Arrested for a Weapons Charge?
We Understand Your Rights – And How to Protect Them.
Gun laws can be confusing, even for law-abiding citizens. If you’re facing weapons possession charges in Tennessee, you need attorneys who understand both the law and your constitutional rights.
Maybe you thought you were following the rules. Or maybe you didn’t even know there was a problem or you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Whatever brought you here, we want you to know something important: being charged with a weapons possession offense doesn’t make you a criminal. It makes you someone who needs experienced legal help.
At Kane & Crowell, we’ve defended countless gun owners, hunters, collectors, and everyday citizens who found themselves tangled up in Tennessee’s complex weapons laws. We know that most of our clients are good people who respect the Second Amendment and never intended to break any laws.
Tennessee’s Gun Laws: Friendlier Than Most, But Full of Traps
Tennessee is generally a gun-friendly state – we believe in the Second Amendment here. But even with our strong gun rights, there are still plenty of ways to accidentally run afoul of the law. The rules about who can carry what, where they can carry it, and how they can use it are more complicated than most people realize.
We’ve seen clients charged for things that seem perfectly reasonable to most gun owners:
Common weapons possession charges we defend:
- Unlawful possession or carrying – Sometimes the line between legal and illegal isn’t as clear as it should be
- Felon in possession – Past mistakes shouldn’t necessarily mean permanent loss of rights
- Carrying in prohibited places – Schools, courthouses, government buildings have strict rules
- Prohibited weapons – Silencers, certain knives, or modified firearms can create unexpected problems
- Weapon during another crime – Sometimes charges get piled on when they shouldn’t be
The frustrating part? Many of these charges stem from misunderstandings, outdated information, or situations where the law itself is unclear.
The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think
Let’s be honest about what you’re facing. Weapons charges aren’t just about fines and court dates – they can fundamentally change your life.
If you’re convicted, you could face:
- Jail time: Misdemeanor charges can mean nearly a year in jail; felony charges can mean years in prison
- Serious fines: Hundreds to thousands of dollars, plus court costs
- Loss of gun rights: This could be permanent, affecting your ability to hunt, protect your family, or pursue your hobbies
- Probation restrictions: Strict conditions that limit your freedom
- Employment problems: Many employers won’t hire people with weapons convictions
- Housing issues: Landlords can reject applications based on criminal records
- Reputation damage: In a community that values gun rights, this can be especially painful
But here’s what the prosecution doesn’t want you to know: many weapons charges can be successfully defended, reduced, or even dismissed entirely.
How We Fight Back: Your Rights Are Our Priority
Every weapons possession case is different, but we’ve learned that most successful defenses come down to a few key areas. We don’t just look at what happened – we look at how the evidence was gathered, whether your rights were respected, and whether the charges even make sense.
Did the police violate your Fourth Amendment rights? We see this all the time. Officers search cars without permission, enter homes without warrants, or stop people without reasonable suspicion. If they violated your constitutional rights, we can get the evidence thrown out.
Did you actually know about the weapon? Maybe you borrowed a friend’s car, or you were staying at someone else’s house. Just because a weapon was nearby doesn’t mean you possessed it legally. We know how to challenge these assumptions.
Were you actually breaking the law? Gun laws change frequently, and officers don’t always know the current rules. You might have had a valid permit, or you might have been legally exempt from certain requirements. We stay current on all Tennessee gun laws.
Was this a case of mistaken identity? Sometimes people get confused, witnesses get things wrong, or you just happened to be in the wrong place. We investigate every detail to make sure you’re not paying for someone else’s mistakes.
Were you acting in self-defense? Tennessee has strong self-defense laws, including Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground protections. If you were protecting yourself, your family, or your property, we’ll make sure the jury understands your rights.
Why Gun Owners Choose Us
We’re not just defense attorneys – we’re people who understand and respect gun culture. We know the difference between someone who made an honest mistake and someone who’s actually dangerous. We know that responsible gun ownership is a right, not a privilege.
What makes us different:
- We know guns: We understand firearms, permits, and the practical realities of gun ownership
- We know the law: Tennessee gun laws change regularly, and we stay on top of every update
- We know the courts: Prosecutors and court procedures can make or break a case
- We know what works: Years of experience have taught us which defenses succeed and which don’t
- We believe in your rights: We don’t just defend cases – we defend constitutional principles
Real Talk: What You’re Probably Wondering
“Can I still carry a gun without a permit in Tennessee?” For most adults 21 and over, yes – but there are still restrictions about where and how you can carry. The rules are more complex than many people realize, and violations can still result in serious charges.
“I’m a felon – does that mean I can never own a gun again?” Under current federal law, it’s very difficult – but not necessarily impossible in all cases. There are some legal processes that might help, depending on your specific situation. We can review your case and explain your options.
“What places are completely off-limits for weapons?” Schools, courthouses, and government buildings are always prohibited, regardless of permits. But the rules for places like restaurants, parks, and private businesses are more complicated.
“Should I talk to the police about my case?” No. Even if you think you can explain everything, don’t. Exercise your right to remain silent and call us immediately. We’ve seen too many good cases ruined by people trying to “clear things up” on their own.
“Can I get my gun rights back after a conviction?” Sometimes. It depends on the specific conviction and your circumstances. This requires a separate legal process, but we can advise you on whether it’s possible in your case.
Time Is Critical in Weapons Possession Cases
Here’s something most people don’t realize: weapons cases often move faster than other criminal cases, and evidence can disappear quickly. Video footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and procedural deadlines come and go.
The sooner you call us, the more options we have to protect you. We can start investigating immediately, preserve evidence, and begin building your defense while the details are still fresh.
We’re Your Neighbors, and We’re Here to Help
Kane & Crowell has been defending gun owners throughout Wilson County, Davidson County, and all of Middle Tennessee for years. We understand local courts, local law enforcement, and local attitudes about gun rights.
This isn’t just business for us – it’s personal. We believe in the Second Amendment, we believe in constitutional rights, and we believe that good people shouldn’t have their lives ruined by confusing laws or overzealous prosecution.
Ready to Fight for Your Rights?
You have constitutional rights, and we know how to protect them. Whether you’re facing a simple misdemeanor charge or a serious felony, we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us right now at (615) 784-4800 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and give you straight answers about what to expect. No judgment, no lectures – just experienced attorneys who understand your rights and know how to protect them.
Your Second Amendment rights matter. Let’s make sure you don’t lose them.