The guns used by Oklahoma City residents in self-defense killings throughout 2012 would still be considered legal if gun control legislation supported by President Obama becomes law, although the guns used in the tragic elementary school shooting in Connecticut this month would not. In eight different instances this year, Oklahoma City residents have used deadly …
The guns used by Oklahoma City residents in self-defense killings throughout 2012 would still be considered legal if gun control legislation supported by President Obama becomes law, although the guns used in the tragic elementary school shooting in Connecticut this month would not. In eight different instances this year, Oklahoma City residents have used deadly force to defend themselves, with a pistol being used in six cases and an ordinary rifle and a knife in the other two. Proposed national legislation wouldn’t touch those types of guns however, as gun restrictions have mostly focused on high-powered, military-style semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. With concerns about mass shootings coming to the forefront, OK authorities are taking steps to put a stop to gun crimes. If you have been charged with a gun crime in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to protect your legal rights. Contact our knowledgeable defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your possible defense options.
Shootings Involving Military-Style Assault Rifles
Of the eight self-defense killings in Oklahoma City this year, only one involved a homeowner defending himself from an intruder, using a .38-caliber pistol. The other incidents involved arguments, including domestic disputes, two men fighting over a woman, and a woman defending herself against a man. In general though, whether it’s in the hands of a criminal or a person trying to defend themselves, Oklahoma officers typically encounter pistols in the field, reports Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty. However, there is no shortage of heavier weapons either, says Police Lt. Stuart May, who reported at least seven shootings last year and seven this year involving military-style high-powered rifles. “Anybody can learn how to shoot one. That’s what’s so troublesome,” said Citty. “People can become very accurate. It’s not that difficult. And they shoot so many rounds anymore, that eventually you’re going to hit something.”
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Weapons charges are taken very seriously in Oklahoma, particularly in the midst of devastating gun crimes like the recent shooting in Connecticut, and are punished accordingly by authorities. Under Oklahoma law, gun crimes may involve unlawfully purchasing, selling or distributing weapons, and can carry severe penalties, possibly including jail time, hefty fines and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing weapons charges in Oklahoma, such as robbery with a firearm, shooting with intent to kill or unlawful possession of a firearm, contact our skilled defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center today. Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting the legal rights of Oklahomans charged with gun crimes, and will work diligently to help you build a strong defense in your case.