Have you been accused of illegal possession of a firearm, or are you under investigation for a gun offense in Pennsylvania? If so, you should know that the prosecution and law enforcement exert a lot of resources in these types of criminal cases. Acting quickly and proactively will be critical to your defense.
At the Law Office of Melanie Wiesman, I am an advocate of the Second Amendment right to bear arms and understand what's at stake. I own and respect firearms and am experienced in the law and know how to handle these types of serious charges. Because firearms charges carry significant jail time if convicted, it is important to have a knowledgeable, confident, and skilled attorney fighting for you. Contact me today at 717-430-0042 to schedule a Free Consultation and to understand more about the stakes, the risks, and all your legal options.
What are common Gun Charges in Pennsylvania?
In York County, the most common types of firearms charges filed by the Commonwealth are felony offenses, including:
- Persons Not to Possess, Use, Manufacture, Control, Sell or Transfer Firearms (PNP)
- Firearms not to be Carried without a License
- Possession of a Firearm by a Minor
- Possession of Firearm with Altered Manufacturer's Number
- Prohibitive Offensive Weapons
- PICS (Pennsylvania Instant Check System) or Background Check Charges
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP)
- Aggravated Assault
- Robbery
Forensic Science
Unbeknownst to many, there is actually quite a bit of forensic science involved in firearms cases. Many prosecutors and defense attorneys have never held a gun. That being said, it is extremely important to choose an attorney who is not only familiar with handling firearms, but who also understands the scientific evidence in gun cases, including:
- Ballistics
- Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Analysis
- Fingerprints
- Touch DNA
- GSR (Gunshot Residue)
In order to aggressively defend against a firearms charge, it is important to seek counsel from an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in gun cases. There are numerous defenses that can be litigated both before and during trial. Contact the Law Office of Melanie Wiesman today at 717-430-0042 or by filling out the online form. I will listen to the facts surrounding your arrest, discuss your case and we can get started on the best defense possible.
Gun Defenses
Like any criminal charge, if you have a knowledgeable and skilled defense attorney on your side, there are usually a variety of options available to defend against firearms accusations. Some common defenses to gun charges include:
- Lack of "Possession" - a.k.a. unknowingly possessing a gun in your car / home
- There is a valid Exception as to why you were carrying a firearm in your vehicle (most police officers are not familiar with this statute)
- The traffic stop was illegal / bad so any evidence obtained during the stop must be thrown out
- The Commonwealth cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the gun was "capable of being discharged"
- The Commonwealth is not able to prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt
Contact an Experienced Firearms Attorney in York County Today
The laws about possession and use of firearms are complex, and any good defense requires a skilled lawyer. Not only can I help you defend against firearms allegations, I can also identify if you have been overcharged. To get the best defense possible, you need a firearms lawyer who understands all of the elements needed to prove each underlying offense and the defenses available to each of them. Call me today so that we can get started on your defense and make sure your constitutional rights to own and use firearms have not been violated.
