Gun charges are serious. Whether you made a mistake, were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or got falsely accused, you’ve got a tough road ahead. But you’re not powerless. How you react, who you call, and what steps you take right now can actually determine how the case plays out and whether you’re let off the hook.

If you’re in this situation, we strongly recommend you talk to a gun crimes defense attorney today and start protecting your future.

That, of course, is just one step. Here are other steps you can take if you’ve been charged with a gun crime:

Write Everything Down While It’s Fresh

Right after you’ve secured your lawyer, start writing down everything that happened. Your memory is sharpest right after the event, and even small details can make a difference later. Go over what led up to the incident, what actually happened, who was there, what was said, and anything the police did or said to you.

If they searched your property, took anything, made any threats, or failed to follow protocol, your attorney needs to know. Details that seem random, for instance, what you were wearing, what time things happened, and who saw it, might end up helping your defense. 

So, grab a notebook or use your phone and record every single thing while it’s fresh in your mind.

Start Collecting Evidence

Your memory is just one piece of the puzzle. The next step is to find and save everything that could help show what really happened. That includes photos, videos, text messages, receipts, GPS records, and anything else that supports your side of the story. 

If you legally owned the gun, get your permits or proof of purchase. If there’s security footage or dashcam video, make sure it’s backed up.

Also, if there were any witnesses around who saw the situation or how the cops handled it, get their names and contact info. Your lawyer can reach out to them for statements later. Even if you think the evidence seems weak or pointless, don’t throw it away. Let your lawyer decide what’s useful.

Understand the Weight of the Charges

Gun charges aren’t just a slap on the wrist. Depending on what happens, they can carry serious consequences. Even something like unlawful possession can result in jail time, fines, a permanent record, and the loss of your right to own firearms in the future. And if federal charges are involved, it can get even more intense.

Federal prosecutors take gun crimes seriously. They’re known for pushing for harsh sentences, especially under laws like 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which applies when someone has a gun during a violent or drug-related crime. 

That can mean automatic extra years added to your sentence. Then there’s 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which bans certain people, including felons or people with restraining orders, from even having a gun at all. The punishment is real, and the courts rarely go easy.

Act Fast

Once you’ve been charged, things move quickly. Your court dates start showing up. The prosecution begins building its case. If you wait too long to get legal help or don’t take things seriously, you’re basically giving them a head start. 

But if you act fast, your lawyer can step in and challenge the way things were handled, such as whether the search was legal, whether the evidence holds up, or whether the charges even make sense based on what actually happened.

A good lawyer might even be able to negotiate with the prosecutor early on. In some cases, charges can be reduced or dropped entirely before trial. But none of that can happen unless you move quickly and let your defense team do their job.