The United States Supreme Court ruled last week that the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms in the Constitution trumped local and state laws banning guns. Although the case originated out of Chicago, where there is a hand gun ban, the ruling applies to all states and localities within the nation. Now, gun rights groups all over are wondering just how far they can take this ruling to eliminate restrictions on weapons.

According to the New Canaan Patch, local gun dealers and retailers are hoping other restrictions will soon be lifted, increasing their business. Currently, Connecticut residents under the age of 21 cannot own a firearm and there is mandatory waiting periods as well. Right now it isn't clear if the recent decision will affect these current laws.

It's the job of the US Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and make rulings on cases regarding their Constitutionality. Up until this ruling, cities and states have regulated firearm sales and ownership completely. Now an all-out ban won't be allowed.

Any weapons laws and restrictions must be “reasonable” now. Because reasonable is pretty open to interpretation we can expect more cases further on down the line to clarify what regulations can and cannot be instated.

It isn't likely that the most commonly prosecuted criminal laws will be changed in light of the ruling, however. Carrying dangerous weapons and unlawful discharge of a firearm would no doubt be considered “reasonable” by the high court.

These offenses, though not involving harm to another person, are fairly serious crimes. Once you have a conviction on your record for a weapons offense, you can guarantee your life will change. Finding an apartment or even a job can be much more difficult when you have convictions like these to report.

Luckily, if this is your first run-in with the law, I may be able to get you out of serving any jail time. Depending on the evidence against you and the circumstances of the case, it's possible that the charges could be dropped altogether.

In order to know for certain what kind of penalties you are looking at and the best way to handle them, I need to hear from you. Contact me today for a free consultation and some legal advice.