What Are the Most Common Gun Crimes in Indiana?
The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment grants American citizens the right to bear arms. However, with that right comes certain responsibilities to use the gun appropriately. In the U.S., theft is the most common property crime, and assault is the most common violent crime. If you’ve been charged for any violent crimes, contact our Indianapolis violent crime defense attorneys today.
Despite the fact that there was a 5.2 percent increase in violent crimes in the U.S., Indiana experienced a 3.7 percent decrease. According to data released by the FBI in late 2021, this was the fifth consecutive year that Indiana’s violent crime rate has declined.
The Most Common Gun Crime Charges in Indiana
According to the FBI report, the most common violent crime in Indiana is aggravated battery, with 12,400 offenses in 2020. This was followed by robbery with 3,336 offenses. The report also revealed that handguns were used in 23 percent of the violent crimes when a weapon was used, and other guns accounted for less than ten percent.
The majority of victims and offenders were between the ages of 20 and 29. In the past five years, the police have seized more than 14,000 guns, many of which had been traced to drug crimes and violent crimes. However, according to one report, the most common gun crime is misdemeanor weapons possession.
If you are convicted of a handgun or firearm offense, you can face a prison or jail sentence, significant fines, and the loss of your right to own a handgun or firearm in the future. It can also affect your employment possibilities and any professional license that is required to work as a doctor, nurse, teacher, or in any other licensed profession.
A gun can be used in the commission of nearly any crime, which changes the criminal charge. For example, a conviction of domestic battery with or without a handgun carries different penalties.
Most Common Gun Types Used in Crimes
While an AR-15 assault rifle has made the headlines in the past few years, it is not the most common firearm used in a violent crime. According to Indianapolis Police, there are five handguns that have been the most used in the past seven years. These include:
- Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic
- Glock .40 caliber
- Hi-Point 9 mm
- Ruger 9 mm
- Smith & Wesson 9 mm
The AR-15 and AK-47 account for only two percent of the firearms traced in Indianapolis. Police believe the reason people are using a .40 caliber pistol is image. Although the ammunition is nearly double the cost of a 9 mm cartridge, police are finding more .40 caliber firearms in gun-related issues.
Understand the Rights and Responsibility of Gun Ownership
Under Indiana law, you must be 18 years old to purchase a long gun and 21 years old to purchase a handgun. You don’t need a permit or nor are you required to register the weapon with the state. When you purchase a gun from a dealer, you’ll be required to pass a background check and meet the minimum age requirement.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team Today if You Were Charged with a Gun Crime
If you or a loved one is charged with a gun crime, the repercussions for conviction carry life-long consequences. You want an experienced and skilled defense attorney to represent your rights and protect your freedom.
The Indiana gun charges attorneys of The Criminal Defense Team are skilled negotiators. However, while the prosecution might choose to negotiate charges, negotiation is not the right of the defendant. Our legal team works hard to prepare a solid defense against your charges. We are aggressive litigators with many years of courtroom experience.
While Indiana’s public defenders are hard-working professionals, they often have an overwhelming caseload. This means they may not have the time or energy to commit to learning the details of your case. This can mean the difference between having the charges dismissed and serving prison or jail time.
You deserve the best defense to protect your future. Call our office today at (317) 687-8326 to schedule your confidential case evaluation.