Charges involving firearm weapons can range from illegal possession to assault with a deadly weapon, not including other factors that might complicate a person’s case (e.g., drugs, prostitution, theft). You should not take these cases lightly, as penalties for firearm possession alone can range from five to 10 years.
If you face gun-related charges in Norristown, you might want to hire a criminal defense lawyer to advocate for you. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we can assign a Norristown lawyer for firearm possession and other gun charges from our team to represent your case. Our firm can investigate and retrieve evidence that defends your innocence and establishes the facts from your perspective. We may be able to have the judge reduce or dismiss your charges, depending on the circumstances of your case.
What Constitutes Firearm Possession or a Gun Charge in Pennsylvania?
According to Pa. C.S. § 6105, illegal gun charges in Pennsylvania can involve:
- Possessing or carrying a firearm without a valid license
- Distributing or manufacturing firearms without valid permits
- Selling unregistered firearm weapons
- Committing aggravated assault with a firearm or deadly weapon
- Involuntary or voluntary manslaughter involving a firearm
- Murder
- Kidnapping or unlawful restraint, including luring children away with a firearm
- Committing theft with a firearm, including burglary and car theft
- Using a firearm or deadly weapon to commit sexual offenses
- Impersonating a law enforcement officer
- Reckless use of a firearm while committing other offenses, such as drug-related crimes
You can present your side of the events to our team in a free consultation. Then, if you decide to work with us, we’ll begin building a defense that shows your innocence and respects your rights.
For a free legal consultation with a firearm possession and other gun charges lawyer serving Norristown, call (610) 680-7842
What are Some Defenses Against Firearm Possession and Other Gun Charges?
Depending on the nature of your case, some defenses you could raise include:
- You were unaware of the firearm in your possession.
- The weapon is not registered under your name.
- Someone else planted the firearm or deadly weapon in your vehicle, house, or workplace.
- You have a license to carry a concealed weapon in Pennsylvania.
- You were in an area where carrying or possessing a firearm is legal (e.g., a shooting range).
Our defense attorney will review your case and strategize a defense against your criminal charges, which may involve a separate investigation from law enforcement. For example, our team may request forensic testing to see if your DNA was present on the alleged illegal firearm in your possession.
Defenses Involving Unlawful Arrest or Search and Seizure
In some cases, a defense against firearm possession or other gun charges may focus on your arrest and what circumstances led to it. These defenses may include:
- Law enforcement did not file a warrant for a search and seizure of your property.
- There was no probable cause to search your property at the time of the arrest.
- The arresting officer did not read your Miranda rights at the time of your arrest.
- The arresting officer did not respect your right to remain silent until you secured an attorney.
- The police coerced you into making incriminating statements during your arrest, interrogation, or criminal processing.
- You were not allowed to present your license to carry a firearm.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help in a Firearm Possession or Gun Charge Case?
When looking for a gun charge attorney in Montgomery County, you should determine whether the lawyer has experience working with cases like yours and immediately builds trust with you as a potential client. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our criminal defense team advocates for each client we take on. We help our clients fight off unlawful charges and demand law enforcement respect their rights.
Regarding your firearm possession or gun charge case, our work for you begins as soon as you call our law firm. Our legal duties include:
- Petitioning for your bail or lowering your bail at your initial hearing.
- Reviewing the nature of your arrest to determine if it was unlawful (e.g., your Miranda rights were violated).
- Reviewing paperwork to see if law enforcement had probable cause to search and seize your property, including your vehicle.
- Investigating your case to retrieve additional evidence to support your claims (e.g., video footage, witness testimony, forensic data results).
- Attending pre-trial motions and other court hearings to represent you throughout your criminal proceedings.
- Handling communications to protect your case, including public statements on your behalf, to avoid letting the prosecution manipulate your words.
- Negotiating a plea bargain, resulting in your charges being reduced or eliminated.
- Presenting your case in front of a judge and jury at trial.
Your Norristown gun charge lawyer will also provide legal counsel throughout your case. Our team can educate you on your rights, advise you on what you can and cannot say while your case is ongoing, and guide you based on potential outcomes for your case.
Our Lawyer is Available for Clients to Contact
Another benefit to working with a criminal defense lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is that you can reach our lawyer through various forms of communication. Once you decide to become our client, you can contact our lawyer whenever you have questions or concerns about your case via:
- Text messages
- Phone calls
- Social media messages, such as Facebook Messenger
Should new information be brought to your attention, you are welcome to relay it over to our firm to review and consider for your case.
What are the Penalties for Gun-Related Charges Like Firearm Possession?
Unlawful possession of a firearm or deadly weapon can result in a first- or second-degree felony charge. However, in some cases, a gun defense attorney can negotiate lower penalties for this charge, similar to a misdemeanor. For example, you could petition for lower charges if you sell or transfer your firearm to an eligible individual who does not live in your household within 60 days of your arrest.
Penalties for Felony Charges
If convicted of a second-degree felony, a judge could sentence you to:
- Serve five to 10 years in prison
- Pay up to $25,000 in fines
More serious gun-related offenses can lead to a first-degree felony conviction, which includes these penalties:
- Serve 10 to 20 years in prison
- Pay up to $25,000 in fines
Penalties for Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor penalties can involve prison time ranging between six months and five years in prison and fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.
Norristown Firearm Possession and Other Gun Charges Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Hire Our Firearm Lawyer Serving Norristown, Pennsylvania, to Defend Your Case
If you currently face firearm possession or other gun charges in Norristown, a criminal defense lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., may be able to help reduce or dismiss your charges. Our law firm serves people throughout Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. We can review your case to determine whether you were lawfully searched, arrested, or charged.
Call (610) 680-7842 today for a free case review with one of our representatives. We can start representing you immediately and attend court hearings on your behalf.
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