience in Jefferson Parish defending clients accused of serious weapons offenses. Their courtroom experience, reputations, knowledge of the law, and successful defense strategies set them apart when your gun rights and freedom are on the line.

If you are under investigation or have already been arrested for a gun crime in Jefferson Parish, do not wait. Call Marino & Ehle today for a confidential consultation.

When Your Gun Rights and Freedom Are on the Line, Experience Is Not Optional!

Gun charges in Jefferson Parish are not minor legal issues. They are felony-level accusations that can:

  • Strip you of your constitutional rights to bear arms
  • Send you to prison
  • Permanently damage your record
  • Follow you for decades

Joe Marino and Davidson Ehle scrutinize every police report. They challenge every search. They expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. And when necessary, they stand in front of a jury and fight.

Prosecutors know which lawyers are ready for trial. That reputation matters.

If you have been arrested, charged, or even contacted by law enforcement regarding a firearm or weapons offense:

Do not explain.

Do not justify.

Do not consent to questioning.

Call Marino & Ehle immediately.

Schedule a confidential consultation today.

Your future may depend on what you do next.

Gun-Related Crimes in Jefferson Parish

Louisiana law recognizes many different types of firearm and weapons offenses. Some involve possession. Others involve how the weapon was used. Some involve who is legally allowed to possess a firearm.

Common gun-related charges in Jefferson Parish include:

  • Illegal Carrying of a Weapon
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without Proper Authorization
  • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
  • Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
  • Assault with a Firearm or Deadly Weapon
  • Possession of a Stolen Firearm
  • Illegal Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
  • Firearm Possession in a Drug Case (R.S. 14:95(E))
  • Weapons Violations in School Zones
  • Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

While some firearm offenses are charged as misdemeanors, most gun-related charges are felonies, and certain gun offenses carry mandatory jail if convicted.

Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

One of the most serious weapons charges in Louisiana is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Under Louisiana law, a person convicted of certain felony offenses cannot legally possess a firearm for ten years after completion of their sentence, including probation or parole. If you are found in possession of a gun during that restricted period, you can face:

  • Felony charges
  • Mandatory prison time
  • Significant fines
  • Enhanced penalties if under parole or probation supervision at time of arrest

These cases are aggressively prosecuted in Jefferson Parish. However, the State must prove:

  • You knowingly possessed the firearm
  • You were legally prohibited from possessing it
  • The ten-year restriction period had not expired

Possession is not always as simple as a weapon being found nearby. The prosecution must establish control, knowledge, and intent — areas that are frequently defensible.

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime

If a firearm is present during the commission of another offense — such as drug possession — prosecutors may charge an additional felony under Louisiana law.

Even if the firearm is legally owned and simply located in the same vehicle or residence as alleged contraband, you may still face enhanced penalties.

This charge often carries:

  • Mandatory jail time
  • Consecutive sentencing exposure
  • Reduced eligibility for probation

Because these cases hinge on search legality and constructive possession, they are highly technical. Marino & Ehle’s background in search and seizure law provides a critical advantage in challenging improperly obtained evidence.

How Is Assault with a Deadly Weapon Defined?

Assault with a deadly weapon — often charged as aggravated assault — involves threatening or attempting to cause harm with a firearm or other dangerous weapon.

In simple terms, prosecutors must show:

  • An intentional act
  • That placed another person in reasonable fear of harm
  • With a dangerous weapon such as a firearm

Importantly, no physical injury is required for an assault charge. The allegation of threat alone may be enough for prosecution.

Penalties may include:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Fines
  • Loss of firearm rights
  • Protective orders

These cases frequently depend on witness credibility, surveillance footage, and statements made at the scene. An experienced Jefferson Parish gun attorney can challenge inconsistencies and weaknesses in the State’s case.

What Constitutes Criminal Possession of a Weapon?

Criminal possession of a weapon in Louisiana can mean several things, including:

  • Possessing a weapon in a prohibited location (school zone, courthouse)
  • Possessing a prohibited firearm
  • Possessing a firearm while legally barred
  • Illegal modification of a firearm
  • Possessing a stolen firearm or one with an obliterated serial number

Many people assume that simply owning a gun is always lawful. However, Louisiana firearm laws are nuanced. Where the weapon is located, how it is carried, and who possesses it can all determine whether charges are filed.

In some cases, charges stem from routine traffic stops. In others, they arise during investigations unrelated to weapons.

Because these charges often hinge on constitutional protections — including Fourth Amendment search rights — they demand a lawyer who understands how to scrutinize police conduct at every stage.

Other Weapons Charges in Jefferson Parish

Beyond firearms, Louisiana law addresses other weapons offenses, including:

  • Illegal possession of brass knuckles or prohibited weapons
  • Illegal discharge of a weapon
  • Brandishing a firearm
  • Weapons possession during domestic disputes
  • Use of a firearm in connection with violent offenses

Each charge carries unique elements and potential defenses. Prosecutors may also attempt to use prior convictions to enhance sentencing exposure.

When facing a weapons charge, your future depends on identifying weaknesses in the state’s case early.

Firearms & Weapons in Jefferson Parish

There are many different crimes involving firearms in Louisiana law. Some involve possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, some involve illegal possession by a prohibited person, some involve the discharge of a firearm and also possession of illegal firearms.

Another offense that we have extensive experience in defending is the crime of being in possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. R.S. 14:95(E) carries a sentence at hard labor of not less than five nor more than 10 years. It is illegal regardless of whether the firearm is registered and legally owned. This is a law that many gun-owners are unaware of.

At Marino & Ehle we frequently represent clients in “Gwen’s Law” hearings involving allegations of domestic violence. In addition to bail the Court can also issue a protective order which requires the transferal of any firearms from the accused to the Sheriff or a third party.

What Marino & Ehle Can Do To Help

Why You Need an Experienced Jefferson Parish Gun Attorney

Gun cases are different from many other criminal charges. They often involve:

  • Mandatory minimum sentences
  • Constitutional search challenges
  • Forensic evidence
  • Firearm ownership records
  • Sentencing enhancements

When you are in serious trouble for a gun offense in Jefferson Parish, you need experienced trial lawyers working for you — lawyers who are prepared to go to court and fight.

At Marino & Ehle, every case is prepared with a trial mindset. Prosecutors know which attorneys are willing to take cases to a jury and which are not. That reputation matters.

Joe Marino and Davidson Ehle have extensive courtroom experience defending serious felony charges. Their understanding of how law enforcement builds firearm cases — and how to dismantle them — is central to their defense strategy.

How to Hire a Jefferson Parish Gun Attorney

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can determine the direction of your case.

When hiring a Jefferson Parish gun lawyer, ask:

  • Does this attorney have jury trial experience?
  • Have they handled felony weapons charges?
  • Have the litigated search and seizure motions and suppressed evidence?
  • Have they won any judge or jury verdicts?

At Marino & Ehle, clients receive:

  • Direct attorney access
  • Complete and thorough evidence reviews
  • Strategic defense planning
  • Aggressive courtroom representation
  • Clear communication throughout the process

Early intervention by a defense attorney can:

  • Prevent additional charges
  • Challenge unlawful searches
  • Negotiate bond conditions
  • Protect your constitutional rights
  • Limit sentencing exposure

Contact a Jefferson Parish Gun Lawyer Today

Gun charges are not minor offenses. A conviction can follow you for decades, affecting employment, licensing, housing, and your constitutional rights.

If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a firearm or weapons offense in Jefferson Parish:

Call Marino & Ehle, LLC immediately

Confidential consultations available

When your freedom is at risk, experience matters.

Marino & Ehle are trial lawyers. They prepare every case to fight — because your future deserves nothing less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally own a gun in Louisiana?
Yes, provided that the individual is 18 years or older and can legally possess a firearm. However, there are still prohibited places such as courthouses, schools, police stations, prisons, bars and the state capital building.
You may face enhanced charges, including mandatory jail time.
Louisiana law has changed in recent years, but violations still occur depending on location, status, and circumstances.
Some convictions result in long-term or permanent loss of firearm rights.
No, an expungement if granted is the removal of an arrest or conviction from public record but has does not restore gun rights.
Yes, it is a violation of R.S. 14:95(E) and it carries a sentence at hard labor of 5-10 years.

Our Experienced Trial Lawyers

Joe Marino

A proven criminal defense attorney assisting clients across Jefferson Parish with decades of courtroom experience, legislative leadership, and significant judicial service.

Davidson Ehle

Davidson Ehle is a seasoned AV-rated trial attorney recognized for criminal defense victories, appellate advocacy, and respected leadership in the Jefferson Parish bar.

Davidson Ehle