Shooting charges are a serious offense in Philadelphia. Being convicted of these crimes can result in jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. You may decide to work with our Philadelphia gun charge defense lawyer. We can explain your rights and create a case in your defense.
Our team at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC can evaluate your case and fight for your rights. We have experience defending clients who face criminal charges, and we can represent you in court.
Working With a Shooting Charges Defense Lawyer from Our Firm
Working with a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney from our team involves two types of services, guidance, and representation. Our legal guidance helps you make more informed decisions, and representation involves us fighting for your rights.
Our Firm Can Represent You
If you were charged with a shooting crime, you could face a long prison sentence. Our team can create a case that defends your rights and fight to get your charges dropped or reduced. On your behalf, we will:
- Gather evidence: Evidence can help us support the arguments we make. Our team can thoroughly investigate the details of your charges. This way, we’ll be prepared to make an argument on your behalf.
- Build your case: To build your case, we can communicate with other parties involved, listen to witness statements, and compile all the evidence we have gathered. We will listen to all the details of your case to determine a solid defense strategy.
- Represent you in court: With our help, you won’t need to stress over pre-trial arrangements. Once we’ve submitted important documentation on your behalf, we can take a stand in your defense.
- Negotiate a plea deal: When we take on your case, we may be able to negotiate to have your charges dropped or reduced. This could allow you to avoid jail time by completing probation instead.
We Can Provide Legal Guidance
We prioritize results and focus on helping you achieve a fair case outcome. However, we also care about providing you with an informative and hassle-free legal experience. To do so, we can:
- Discuss your options: There are multiple ways to settle a shooting crime case. Before we move forward, we’ll explain every option available to you. This way, you can feel confident in the decisions you make.
- Prepare you for trial proceedings: To the unfamiliar, trial proceedings can appear complex, confusing, and stressful. We’ll make sure that you’re informed and prepared every step of the way.
- Answer your tough questions: If you do not understand the scope of your charges or the laws that apply to your case, we can explain. Our attorney can answer all your tough legal questions and make sure that you’re updated on the status of your case.
Unsure about Working With a Lawyer?
Before we begin working with you, we can speak with you during an initial consultation. The consultation works like this:
- It’s free: Calling our offices about a shooting crime charge costs nothing. Similarly, this call is obligation-free. You do not need to commit to our firm after an initial consultation.
- We can get to know you and your case: During this initial meeting, we’ll discuss the specifics of your case. We can explain how we can assist you and advise you on your legal options.
For a free legal consultation with a shooting charges defence lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
Penalties for Murder in Philadelphia, PA
Accidentally or intentionally discharging a firearm differs from intentional murder. In many shooting cases, a defendant is charged because someone lost their life during a dispute or attempted crime. The severity of the punishments associated with murder depends on the murder degree, according to 18 Pa. C.S.A § 1102:
- First-degree murder: First-degree murder is intentional and premeditated murder. This charge triggers when a defendant planned to shoot and kill an individual. Penalties include capital punishment or a life sentence without parole.
- Second-degree murder: Second-degree murder entails murder whilst committing another felony, like robbery. This crime can be punished by a life sentence, but not capital punishment.
- Third-degree murder: Third-degree murder is not premeditated or committed alongside a felony. If you are convicted of third-degree murder, you could spend up to 40 years in jail.
Will You Go to Jail if You Were Involved in a Murder With Firearms?
In shooting crimes, context is everything. If you are convicted of murder, you could spend a large amount of time in jail. However, there are defenses against murder charges.
Murder with a firearm in self-defense is not a crime in Philadelphia, PA. 18 Pa. C.S.A § 505 states that: “The use of force upon or toward another person is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself against the use of unlawful force.” Keep in mind that this law only applies if someone used deadly force to avoid being killed, raped, kidnapped, or seriously injured.
Therefore, if your legal team can prove that you were acting in self-defense during a shooting, you could avoid a conviction. Similarly, showing that a shooting didn’t involve premeditation could reduce a charge from first-degree murder to third-degree murder.
Philadelphia Shooting Charges Defence Lawyer 215.515.3360
Relevant Philadelphia, PA Shooting Crimes Laws
The are several laws that restrict discharging a firearm in Philadelphia, PA. The severity of these crimes depends on the context of firearm use. Examples include:
- 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 2707.1 prohibits discharging a firearm into an occupied structure. This crime can result in a felony of the third degree.
- 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 2707 prohibits shooting or launching a projectile into an occupied vehicle. Conviction of this crime can result in a first-degree misdemeanor.
- 18 Pa. C.S.A § 6108 states that you may not carry a gun on Philadelphia’s public streets or properties unless you are licensed to do so.
These offenses should be taken seriously, as they can result in felony charges.
Contact a Philadelphia Shooting Charges Defense Lawyer
At Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, we believe that everyone deserves fair treatment during legal proceedings. We’re here to help you feel confident in your defense as you enter the courtroom. Contact our offices to discuss your shooting charges today. Don’t wait to act. Now is the time to take your case into your hands.
