Murfreesboro Gun Crime Attorney
While the United States Constitution grants the right to bear arms to every age-appropriate citizen, it’s still possible to be charged with gun crimes and suffer legal penalties. You may end up violating Tennessee gun crime laws without knowing that you’re committing a crime. State firearm laws can be complex, but a Murfreesboro gun crime lawyer can explain everything you need to know.

The legal team at The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez can help you determine the exact nature of the gun crime violation you may have committed. Tennessee is a permitless-carry state, which means anyone who qualifies under federal law can carry a handgun without a permit.
If you are convicted of a gun crime, you will have a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. A criminal record can affect your job options and your personal relationships, but our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys in Murfreesboro can help you avoid a conviction.
Gun Crimes in Tennessee
According to statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control, the firearm injury rate in Tennessee as of 2022 is 20.5 per 100,000 people, which is considerably high. Firearm injuries can result in severe legal penalties, especially if you are also found to be illegally carrying a firearm in the first place.
There are currently nearly 20,000 convicted felons in the state, according to data collected by the Tennessee Department of Correction. Many of these convictions were for gun crimes or gun-related crimes. Information from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions declares that Tennessee has the tenth-highest gun death rate in the entire country. It’s not uncommon for judges to try to make an example out of offenders connected to gun crimes.
If you are facing felony gun crime charges, you may be struggling with your mental health as you come to terms with your case. You may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group to talk to someone about what you’re going through. A group like Adult DBT Skills Group may be able to help you work through your fears and concerns, especially if you are around like-minded people who have been through something similar.
Who Has Gun Rights in Tennessee?
To qualify for gun rights in Tennessee, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You have to qualify to possess a firearm under federal law.
- You must be a resident of the state of Tennessee.
- You must be a United States citizen.
- You must be willing to submit your fingerprints, proof of completion of an approved handgun safety course, and a processing fee.
Potential Defenses Against Gun Crime Charges in Murfreesboro
Navigating gun charges can be difficult, especially if you are relatively unclear about the state’s gun laws. Even if you believe you are completely in the right, you could still face serious legal penalties if you are convicted. You will need a strong defense strategy to come out of this unscathed. Here are some potential defenses against gun crime charges that you may be able to use:
- Legal Right to Carry: If you are arrested for a weapons charge in Tennessee, one of the most common and effective defenses you may claim is that you are well within your legal rights to possess a weapon. If you have no prior criminal convictions, possess a concealed carry license, and did not perform any threatening actions with the weapon in question, you may have a case.
- Imminent Danger: Tennessee has a clear “stand your ground” law that allows for the use of deadly force in order to combat an imminent danger on your own property. If you used a gun to defend yourself, your family, or your property, you may have a strong case.

FAQs About Murfreesboro, TN Gun Crime Law
Yes, a felon can live in the same house as someone who owns a gun in Tennessee, provided the felon in question does not have unrestricted access to that gun. Felons are generally prohibited from possessing a firearm in Tennessee, even if they are not the legal owner of the firearm. If a felon lives in your house and you own a gun, they cannot be in a position where they could easily gain possession of it.
A: Whether you can buy a gun with a misdemeanor conviction in Tennessee depends entirely on the nature of the conviction. Most misdemeanor convictions will not prohibit your ability to buy a gun, but certain ones will. For example, a misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence can trigger certain state and federal prohibitions, which can prevent you from purchasing a gun.
A: Yes, it is possible for you to restore your gun rights in Tennessee after a felony conviction, but it can be a very involved and complicated process. First, you will need to try to petition the court for a full restoration of your civil rights, including your right to vote, right to serve on a jury, and right to own a gun. Another way to restore your gun rights is to seek a full gubernatorial pardon from the Governor of Tennessee.
A: Yes, you should hire a lawyer for a gun crime case. Depending on the details of your case, you could be looking at serious legal consequences. Hiring the right lawyer to represent your interests can make all the difference. The last thing you want is to go into your case unprepared and go up against a seasoned prosecutor.
Reach Out to a Gun Crime Lawyer Today
It can be overwhelming to face gun charges, especially if you believed you were simply exercising your Second Amendment rights. An experienced gun crime lawyer from The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez can help you build your case, establish a defense, and protect your interests. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your case.