Illegal Possession of a Firearm

Utah has fairly liberal laws relating to possession of a firearm. In many instances, mere possession of a firearm—including a handgun—is not a criminal offense. Carrying concealed or carrying in plain sight is not a crime if you have a proper license.

However, there are certain types of “restricted persons” who are not allowed under the law to possess a weapon. Such a person found in possession of a firearm may face charges of illegal possession of a weapon.

The types of people who are not allowed under Utah law to possess weapons include:

• Convicted Felons
• Anyone convicted of a crime of domestic violence, whether a misdemeanor or felony offense
• Anyone convicted of a drug offense while also carrying a weapon
• Anyone convicted of driving under the influence while also carrying a weapon

For people who fit into these categories, it is illegal to carry a gun. A person in any of these categories who is searched or arrested and found to be in illegal possession of a gun will face weapons-related criminal charges.

A conviction for a weapons-related charge carries serious consequences. In addition to possible fines or jail time, the convicted person’s right to possess a weapon will be further restricted.

The Utah criminal defense law firm of Schatz, Anderson & Associates, LLC, handles weapons charges and other criminal defense matters for clients throughout the state, including Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and St. George. Our attorneys have more than 40 years’ of combined experience practicing criminal law. Over the years, we have developed a strong reputation as a successful criminal law firm with lawyers who act as protective advocates on our clients’ behalf.