In PA, gun charges are in the Uniform Firearms Act. Gun charges are called Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act or VUFAs, and it is crucial to take the charge seriously. Our Philadelphia gun charge lawyer will do everything possible to get your life back on track. We will build the strongest possible defense, negotiate for reduced charges, and help in any other way that you need.
When you seek the legal guidance of our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer, we will fiercely advocate for your rights. You don’t need to fight your case or attempt to navigate the legal process by yourself.
Our Gun Charge Defense Attorney Can Represent You in Philadelphia
The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC is devoted to helping clients avoid a conviction under the Uniform Firearms Act and the devastating consequences that come with it. Our Philadelphia gun charge attorney may be able to help you by:
- Applying for a specialized diversion program: Diversion programs allow someone with no record or a minimal criminal record to do community service, stay out of trouble, and engage with a social worker (for some programs) and they will not have to face the risk of a trial or have a conviction on their record. These programs have limited funding, so a great application is important.
- Negotiating a plea: We might be able to get the charges against you reduced. This could save you time and money by, for example, allowing you to serve probation rather than going to jail for months or years.
- Reviewing evidence: A criminal gun charge defense lawyer from our law firm in Philadelphia can make sure all evidence against you was collected lawfully. We can also figure out how to use this evidence in your favor.
- Collecting new evidence: We may travel to the scene of the alleged crime, track down new witnesses, and take other actions in pursuit of useful evidence.
- Litigating motions to suppress the evidence illegally recovered by law enforcement.
- Representing you at trial: When our clients’ cases go to trial, we make all pretrial arrangements (e.g., submitting trial exhibits) and advocate for them in the courtroom.
- Answering questions: Our clients are welcome to call us at any time with concerns or questions. We respond to all calls promptly.
- Providing advice about your legal options: We can determine the best ways to approach your case and help you decide which of those options is best for you.
For a free legal consultation with a gun charge lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
Our Team Can Speak With You About Your Gun Charges During an Initial Consultation
Before we take a client’s case, we are already working for them. Each potential client receives a consultation with a member of our team. This consultation:
- Costs nothing: The number is toll-free, and we charge no fee for this initial consultation.
- Tells the caller if and how we can help: A member of our team will listen to the potential client’s story and, within minutes, let them know what the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC can do for them. They can even make an appointment for the caller to meet with one of our gun charge lawyers in person.
- Comes with no obligation: After completing the consultation, the caller is free to do whatever they want with the information we provide.
Our free consultation service is a simple, risk-free way for potential clients to find out how their case may benefit from legal representation.
Philadelphia Gun Charge Lawyer 215.515.3360
Why Those Facing Gun Charges in Pennsylvania Choose the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC
Even more so than other types of lawyers, it’s critical that you choose the right criminal defense attorney. Rather than facing merely financial harm, a criminal conviction threatens to do far more extensive damage to your life. Our clients do not choose us lightly. They do their research and choose us because:
- We offer smart, aggressive legal representation
- We work quickly to craft your defense once you hire us
- We listen carefully to your questions and concerns, then respond in a caring, thorough manner
- We manage the complex, confusing criminal justice system for you
- We balance firm advice with your desires, seeking resolutions that you can live with
Our firm also knows the Philadelphia area well. We may be familiar with judges and prosecutors who are instrumental to your case outcome. Our attorneys know the latest legal rules and laws, including those related to gun charges. Our lawyers and support staff will work hard to secure a fair outcome for you.
Client Reviews for Our Firm Serving Philadelphia
- “I hired Marni Jo a few months ago. She was prompt, always returning my phone calls and emails almost immediately. She is smart, aggressive in court, and very knowledgeable in her practice. I felt a sense of comfort knowing she was representing a family member. Our outcome in court was great, we were very pleased. I would definitely recommend Marni Jo Snyder as a defense attorney.” – Cathy Carver Madden, relative of former client
- “I have had the privilege of having Marnie Jo Snyder by my daughter’s and my side through a very difficult time. She made me and my daughter feel so comfortable and walked us through everything prior to and during our court hearings. She was always available to talk and explain everything so clearly. The end result was a true success and justice was served! I can’t thank her enough for all her hard work!.” – Christina LaBoy-Molina former client
We understand what is at risk for the clients we represent. Our team is available around the clock to respond to your questions and concerns, as we know that legal concerns don’t sleep. The only way to remove the worry of pending gun charges is to secure an acceptable outcome.
Gun Regulations in Pennsylvania that Could Affect Your Case
In Pennsylvania, certain citizens have the right to obtain a gun license and collect firearms as they see fit. However, this right is strongly regulated. The following are a few examples of state gun regulations:
- 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 6108, it is illegal to carry an unlicensed firearm in a public space.
- 18 Pa. C.S.A § 6302, it is illegal to sell any weapon or part of a weapon (e.g., a gun cartridge) to anyone under the age of 18.
- 18 Pa. C.S.A § 6110.1, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or transport a firearm anywhere within Pennsylvania, without the supervision of a parent or legal guardian or the supervision of an adult with the express consent of a legal guardian.
These regulations exist in addition to more serious gun-related offenses, such as:
- Attempted murder
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Assault
- Armed robbery
These laws and others like them are designed to make sure gun owners behave responsibly. Anyone who violates (or allegedly violates) these laws could face criminal charges.
Philadelphia Gun Charges Vary in Severity
A gun charge conviction in Philadelphia may come with severe penalties such as:
- Imprisonment: Most gun charges are felonies, which could put you behind bars for many years. The length of imprisonment depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the offense, prior criminal history, and whether the firearm was used in the commission of another crime. Sentences can range from several years to decades, significantly impacting your life and future.
- Fines: Depending on the gun charge, you could be fined as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as $50,000. The amount of the fine can vary based on the severity of the offense and any aggravating factors. These fines can cause substantial financial strain, adding to the overall burden of a conviction.
- Restitution: If the crime for which you are accused caused someone else to suffer bodily injury or property damage, the court may demand that you pay the victim(s) for their suffering. Restitution is intended to compensate the victims for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and repair or replacement costs for damaged property. This financial obligation can be substantial and add to the overall penalties faced by the convicted individual.
- Probation: In some cases, the court may impose probation instead of, or in addition to, imprisonment. Probation can include strict conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, mandatory counseling or community service, and restrictions on travel and activities. Violating probation terms can result in additional penalties, including potential imprisonment.
- Loss of Rights: A felony gun conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote, own firearms, and hold certain professional licenses. This loss of rights can have long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life.
- Employment Challenges: A gun charge conviction can make it difficult to find employment, as many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with a felony record. This can lead to long-term financial instability and difficulties in rebuilding your life post-conviction.
The severity of the penalties may also depend on whether you have been convicted of the same or similar crimes in the past. Prior convictions could lead to harsher sentencing. Allow our firm to defend you against your criminal charges.
Overall, the repercussions of a gun charge conviction in Philadelphia are severe and multifaceted, affecting various aspects of your life for years to come.
A Gun Charge Conviction Could Upend Your Life
A gun charge attorney from the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC in Philadelphia can work to ensure that you and your family do not have to go through the stress and trauma of a conviction. The penalties that come with a gun charge conviction may impact many areas of your life, including:
Emotional Health
Your mental well-being and self-esteem may be negatively affected by:
- The realities of time behind bars
- Knowing you were convicted of a crime
- The way others treat you because of your conviction
These factors could worsen your overall mood and even cause or worsen a mental illness.
Interpersonal Relationships
Some friends and relatives may stick with you, no matter what. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to those with a criminal record. Some people that you are friendly with today may decide to cut you off if you are convicted. This could mean:
- Losing friends
- Losing access to your children
- Being asked to leave your home
- Being isolated from those you care about
Career and Financial Future
Convictions can make it more difficult to:
- Keep a job
- Find a job
- Maintain your savings (if you are saddled with large fines)
- Support your family financially
- Stay out of debt
Your Rights
Under the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, a felony conviction could affect your right to vote while you are behind bars. Furthermore, as stated at 18 Pa. C.S.A §6105.1, the process of reinstating your right to own a gun after a conviction can be long and daunting.
Your Quality of Life
The consequences of a conviction, in every case, make life harder. You may be less fulfilled, more stressed, more likely to re-offend, and at higher risk for health problems following a conviction. Put simply, your quality of life may decline significantly as a result of a gun charge conviction.
While it is possible to rebuild your life after a conviction, it may be less traumatizing to avoid a guilty verdict altogether. The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC would like to help you do just that.
What to Do If You Were Arrested for a Gun Crime in Philadelphia
If you are facing firearm charges, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Our criminal defense lawyers recommend you:
- Exercise your right to remain silent: Remember that anything you say can be used against you. The police may be recording your arrest. Do not say anything about your case, as this could end up hurting your chances for success.
- Try to remember details about your arrest: While you may feel intimidated during your arrest, try to remember as many details as possible. For example, if you can recall whether the arresting officer read you your Miranda rights, we can use this information as we build your case.
- Contact a criminal lawyer from our firm: Wait until you have hired a lawyer to discuss your case. We offer confidential consultations, during which we can explain how our firm can help you.
Our team is here to defend you against the criminal charges you face. If you committed a gun crime, we can explain the legal options you have available to you.
Defenses We Can Use Against Your Gun Charges
If you were arrested on firearm charges, our legal team can help you by building a solid defense strategy. Some of the defenses we can employ against gun charges include:
fired the gun in self-defense, as someone else was about to attack you or threaten you
- You fired the gun in defense of another person or property
- You have a license to carry a gun
- You accidentally fired the gun
- Your identity was mistaken, and you were not the person in possession of the gun
- The police did not read you your Miranda rights when they arrested you
- You didn’t realize the gun was loaded
There are several defense strategies we could use to your advantage. Our gun lawyer is ready to advocate for you. We’ll work to prove that your use of a firearm was not malicious.
If there are any details about your case that could help us craft a defense strategy, let us know. It could make all the difference in protecting your freedom and legal rights.
Get a Free Consultation With One of Our Gun Charge Attorneys in Philadelphia
Marni Jo Snyder and Brianna Shaw can fight to protect your rights and your future. Call us for a free legal consultation at any time. We proudly serve clients throughout the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.
If you or a loved one is facing federal criminal charges or state criminal charges, contact us today to discuss your case, the charges you face, and how we might approach your defense. We can also represent you in questioning, court appearances, and more. We’re open 24/7 to take your call.
