Pennsylvania Weapons And Firearm Charges Defense
A firearm charge in Pennsylvania can cost you your freedom, your right to own guns and your future. Police don’t need much to arrest you. Carrying without a license, being in the wrong place at the wrong time or having a prior conviction can all land you in handcuffs. Once charged, you face serious penalties that judges can impose, and prosecutors will use that leverage against you from day one.
At The Law Office of Ryan M. Tutera, I defend clients throughout Pennsylvania who face weapons and firearm charges. As a criminal defense attorney, I understand Pennsylvania firearm laws and know how to challenge the evidence, question the legality of searches and fight to protect your rights in court.
Common Firearm Offenses In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act defines most firearm offenses in the state. Firearm convictions in Pennsylvania carry severe maximum penalties and potential sentencing enhancements under the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines, though courts retain judicial discretion in standard possessory cases following court rulings that struck down legacy statutory mandatory minimums. Common charges include:
- Carrying a firearm without a license: Carrying a concealed firearm without a license is generally graded as a felony of the third degree. However, if you are otherwise eligible to obtain a license and have committed no other criminal violation, the offense is graded as a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Possession by a prohibited person: Pennsylvania law bars certain people from owning or possessing firearms, including convicted felons, individuals subject to protection from abuse orders and people with specific mental health adjudications.
- Illegal possession: Possessing a firearm with an altered serial number, carrying a weapon during the commission of another crime or possessing certain prohibited weapons can all result in separate charges.
- Firearms on school property: Bringing a firearm onto school grounds, even unintentionally, triggers automatic criminal charges with severe penalties.
Each of these offenses carries different penalties, but all of them can result in prison time, loss of your right to own firearms and a felony conviction that follows you for life.
Why You Need An Experienced Attorney
Firearm charges in Pennsylvania carry severe maximum penalties and potential sentencing enhancements. Prosecutors know this and use it as leverage to push for guilty pleas. Without an experienced criminal defense attorney, you risk accepting a deal that doesn’t serve your best interests or missing defenses that could get your charges reduced or dismissed.
I examine every detail of your case and ask the following questions:
- Did police have probable cause to stop you?
- Did they conduct a legal search?
- Can the prosecution prove you knew the firearm was present?
These questions matter, and the answers can determine the outcome of your case.
Contact The Law Office of Ryan M. Tutera And Let’s Discuss Your Case Today
Firearm charges in Pennsylvania demand immediate action. The sooner you contact me, the sooner I can begin building your defense. Call 412-899-3817 or use the online contact form to schedule a consultation.