August 28, 2020 | Indianapolis News

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is investigating a double shooting in East Indianapolis. The shoot happened on August 2, 2020, around 7:45 that evening. Police found two individuals suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds close to the intersection of North Franklin Road and East 34th Street.

Police responded to another shooting on Indianapolis’s west side. Just a few minutes earlier, at 7:10 p.m., police were dispatched to 3300 North High School Road. A woman had been shot and went to the hospital in stable condition.

In the afternoon Sunday, some walked into the hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. Another person had been shot earlier on North Lesley Avenue. All five people shot on Sunday survived.

Violence and Gun Crimes Increasing in Major Cities in America

Cincinnati is not the only major city that has seen an increase in gun violence in recent months. Several major cities throughout the country have seen dramatic increases in the number of homicides and gun violence in 2020. 

Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and other cities are overwhelmed with the number of shootings this year. There are numerous theories of why gun violence increased. Depending on the source, you might read that gun violence increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Other sources cite economic problems as a reason for the increase in gun violence. Riots and protests have been blamed as well for increases in criminal activities. Some may believe that the combination of everything that has happened in 2020 has contributed to increases in weapons charges.

Who Can Own a Gun in Indiana?

You have the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Indiana does not make it difficult for residents to purchase a gun. You can purchase a gun from a registered dealer after passing a background check.

According to Indiana gun laws, you must meet the age requirements to purchase a firearm. Long guns are only sold to individuals 18 years of age and older. The minimum age to own a handgun is 21 years.

Indiana is an open-carry state. Individuals may choose to carry a firearm openly or concealed. 

However, they must obtain a license to carry a gun. Licenses are not required to carry shotguns or rifles that you legally own.

Licenses are also not required to carry a handgun in certain circumstances or locations. For example, you can carry a gun without a license if you are legally hunting. You may also carry a gun without a license if you are on leased or private property, attending a firearms course, at a shooting range, or attending a gun club, gun show, or firearms exposition.

Even with a license, you cannot carry a gun in all locations. For example, guns are not permitted on school property or school buses. Before carrying a gun, you need to make sure that you review gun laws to avoid being charged with one or more weapons charges.

Examples of Weapons Charges in Indiana

The right to bear arms does not mean you have the right to break the law. If arrested on weapons charges, you could face severe penalties. 

Some common weapons charges in Indiana include, but are not limited to:

  • Possessing a gun on school grounds
  • Brandishing a weapon
  • Possessing a prohibited weapon
  • Giving false information (purchase a firearm or apply for a license)
  • Obliterating identification marks
  • Possession of a handgun without a license
  • Prohibit sales or transfers
  • Illegal possession of a firearm (felons, domestic batterer, intoxicated person, dangerous person, etc.)

There are other charges that you could face if you use a gun in the commission of a violent crime. Using a weapon to commit burglary, sex crimes, assault, homicide, drug crimes, and theft, and other violent crimes can result in more severe penalties for a conviction.

What Should You Do if You Are Arrested on Weapons Charges in Indianapolis?

If the police arrest you on a gun charge, immediately ask for an attorney. The police may use numerous tactics to get you to talk, including making promises and lying to you. However, talking to the police without a weapons charges lawyer is never beneficial.

If you are convicted of a weapons charge, you could face significant time in jail or prison. You may also be required to pay a fine. For some charges, you could lose your right to own a firearm and could even have professional licenses revoked. 

It is best to exercise all your Constitutional rights if you are arrested. Exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.

Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today

For more information, contact the criminal defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000

Indianapolis, In 46204

United States