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Many people in Pennsylvania own a gun for recreational purposes, hunting, or home protection. However, having a gun in the wrong place at the wrong time could lead to firearm charges. State and federal firearm charges carry heavy criminal penalties and could lead to a ban on future gun ownership. Before pleading guilty to criminal gun charges, make sure you understand your rights and contact a seasoned Montgomery County gun lawyer today.
Charged with a gun crime of any kind? If so, you need a dedicated and skilled Pottstown criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Fortunately, you are in the right place. Reach out to Cohen & Patel so we can get started working on your case.
Certain individuals are not permitted to own or possess a firearm in Pennsylvania, known as “prohibited persons.” This includes:
While most people in Pennsylvania are permitted to open carry a gun without a license, in order to carry a concealed weapon, you have to have a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) permit.
Any person who carries a concealed weapon, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid license commits a third-degree felony. The penalties for a 3rd-degree felony in Pennsylvania include from 3.5 to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
If a defendant is charged with burglary or robbery, the use or possession of a firearm can result in increased penalties. Use of a deadly weapon, including any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, results in a sentencing enhancement. A conviction for robbery or burglary may have a higher mandatory minimum and maximum prison sentence if the defendant possessed a firearm at the time.
The court shall consider the deadly weapon enhancement (DWE)/Possessed Matrix (§ 303.17(a)) when the defendant possessed a firearm during the commission of a crime. The court shall consider a DWE/Used Matrix (§ 303.17(b)) if a firearm was used during the commission of a crime in a way that threatened or injured another individual.
Certain gun crimes may be violations of federal criminal laws. The use of a gun in connection with drug trafficking or a crime of violence is a federal offense. Even if the defendant does not shoot the gun, threatening someone with a firearm can result in federal gun charges under 18 U.S.C. § 924 (c).
A conviction for a gun crime can carry serious penalties that may affect your future even after serving your sentence. Before you plead guilty to a weapons charge, contact a dedicated gun lawyer from Cohen & Patel. Our legal team proudly represents clients facing gun charges throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, including in Montgomery County, Berks County, and Chester County, and in the towns of East Norriton, Norristown, Allentown, Lancaster, Bensalem, Easton, Levittown, Bethlehem, Erie, Mechanicsburg, Chester, Harrisburg, and more.
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