When a firearm is carried and held or wielded in a threatening or angry manner, the individual holding the weapon can be charged with a crime. However, when a firearm or other deadly weapon is used in conjunction with another crime being committed, the crime can be considered a more serious offense, an ‘aggravated’ offense. Aggravated offenses are automatically considered to be much more serious crimes, with many being second and third degree felonies. And the penalties for these crimes can be as severe as a life in prison.