Posted on July 19, 2016 in Crime
Arizona has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the United States. People 21 years old or older may carry a weapon without a license. They may carry in the open or carry their weapons concealed if they have a concealed carry permit. With the recent outcry concerning mass shootings, do these loose laws play a role in the rash of violence in the country? The statistics for shootings in the state of Arizona don’t seem to indicate that this is the case.
A mass shooting is as any firearm-related incident in which four or more people are injured or killed, excluding the shooter. So far in 2016, there have been four mass shootings in Arizona, all of which occurred in the Phoenix area. It’s difficult to draw any parallels between the gun laws of Arizona and mass shootings in the state.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when discussing mass shootings is the fact that criminals, by definition, have no regard for the law. According to the Crime Prevention Research Center, nearly every mass shooting on American soil between 1998 and 2015 took place in “gun-free” zones. Anyone who has decided to commit a mass shooting isn’t going to pay any mind to signage saying that he or she isn’t allowed to carry a gun—all that sign tells them is that they probably won’t have to worry about opposition other than law enforcement.
If you find yourself in an active shooter situation, it’s difficult to recommend the best course of action for every possible scenario. Depending on your location, running for cover may be your best chance at survival, and hiding may be preferable in other locations. The most important thing to do is to try and remain calm and keep as low as possible.
Almost every mass shooting ends with the shooter’s death. They’re rarely apprehended, as most choose to end their own lives once law enforcement has them cornered. If they fire upon law enforcement officers, they usually don’t survive the return fire. If you’re a gun owner in Arizona, you may be tempted to try and return fire yourself. While there have been instances of armed civilians stopping active shooters, every situation is different. A well-intentioned armed citizen may inadvertently harm others, or law enforcement may see the weapon and mistake the individual for the shooter.
Firearms are a big part of Arizona culture, and the state has a generally laid-back perception of carrying these items. There are, however, several ways an Arizona citizen can be prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. Some examples include those convicted with domestic violence in Phoenix and Arizona, people with a history of specific mental illnesses, and certain felons living in the state. The argument that strict gun laws prevent mass shootings doesn’t seem to apply to Arizona when you consider the statistics. A common argument against strict gun control that appears very difficult to refute is that we shouldn’t blame guns and law-abiding citizens for the actions of deranged or criminally minded individuals.
If you’ve encountered any issues while exercising your second amendment rights in Arizona, it’s important to know what your options are. If you’ve been accused of a crime, it’s vital that you don’t let the government impose undue punishment upon you. A Phoenix criminal defense attorney at Orent Law Offices, PLC is dedicated to defending every client’s rights in any type of case.
Arizona’s gun laws center on the concept of individual freedom. If you weren’t engaged in any criminal activity or your actions have been misinterpreted or misrepresented, then you need reliable legal counsel to see you through your ordeal. Contact Phoenix weapon charges attorney if you have any questions about the state of Arizona’s gun laws, or reach out to set up a free case evaluation.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
