Gun owners in North Carolina are often enthusiastic about their firearms, and the digital age gives them many ways to show their collection to the entire world. However, posting images or videos of your firearms in the Tar Heel State may lead to unforeseen and unintended consequences. A recent criminal case shows that if you are not careful, you may end up years in prison for filing yourself with certain weapons.
Convicted Felons Sentenced After Showing Illegal Firearms in Music Video
On September 6, 2023, it was reported that two Concord felons had been sentenced to years behind bars for showing off their firearms in a music video. Since they both had been convicted of felonies on a prior date, they were banned from owning firearms. In 2021, detectives allegedly discovered the music video while browsing the social media account of one defendant. The pair were seen in the video “waving and pointing handguns,” according to the Department of Justice.
Shortly after the discovery of the video, US Marshals went to the residence of one defendant and arrested him. They also searched the residence and discovered numerous firearms along with ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and a quantity of marijuana. This individual was sentenced to 100 months in prison after he pleaded guilty. The other defendant in the music video was also apprehended, and he was sentenced to 36 months after pleading guilty. It is not clear why the second defendant received a lower sentence.
This case illustrates the danger of posting your firearms on social media. Even if you acquired your firearms legally and you are allowed to possess them, you still may encounter certain legal issues. For example, the firearms in question may have illegal modifications, illegal ammunition, or other unlawful features of which you may not be aware.
This case also illustrates the fact that if you have a felony conviction on your record, detectives may be actively keeping tabs on your social media activities in an effort to catch you committing some kind of crime. Therefore, it is probably a smart choice to avoid posting anything firearms-related on your social media page, especially if you have a criminal record. Remember, anything you post on social media can be used against you as evidence.
Even if you delete the content, prosecutors can contact the social media company directly and request access to deleted data. One of the major misconceptions about social media is that you can delete content permanently from the internet. Once it has been uploaded to the platform, it often stays on the internet forever – even if it is hidden from view.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Defense Attorney in North Carolina?
If you are facing firearms-related offenses in North Carolina, it makes sense to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney at your earliest convenience. Choose Coastal Law today, book a consultation, and immediately get started with an appropriate defense strategy. Although gun possession offenses can lead to many years in prison, it is possible to mitigate potential consequences. Reach out now.
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