Facing any criminal charge is a serious matter requiring an aggressive legal defense. If you have been charged with a gun-related crime, time is of the essence to secure competent legal representation for your case.
A Cranberry Township gun lawyer who has an in-depth understanding of the laws and all necessary procedures involved could stand up for your rights at every phase of your case. Our seasoned criminal defense attorneys who handle gun defense cases could help protect your freedom and future. Call Benjamin Levine Law today.
State prosecutors aggressively charge and pursue individuals who they believe have violated the criminal statutes designed to ensure gun control. If you are charged with any gun crime, you could face a lengthy period of incarceration, steep financial penalties, and other tremendous legal consequences.
Under state law, you cannot own a gun if you have been convicted of certain crimes or have been adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile, have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, or are the subject of an active protection from abuse order. Having a prohibited gun in your possession or possessing a firearm while engaging in another criminal offense are both situations that could lead to serious gun charges.
Changing, altering, or removing the identification numbers on a firearm is a crime under state law. Other common gun charges include the following:
Consult a Cranberry Township attorney about any gun charge you are facing to ensure you secure the strongest possible defense.
The severity of a gun charge will depend on numerous factors, including the criminal history of the accused (if any), the offense’s nature, and the crime’s circumstances. Repeated offenses can result in more intense legal penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.
The crime of illegal gun possession, when committed alongside serious felony crimes, can elevate charges. The possession of a gun in sensitive areas, such as schools and airports, can also result in stricter sentences.
For example, carrying a firearm without a license can be a third-degree felony if the firearm was concealed on your body or in your vehicle, or you are considered legally “ineligible” to obtain a license. Legal punishments can include up to seven years in prison plus financial penalties as high as $15,000.
If you can demonstrate that you are legally eligible to obtain a license and have no prior convictions, this offense could be downgraded to a first-degree misdemeanor or even lower charges with the proper legal defense.
Some gun charges are classified as second-degree or even first-degree felonies. While a second-degree felony carries a maximum sentence of ten years, a first-degree felony can carry jail time of up to 20 years in addition to financial penalties. Securing a dedicated lawyer in Cranberry Township as soon as possible is vital to maximize your ability to fight the gun charges against you.
The potential consequences for any type of gun charge, from a misdemeanor to a felony, can be considerable. In addition to any legal sentence served, a criminal record can be life-changing and bring future employment challenges, legal barriers, and the loss of other vital privileges.
A Cranberry Township gun lawyer could explain your charges, procedures, and potential defenses. Our attorneys are former prosecutors and, therefore, uniquely and well-equipped to defend criminal cases.
We could develop a compelling case strategy to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and potentially negotiate a plea deal that may result in reduced charges or sentences. Call now to schedule a one-on-one case consultation with a criminal defense lawyer.