Any criminal charge involving a firearm is a serious offense. Some cases involve unlawfully possessing or using a weapon, while others relate to committing criminal acts while armed. In either scenario, a guilty verdict could result in lasting consequences for you and your loved ones.
When you hire our Butler gun lawyer, you are giving yourself a chance to fight these charges and avoid any consequences of a conviction. The right defense attorney could investigate your case and advise you on the best possible strategy.
Prosecutors handle cases related to multiple gun offenses that vary from misdemeanors to felonies, but each is a serious matter that could alter your life for years to come. Felony offenses are more serious and can result in years of imprisonment, while misdemeanors carry lesser penalties but still have serious and lasting consequences.
One of the most common charges is illegal firearm possession. It is a crime for certain individuals to own weapons, including people convicted of domestic violence or felonies. It is also illegal for someone under the age of 18 to possess or carry a firearm under most circumstances.
Other charges involve the discharge of a weapon, even one owned legally. Discharging a firearm may be prohibited by local ordinances, as some municipalities in Pennsylvania have stricter rules regarding where and when a firearm can be legally fired. Additionally, it is a crime to point a firearm at someone in a threatening or menacing manner. The ultimate penalty imposed in a case will be determined by a variety of factors, including the specific facts, circumstances, and evidence presented.
Misdemeanors could lead to 5 years in prison in addition to any fines. More serious cases are treated as felonies and could result in up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Our Butler lawyer could help you fight these gun charges and avoid any penalties.
Seeking guidance from one of our Butler gun attorneys could help you build a winning defense strategy. The right approach depends entirely on the facts of the case, but your lawyer could identify all the available options. Some of the most common examples include:
It is the responsibility of the prosecution to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but they may not always be able to do so. In some cases, the best option is to highlight the weakness of the evidence against you instead of making a different argument.
If the police violated your rights through an illegal search or seizure, our attorneys could have the seized evidence barred from your trial. This could be a powerful strategy in cases where the firearms in question were found during an unlawful search of your home or vehicle.
Some gun charges require criminal intent. For example, you are not guilty of illegal possession if you were not aware of the weapon in the first place. Our attorneys may be able to prove you had no intent to commit a crime at all.
If you are facing weapons charges, it is vital that you seek the guidance and support of skilled legal counsel. It is possible to prevail in these cases, but the government may likely use its resources to aggressively secure a conviction.
Put yourself in the best position for success by hiring our Butler gun lawyer to protect your rights. At Benjamin Levine Law, all of our attorneys are former prosecutors and uniquely well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss potential defense strategies.