Weapons Charges Defense Attorneys in Kingston, PA, Defend Clients Accused of Illegal Possession, Concealed Weapon, and False Statements on Firearms Applications in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Columbia County, and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
If you’re facing any weapon offense charge in Pennsylvania, your next move should be to consult the skilled Luzerne County weapons offenses lawyers at Muckler Law, LLC. Our weapon offenses lawyers assist people accused of all types of gun charges, drawing on extensive experience in all aspects of criminal defense law.
The consultation is free and confidential. Contact us today to get started.
What Is a Weapons Offense?
Weapons offenses encompass all varieties of criminal violations under Pennsylvania law that involve firearms or other types of weapons. PA law recognizes a variety of crimes related to weapons and punishes these violations severely.
Getting Help for Weapons Offenses in Luzerne County, PA
If you’re looking for experienced weapons charges defense attorneys in Kingston, PA, you need Muckler Law, LLC. We represent clients against all kinds of gun charges under Pennsylvania law, as well as providing legal defense services for a full range of criminal violations.
You can turn to us for assistance with the following:
- Helping you understand the charges against you, the evidence that supports the prosecutor’s case, and your legal rights and options
- Investigating the alleged offense with a focus on uncovering evidence in your favor
- Representing you in legal proceedings for weapons offense charges
- Building your defense strategy and arguments based on the evidence and unique facts of your case
Whether the charges against you involve illegal possession or carrying, gun theft, false statements, or unlawful use of a weapon, we have the experience your case requires.
Where Can Our Luzerne County Weapons Offenses Lawyers Assist You?
Muckler Law, LLC, practices criminal defense law throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We’re here to assist you anywhere in Luzerne County, including:
- Pittston
- Hazleton
- Nanticoke
- Wilkes-Barre
- Dallas
- Bear Creek
- Mountain Top
- Hanover Township
- Plains Township
- Butler Township
We’re local to you, with an office on Market Street in Kingston, Pennsylvania.
Types of Charges Our Luzerne County Weapons Offenses Lawyers Can Defend You Against
Weapons charges in Pennsylvania can get complicated, whether or not they accompany other criminal charges. The Luzerne County weapons offenses lawyers at Muckler Law, LLC, can help you make sense of the charges against you and start putting together a defense strategy that improves your likelihood of a favorable outcome.
We assist Luzerne County residents, workers, and visitors with gun and weapons charges of all kinds, including the following.
Illegal Possession of a Firearm Charges
In some instances, simply possessing a gun or other weapon can land you in legal trouble. Pennsylvania doesn’t require a permit or license for the general public to own and open-carry a gun (although certain areas, such as Philadelphia, may have such requirements), but having such a weapon may constitute illegal possession of a firearm for certain people.
For example, under Pennsylvania law (18 Pa.C.S. Section 6105), any person who has a previous conviction for specified offenses, including robbery, burglary, sex crimes, felony drug offenses, and witness intimidation, is prohibited from possessing, using, or selling firearms. It’s also illegal to have a gun in your possession if you are a fugitive, are in the United States unlawfully, have been declared incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution, or have a Protection from Abuse Order filed against you.
Our weapons charges lawyers are familiar with the nuances of “person not to possess a firearm” charges in Pennsylvania.
Concealed Weapon Charges in Luzerne County
One instance in which you must have a license for a firearm in PA is the possession of a concealed weapon on your person. Carrying a concealed weapon without a license is illegal under state law (18 Pa.C.S. Section 6106). This statute criminalizes both carrying a firearm concealed on your person and carrying a gun in any vehicle without a license.
This serious criminal offense constitutes a third-degree felony or, if the perpetrator is eligible to possess a license but fails to secure one, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Charges for Making False Statements on a Firearm Application
Submitting an application for a Pennsylvania License to Carry is the first step to obtaining a license that will prevent you from facing criminal charges for carrying a gun concealed on your person or in your vehicle (under 18 Pa.C.S. 6109). However, you still need to be careful.
Making false statements on a firearm application, including an application to purchase firearms, is a crime. Lying on your firearm application may constitute either a misdemeanor or a felony offense under state law (18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(g)(4)).
Possession of Offensive Weapons Charges
There are some weapons that are illegal to own or possess in Pennsylvania, even for those without a criminal record. Under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 908, you can’t possess a bomb, a machine gun, a taser, metal knuckles, or a sawed-off shotgun (if the barrel is less than 18 inches), among other deadly weapons.
Possession of a deadly weapon in a court facility is also illegal under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 913 of state law.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon Charges
Using a gun or another type of weapon for illegal purposes is illegal and may be charged as a distinct offense separate from any other violations attempted or committed.
Under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 907, it is unlawful to possess a weapon, including a gun, concealed on your person with the intent of using it for a criminal purpose. This statute also establishes as a violation the possession of criminal instruments generally, including items specifically made or adapted for criminal uses and instruments possessed for the purpose of criminal use. Our attorneys are familiar with the nuances of criminal cases involving unlawful use of a firearm or other type of weapon.
Theft and Illegal Sales of Firearms Charges
Breaking any law that governs gun sales in Luzerne County and elsewhere in PA is a serious matter. Our Luzerne County weapons offenses lawyers often defend clients against gun theft and illegal sales charges. If you are accused of stealing someone else's gun or selling stolen firearms, you could be facing felony charges under Title 18 Pa.C.S. Section 3903 of Pennsylvania law.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon Charges
If you are accused of using a weapon to assault another person, you may be charged with
aggravated assault because of the involvement of a weapon. Aggravated assault is a more severe crime than simple assault.
Reckless Endangerment Charges Involving Weapons
Pointing, aiming, brandishing, or firing a gun or other weapon at another person or in their direction are among the weapons-related offenses that could get you charged with reckless endangerment. No one has to actually get hurt for you to be charged with this offense.
Consequences of Weapons Offenses Charges in Luzerne County
Whether the specific offense you have been charged with constitutes a misdemeanor or a felony, you’re looking at serious gun and weapon charge penalties if convicted. Significant fines could place a heavy financial burden on you, but even more concerning is the possibility of jail time. If convicted of a felony, you could spend years in prison on a weapons charge.
The harsh penalties for a gun offense are exactly why you should only trust your legal matter to experienced weapons charges defense attorneys in Kingston, PA. You need someone on your side with an extensive background in the Luzerne County criminal court system and in-depth knowledge of what is needed to secure the most favorable outcome possible for your circumstances.
Fighting Illegal Firearms Charges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
The defense strategy your attorney will use in a weapons charge case against you depends on the specific crime you are charged with and the unique facts involved in your claim. Examples of defenses your attorney might explore include:
- False accusations and mistaken identity
- Lack of intent, especially in cases involving assault, unlawful possession, or making false statements on a firearm application
- Exceptions to laws regulating prohibited offensive weapons or possession of weapons
- Misunderstandings, such as mistaking props used for dramatic performances or collector’s items as real weapons
- Concealed carrying that occurred only on your own property or at your own fixed place of business and thus doesn’t require a license
- Possession of the weapon that only occurred briefly for the purpose of taking it from an aggressor before turning it over to the authorities
- Improper procedures followed in the course of law enforcement officers conducting searches, seizures, and arrests
Through a thorough examination of the facts of your case and an investigation to identify evidence in your favor, your weapons offenses attorney can devise a defense strategy that’s right for you.
Contact Our Luzerne County Weapons Offenses Lawyers at Muckler Law, LLC, Today for a Free Consultation
Weapons offenses are too complex, and their stakes too high, to risk moving forward without consulting an experienced attorney. For help from a weapons charges lawyer in Kingston, PA, contact Muckler Law, LLC, online or call 570-908-4069 today.
