Possession of a Weapon

About half of American households own at least one firearm. Hunting and recreational target shooting are some of the most popular pastimes of Wisconsin, making gun ownership in this state about 15% higher than the nation’s average gun ownership.

The general public supports the private use and ownership of guns as long as they are used properly under the law. About one million crimes committed each year involve firearms, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Owning a gun is not prohibited, however, a person can risk being arrested and charged with disorderly conduct if the gun threatens public safety or peace.

Police officers are the only individuals allowed to carry concealed firearms in the state of Wisconsin. People are prohibited from being armed in a public building that is owned or leased by the state or other government entity.

A concealed weapons violation includes:

A dangerous weapon within reach of the defendant
The defendant realizes the presence of the weapon
The weapon remains hidden

Prohibited Firearms in Wisconsin:

Short-Barreled Shotguns
Short-Barreled Rifles
Machine Guns
Assault Rifles
Plastic Firearms (constructed for the purposes of being undetectable)
Armor-Piercing Ammunition

Illegal Uses of a Firearm:

Burglary
Robbery
Discharging from a Vehicle
Carjacking
Drive-by Shooting
Theft
Providing a Firearm to a Prisoner
Shooting Into a Building or Vehicle
General Negligence or Intoxicated Use of a Firearm
Shooting Near a Park, Residence, Road, or Railway
Firearm Replicas or Reproduction
Use of Armor-Piercing Bullets

Contact Us

If you have been accused of possession of a firearm, you need a qualified and experienced attorney to help defend your rights. Contact the Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers of Kohler & Hart, LLP at 414-271-9595 to discuss your legal options and rights.