Firearm possession and gun crimes carry serious consequences in Pennsylvania. Harsh consequences aren’t guaranteed, however, so call our lawyers for help building a defense, challenging evidence, or even getting the charges against you dropped.
Concealing a firearm without a license is illegal in Norristown, as is possessing the firearm if you are a “prohibited person,” like a convicted felon. Using a firearm while committing a violent crime carries a mandatory five-year prison sentence if a defendant is convicted. Other gun charges include possessing a firearm with an altered serial number or illegally selling firearms, and our attorneys can also help defendants facing these charges in Pennsylvania.
Get a free and confidential case evaluation from our lawyers for firearm possession and gun crimes by calling Kenny, Burns & McGill today at (215) 423-5500.
Is Carrying a Firearm without a License Illegal in Norristown?
Anyone who is over 18 and not barred from owning a firearm may purchase and possess a firearm without a license in Norristown. They may even open carry their firearm out in public without a license. Carrying a concealed firearm without a license is illegal, however.
You also may not carry a firearm in your vehicle without a license in Pennsylvania. Doing so is a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania, according to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6106(a), unless you are otherwise eligible to obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon, in which case we can get the charge reduced to a first-degree misdemeanor.
There are exceptions to who may carry a concealed firearm on their person or in their vehicle without a license, and our lawyers for firearm possession and gun crimes can see if any apply to your specific scenario.
If you are prohibited from owning or carrying a firearm because you are a previously convicted felon, you may risk a second-degree felony charge.
Charges for Possessing a Firearm with an Altered Serial Number in Pennsylvania
Another serious gun offense in Norristown is possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer’s number, also known as the serial number.
The serial number may not be removed, changed, or obliterated, according to § 6110.2; otherwise, the person in possession of it may be charged with a second-degree felony.
What Happens if Firearms Are Used During Another Crime?
If firearms are used during an alleged robbery, burglary, or other criminal act, defendants may face enhanced penalties at sentencing. Call our lawyers immediately if you find yourself in this situation, and we can start working on your case.
Anyone convicted of a “crime of violence,” such as aggravated assault, sexual assault, burglary, and robbery, who had a firearm visible to the alleged victim that put them in fear of death or serious injury, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, according to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9712(a).
Being convicted of certain drug offenses with firearms also means a mandatory five-year prison sentence in Norristown.
You may also face additional charges for allegedly using a firearm during another crime. Firing a gun and fatally injuring someone during a burglary could lead to second-degree felony murder charges, while attempting to cause or intentionally causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon is second-degree felony aggravated assault.
What if I Am Arrested for Illegally Selling Firearms in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has strict rules for buying and selling guns. If you are arrested for allegedly violating any of them, call our attorneys immediately, and don’t try to explain yourself to the police.
Knowingly selling or delivering a firearm to anyone who is prohibited from owning one, like a convicted felon, is a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania. You also risk losing your license to sell firearms for up to three years.
Less serious violations of Pennsylvania’s firearm selling laws may be charged as second-degree misdemeanors. However, a second or subsequent violation means a second-degree felony charge, according to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(h)(1), and a mandatory five-year prison sentence.
How Can I Defend Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania?
There are many different approaches to defending weapons charges in Pennsylvania, and our lawyers can help you alleviate or eliminate the consequences you experience.
Argue Self-Defense
If you are charged with aggravated assault because you were carrying a firearm in Norristown during an altercation, tell our lawyers if you were acting in self-defense. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, is a second-degree felony, so don’t risk a possible ten-year prison sentence.
Argue the Firearm Wasn’t in Your Possession
Our attorneys may also create reasonable doubt as to whether or not you possessed a specific firearm in Norristown. If there is no physical or financial evidence tying you to a firearm from a specific robbery or other offense, we can argue it belonged to someone else.
We may also argue lack of knowledge or intent, such as if there was a firearm in a shared vehicle that you did not know was there.
Suppress Evidence
Suppose the strongest evidence the prosecution has against you is the firearm in question, but law enforcement obtained it through an illegal search of your person, vehicle, or property. In that case, we may be able to suppress that evidence and stop the jury from hearing it. We can motion to suppress any evidence that was obtained through an illegal search or should otherwise be inadmissible.
Contact Our Lawyers
For help defending yourself against firearm possession and gun charges, call our attorneys. Our criminal defense lawyers can immediately explain what your charges mean and gauge the extent of the evidence law enforcement has. Don’t speak to the police at all without an attorney by your side, even if you are trying to explain yourself or provide context.
Get a Free Case Review by Calling Our Norristown Lawyers Today
Schedule a free case discussion with our lawyers for firearm possession and gun crimes by calling Kenny, Burns & McGill now at (215) 423-5500.
