Washington, D.C. criminal defense lawyer Nabeel Kibria discusses the defenses that might be available against a weapons charge in Washington, D.C. He states that weapons charges are extremely serious, and unfortunately, the defenses available are limited. However, if one of those defenses applies, it can often lead to a case being dismissed.

In Washington, D.C., one of the more common defenses arises from the city’s unique geography, as it is surrounded by Maryland and Virginia—states with different, often less restrictive gun laws. Many people travel into the District from these areas, as well as from other states across the country, where open or less restrictive carry laws apply.

He notes that a frequent defense in D.C. involves defendants who are properly licensed and registered to carry a firearm in another state but were unaware of the stricter laws in Washington, D.C. While ignorance of the law is never technically a defense, in the context of serious felony firearm charges, being lawfully licensed elsewhere can serve as a mitigating factor. This defense may significantly reduce the consequences of a firearm charge in the District.