Weapons Charges Lawyer in Philadelphia Defending Your Rights as a Gun Owner
It’s no secret that the world is a dangerous place. Every day, we hear about shootings, bombings, and other acts of violence. It can be easy to become discouraged and feel like there’s nothing we can do to protect ourselves. But the truth is that we can all take steps to make ourselves safer—and one of those steps is owning a gun.
Gun ownership comes with responsibilities. It’s important to know the law and understand the risks involved in owning a gun. If you own a gun, it’s crucial to have a good weapons charges lawyer on your side if you ever find yourself in legal trouble.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees American citizens the right to bear arms. This amendment is a fundamental part of our country’s history and has been hotly debated for centuries. Opponents of gun ownership argue that the Second Amendment is outdated and no longer applicable in modern society. They claim that guns are used only to kill people and that we would be safer without them.
Supporters of gun ownership argue that the Second Amendment is a crucial part of our constitutional rights. They say that guns are used for self-defense, hunting, and other recreational activities. They also argue that guns can be used to protect us from criminals and terrorists.
The debate over gun ownership is a passionate one, and it’s unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. In the meantime, American citizens continue to exercise their right to own guns.
The Liberty Law Team is a Philadelphia, PA-based law firm that has experience in defending the rights of gun owners. We have a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s gun laws and are passionate about protecting the Second Amendment rights of our clients. If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime, we can help you fight the charges and protect your rights.
What Common Weapons Charges Can a Lawyer Help With?
The team at Liberty Law Firm is dedicated to defending the rights of gun owners. We have experience defending clients against a wide range of weapons charges, including:
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm
- Illegal possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Brandishing a weapon
- Discharging a weapon in public
- Unlicensed concealed weapon
If you’ve been charged with any of these offenses, we can help. We know the law and we know how to build a strong defense. Weapons charges lawyers
You can Lose Your Rights to a Gun If Convicted
A conviction for a weapons charge can have serious consequences. In addition to jail time and fines, you may also lose your right to own a gun. If you’re a gun owner, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can help you avoid a conviction.
The team at Liberty Law has extensive experience in defending clients against weapons charges. We know the law and we know how to build a strong defense. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
What Defenses Can Criminal Defense Lawyers Use?
Have you or a loved one been charged with the use of offensive weapons in Philadelphia or surrounding counties in Pennsylvania? Among many criminal defense attorneys, Lonny Fish is the lawyer who will offer you a tactical, dynamic, comprehensive, and compassionate defense. Penalties for these offenses can be stiff and it is important to select the right lawyer for your defense.
The most common weapons charge is for a firearm. This includes firearms being carried without a license. Other common forms of weapons charges are possession as an instrument in a crime, prohibited offensive weapon, or prior felon not to possess.
There are many defenses to these charges, beginning with possession. If an item is not on one’s person, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was constructively possessed. To prove constructive possession, one must prove that one has the knowledge, dominion, and the intent to exercise control over that item.
Also, if charged with a firearm, the government must prove that the item fits the legal definition of a firearm. Often, the government may charge you with a firearm when one isn’t recovered. Among other things, for an item to be a firearm according to some charges, it must have a particular barrel length and be operable (or depending on the charge, be easily made operable).
Additionally, if one is charged with possessing a firearm without a license, it must also be proven that they were not in their home or curtilage of that home, so long as the individual is eligible to possess.
Even if a firearm has been recovered, it may be the result of an unlawful search and seizure. If items were recovered as a result of an unlawful search and seizure, them, and their fruits would be prohibited at trial.
In order to be convicted of some of these charges, the government must prove that an individual had the requisite intent. Some forms of these offenses require “knowing” or “intentional” possession and others only require “reckless” possession. If you are charged with a crime that requires knowing or intentional possession and the government cannot prove that beyond a reasonable doubt, then you are entitled to an acquittal.
Also, some forms of these offenses only require that one has possessed the weapon for a particular amount of time before a conviction can occur. For example, Pennsylvania law prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms if they have been convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year within the past ten years. However, the government must prove that an individual possessed the firearm within that ten-year period. If they cannot do so, then you are not guilty of the offense.
Lastly, if convicted of some of these offenses, one may be subject to the Pennsylvania mandatory minimum sentencing laws. However, there are exceptions and ways of minimizing or avoiding these harsh penalties.
An experienced lawyer will review your case and work with you to develop a customized legal defense strategy based on the unique facts and circumstances of your case. If you have been charged with a weapon offense in Philadelphia or the surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, contact Lonny Fish at Liberty Law Team today.
What are the Consequences of a Weapons Charges Conviction?
The consequences of a weapons charges conviction can be detrimental. Along with the penal penalties, there can be social changes and punishments. Some of these changes include job loss, family stress, and social isolation. A weapons charges lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can help you navigate these difficult waters by protecting your rights as a gun owner.
The Second Amendment protects our right to bear arms, but there are still laws regulating the ownership and use of firearms. When these laws are violated, the consequences can be severe. If you’ve been charged with a weapons offense, it’s important to understand the potential penalties you’re facing so that you can make the best possible decisions for your future.
Under the Uniform Firearms Act of PA, the use of force for self-defense is only justifiable when an individual reasonably believes that it’s necessary to protect themselves from death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, rape, or other forcible crimes. Use of deadly force is only allowed when an individual reasonably believes that it’s necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury.
A conviction for a weapons offense can result in jail time, probation, and a criminal record. You may also lose your right to possess or own a firearm in the future. In some cases, a weapons offense can be classified as a felony, which can have even more serious consequences.
One of the harsher charges for a gun-related offense is a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. If you’re facing weapons charges, it’s important to understand the severity of the situation and the potential penalties you’re facing. A weapons charges lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact a lawyer today to discuss your case.
What Does a Weapons Charges Lawyer Do to Help Clients?
A weapons charges lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can provide many legal services to clients who have been accused of a crime involving a weapon. The first step that an attorney will take is to determine whether the client has a valid defense under Pennsylvania law. If so, the lawyer will work to get the gun charges dismissed or reduced.
A lawyer will typically work to get the charges dismissed or reduced by reviewing the evidence against the client and looking for any potential flaws. If there is no evidence to support the charges, the lawyer may be able to get the case dismissed.
If the client is convicted, the lawyer will negotiate with prosecutors for a lenient sentence. If there is some evidence but it is weak, the lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors that results in a reduced charge or sentence.
An experienced weapons charges lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can also help clients who want to obtain a concealed carry permit or restore their right to possess a firearm after being convicted of a crime. The lawyer can assist with the application process and make sure that all the necessary requirements are met.
Having an attorney like Lonny Smith on your side can be a massive boon. When you are facing a possible weapons charge conviction, experience and professionalism should be at the top of your list when hiring an attorney. These lawyers have experience dealing with the laws surrounding gun ownership and can provide their clients with the best possible defense.
Contact Liberty Law Team Today To Defend Your Rights
When you are facing weapon charges, it is imperative that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands firearm laws. Many clients have sought Lonny Fish’s assistance at Liberty Law Team, which has worked on numerous weapons-related cases. He will review the evidence against you to determine if any flaws could lead to the dismissal of your case. If there is some evidence but it appears weak, he may be able to reduce the charges or negotiate a settlement with prosecutors that can benefit you. If you have been charged with a weapons offense, call Lonny Fish at Liberty Law Team today. Our team prioritizes the attorney-client relationship and can be reached at (215) 732-3474.