Our country’s Bill of Rights broadly states that citizens can own firearms. Pennsylvania and the other 49 states generally decide for themselves what that looks like within their individual borders.
If you were charged with a crime involving a gun in Upper Gwynedd, PA, incarceration is nearly always a possibility. The Upper Gwynedd, PA gun crime lawyers at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. are passionate about protecting the rights of the individual and will fight for you from day one.
Gun-Related Crimes in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s gun laws remain in the middle of the road compared to other states, as they’re neither in the strictest top ten nor in the loosest top ten.
Although this list is not comprehensive, in the state of Pennsylvania you may find yourself charged with a gun crime if:
- You are caught in possession of a firearm with the intent of using it criminally
- You do not have the required permits to “conceal carry” a firearm, which means you try to hide it while carrying it on your person or in a vehicle
- You illegally buy, sell, or possess a firearm according to the crimes and conditions listed in the Uniform Firearms Act (UFA) under § 6105 or under federal prohibitions that apply to Pennsylvania
- You commit a crime while carrying a gun
- You steal a firearm or possess one against the rules of your probation
- You carry a gun on school property
Any gun-related charge may carry the risk of incarceration.
For a free legal consultation with a gun crime lawyer serving Upper Gwynedd, call (610) 680-7842
Penalties for Gun-Related Crimes in Pennsylvania
Suppose you are convicted of a gun-related crime in Pennsylvania. In that case, the penalty you receive depends on 1) the seriousness of the crime, for instance, stealing firearms vs not having a permit to conceal carry, and 2) your prior arrest and conviction record, if you have one. The judge will usually follow the recommended sentencing guidelines.
If convicted, your punishment could run the gamut, such as:
- Be found guilty but receive no other punishment
- Risk incarceration for one to 20 years and a fine of up to $25,000
The Aftermath of a Conviction
Generally, if you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in Pennsylvania, your record cannot be expunged except under special circumstances. Expungement means your criminal record would be destroyed, and no one could view it. Our criminal defense attorneys will explain how this may relate to you and the potential outcomes of your case.
Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate Law allows your records to be sealed, again only under certain circumstances, which means that the courts, the police, and some potential employers may be able to view them, but the general public cannot.
Because of your record, if convicted, your life may be affected by more than the initial punishment you receive, such as finding it:
- Difficult to obtain employment or housing
- Challenging to qualify for loans
- Impossible to work in certain professions
- Negatively affecting your rights in a child custody or visitation situation
- A doorway to deportation
Upper Gwynedd Gun Crime Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
How Our Gun Crime Attorneys Help You
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys believe that solid communication is critical to success. We remain accessible to our clients through phone or email, text, or even social media until the case is concluded.
Initially, we review your case to determine if it is feasible to get it dropped. If the case cannot be dropped, our attorneys move forward in preparing your defense. That may include:
- Combing through the stop and search, looking for indications that your rights were not upheld
- Thoroughly reviewing the evidence and facts of the case
- Determining if an independent investigation is warranted and acting on that determination
- Drilling down on the rules of criminal procedure to determine if procedural law has been usurped
- Negotiating for a reduction in charges or punishment
David C. McKenzie III
David McKenzie draws on his years working as an Assistant District Attorney to provide an informed defense for his clients. His 20 years in public and private practice provide a depth of knowledge for him to draw on as he prepares your defense.
Accolades include:
- AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- ASLA Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
- Rising Stars Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent
We enjoy hundreds of five-star testimonials from clients. A short sampling includes:
“Excellence in EVERY sense of the word! From the initial Consultation to the Hearings and Conclusion of the case, David McKenzie kept me extremely informed, aware of all possible outcomes and plays, and ultimately resolved my case with the best possible outcome, in my favor! Hands down, he is the absolute BEST! If you are in need of a Criminal Attorney and your freedom in any way has been threatened, look no further! Thank you David for everything!” — Teresa G.
“Very happy with Mr. Mckenzie’s service: deep professional knowledge, precise analysis, straightforward communication, clear explanation on all possible scenario and corresponding plans, and quick reply on email/calls with courteous manner. The result was same as he predicted. Highly recommend.” — Linda S.
“David helped me through a tough time and delivered on everything discussed. Amazing service and kindness. Would recommend.” — Matt W.
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What to Do If You Are Suspected of a Gun Crime in Montgomery County
From the moment you are suspected of a gun crime, everything you say or do will be scrutinized and recorded. Before speaking with anyone else, talk to a criminal defense attorney. They help guide you through the complicated legal system and protect your rights. If suspected:
- Do not give a statement without a criminal defense attorney present. Even if you know that you did not commit a crime, don’t protest your innocence, and don’t try to convince the police that your actions were not criminal. Simply insist on having an attorney present before you say anything.
- Do not assume you can say something because you have not yet been read your Miranda Rights. Not all situations require that the police read you your Miranda Rights. Assume anything you say at any time may be used against you.
- If the police ask you if they can search you or your property, say no. If they do it anyway, do not resist.
- If the police start questioning you, ask if you are free to leave. Make sure you get an answer to that question. If the answer is yes, then leave. If the answer is no, stop talking until you have your attorney present.
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Contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. Today for an Upper Gwynedd, PA Gun Crime Lawyer
If you are suspected of a gun crime, call us today. Don’t hesitate. Our Upper Gwynedd, PA gun crime lawyer and the rest of our team will put our decades of working in criminal defense to work for you.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
