What should you do if you’re arrested for a gun crime in Pittsburgh?

Due to the nature of gun crime charges, defendants often think they can clear up misunderstandings by speaking with the police. Unfortunately, efforts to do so may only make things worse. Statements you make to law enforcement can be used against you in court. Instead of risking your defense, inform officers that you wish to remain silent until you have a chance to speak with your attorney. Then contact Hadeed Law for legal assistance as soon as possible.

Do you need a license to possess a gun in Pittsburgh?

Under Pennsylvania law, you generally do not need a license to possess a firearm, but you do need a license for concealed carry of a handgun or to carry a handgun in your vehicle. Additionally, although a license is not required for possession in other circumstances, certain people are prohibited from possessing a handgun or firearm. This includes minors, people previously convicted of a violent crime, people previously convicted of a drug offense that can carry a prison term exceeding two years, fugitives from the law, people subject to a protection from abuse (PFA) court order, and others. Just possessing a gun if you are deemed a “person not to possess” can constitute a crime under PA law.

How much jail time can you get for a gun charge in PA?

Many gun charges carry the potential for jail time if you are convicted. For relatively minor misdemeanor offenses, you could face prison terms of up to one year, two years, or five years. Felony charges expose you to more severe penalties, potentially up to 10 years or, under certain circumstances, even longer. That’s a harsh penalty for an offense where you were simply in possession of a weapon in violation of state law, particularly if you never attempted to use the gun. It may be possible to minimize or, in some instances, even completely avoid jail time through a strong, strategic legal defense.

What defenses can be effective against gun charges?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to effectively argue a lack of intent, accidental possession, a need to defend yourself against an imminent threat, or government entrapment. Often, defenses in gun crime cases involve challenging the evidence against you by exposing unlawful searches and seizures, other violations of your rights by law enforcement, or improper handling of evidence. If your attorney can establish that the evidence against you was obtained unlawfully or processed improperly, he can petition to have it suppressed so that it cannot be used against you in court. This can weaken the prosecution's case and potentially even lead to a complete dismissal of the charges due to insufficient evidence.

Pittsburgh Gun Crime Lawyer | Firearm Charges Attorney Pittsburgh PA

Defend Against the Harsh Penalties of a Gun Violation Conviction With a Firearm Charges Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, on Your Side

Having a gun on your person or in your proximity can lead to serious legal issues, even if no one gets hurt. Whether you’re accused of failing to follow Pennsylvania’s gun code or of having a firearm in your possession during the commission of another crime, you could be facing years in prison if you’re convicted of a weapons-related offense. A Pittsburgh gun crime lawyer can be your advocate, ensuring your rights and legal protections aren’t overlooked in the criminal justice process and building your defense strategy.

Led by experienced criminal defense attorney Samir Hadeed, Hadeed Law provides full-service legal support for high-stakes gun crime cases. Mr. Hadeed recognizes that these serious criminal charges often arise out of simple mistakes and misjudgments, as well as seemingly minor offenses, and he’s committed to helping his clients minimize the consequences of these legal issues.

Contact Hadeed Law today for a free, confidential consultation, and find out what dedicated legal representation can do for you.

Legal Need? Call Hadeed for Help Fighting Firearm Charges in Pittsburgh

While the involvement of guns can make other offenses more serious, attorney Samir Hadeed knows that many defendants face serious charges based solely on their having a gun on them, even if they aren’t accused of any other crimes. As an experienced firearm charges attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, Mr. Hadeed pursues favorable outcomes in all kinds of cases involving weapons-related offenses.

Hadeed Law has a track record of securing outcomes like the following for its clients:

Dismissals of charges based on insufficient evidence or cooperation facilitated by strategic early legal intervention
Reduction of charges to less serious offenses that pose lighter potential penalties
Plea deals negotiated with the prosecutor for lighter sentences
Acquittals (the return of not-guilty verdicts) at trial
Effective advocacy for lesser penalties at post-conviction sentencing hearings

Every case is different, but what doesn’t change is the importance of knowing how to protect your rights and interests when facing the criminal legal process. Having Hadeed Law defending you against firearm charges provides a meaningful advantage in and out of court.

Types of Gun Crime Charges Hadeed Law Defends Against in Pittsburgh, PA

Gun laws are complex, and many different circumstances could give rise to firearms charges. Whatever the specific facts of your situation, consulting a knowledgeable Pittsburgh gun crime lawyer at Hadeed Law can help you find the path forward. Attorney Samir Hadeed represents clients in a full range of gun crime cases, including the following.

Unlicensed Possession/Unlicensed Concealed Carry

While some states require strict licensing or permitting processes for gun ownership, Pennsylvania generally does not. In Pittsburgh and throughout Western PA, defendants charged with unlicensed possession-related offenses are generally accused of concealed carry without a license, in violation of Section 6106 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18. This violation constitutes a third-degree felony offense, punishable by up to seven years in prison. However, if the defendant is eligible to obtain a license, they can instead be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison.

False Statements on Firearm Applications

Even applying for a license so you can legally engage in concealed carry in Pennsylvania can lead to criminal charges if you’re accused of making false statements on this application under Section 6109 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18. Specifically, Section 6111(g)(4) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, establishes knowingly making false written or oral statements in connection with a gun license application or furnishing false identification in connection with a gun sale as a third-degree felony offense, punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Unlawful Ownership by Persons Not to Possess Firearms

Some people are excluded from possessing a firearm or attaining a license to carry a concealed handgun under Pennsylvania law. Under Section 6105 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, people who are prohibited from ownership or possession of a firearm include:

People with a prior conviction for violent crimes, including but not limited to murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, stalking, kidnapping, rape, burglary, robbery, and more
Individuals against whom an alleged victim has obtained an active final protection from abuse order
Defendants convicted of drug-related crimes that are punishable by prison terms of more than two years
People convicted of three or more DUI offenses within a five-year span
Individuals adjudicated delinquent as juveniles for crimes that would prohibit gun possession if convicted as adults
Fugitives from justice
People who are in the United States unlawfully
People who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution or have been adjudicated as incompetent
Individuals who are prohibited from gun possession under federal law pertaining to unlicensed dealing in firearms

These complex prohibitions can be a source of confusion, especially if you aren’t sure whether a prior offense that occurred years ago still counts or whether a situation in which the maximum penalty that could have been imposed, even if it wasn’t imposed in your situation, applies to these restrictions. The guidance of a knowledgeable gun crimes attorney can help you determine whether you’re legally able to possess or control a firearm and how to approach defending against charges of violating this law.

Charges of violating this statute can constitute second-degree felonies under PA law, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. In certain circumstances, you can be charged with a first-degree felony offense, punishable by a prison term exceeding 10 years. For those excluded from gun possession by an active final protection from abuse order, intentionally failing to relinquish a firearm or ammunition to law enforcement as required constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison.

Possession of a Firearm by a Minor

Individuals under age 18 (minors) are also prohibited from possessing or transporting guns under Section 6110.1 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, with specific exceptions for legal hunting, target shooting, or competitions under the supervision of a responsible adult. Violations of this statute can not only result in forfeiture of the firearm but may also lead to third-degree felony charges against an adult deemed responsible for providing or delivering the gun.

Possession in a Restricted Area

It’s unlawful to carry a weapon, even with a state-issued license, in certain areas, including school property (under Section 912 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18) and court facilities (under Section 913 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18).

In the context of guns on school properties, this offense constitutes a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Offenses involving court facilities are typically charged as third-degree misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in prison. If the weapon was carried lawfully and the defendant simply failed to check the firearm upon entry into court facilities, they may be charged with a less serious summary offense. On the other hand, if the offense was perpetrated with the intent to use the firearm to commit a crime, it becomes a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years of incarceration.

Possession of Prohibited Weapons

Some weapons are prohibited in PA regardless of who you are, where you are, or whether you have a license for concealed carry. Under Section 908 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, it’s unlawful to possess, use, sell, or deal in offensive weapons like the following:

Bombs
Grenades
Machine guns
Sawed-off shotguns (with barrels under 18 inches long)
Firearms of any kind made or adapted for concealment or silent discharge
Stun guns, stun batons, and tasers
Metal knuckles
Blackjack weapons

Violating this statute is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years of incarceration.

Theft and Illegal Sales of Firearms

Some gun crime charges arise out of offenses involving obtaining firearms. Section 6111 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, establishes specific regulations that must be followed for gun sales to be conducted legally.

Charges that result from allegedly obtaining or dealing in guns improperly can be serious. For example, under Section 3903 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, stealing someone else's gun or selling stolen firearms are felony offenses.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Using a gun for illegal purposes is a criminal offense in and of itself, separate from any actual crime committed or attempted, under Section 907 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18. This offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Impact on and Enhancements to Other Criminal Charges

In addition to violations of Pennsylvania’s gun codes, the involvement of a firearm can also constitute an aggravating factor in other charges, including:

Assault
Drug crimes
Robbery and burglary
Domestic violence offenses

In some cases, specific legal statutes apply. For example, assault with a deadly weapon charges constitute aggravated assault charges under Section 2702 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18. Reckless endangerment charges that involve pointing, aiming, brandishing, or firing a gun at someone or in their direction are violations of Section 2705 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (pertaining to recklessly endangering another person).

State law allows for a deadly weapon sentencing enhancement in matters that involve the use of firearms during the commission of a crime under Section 303.10 of the Pennsylvania Code, Title 204. Under Section 9712 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 42, a person convicted of a violent crime while in possession of a gun (or even a replica of a gun), causing the alleged victim to fear death or serious injury, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years in prison.

You Need a Firearm Charges Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, to Fight Harsh Penalties

Most weapons charges in Pennsylvania constitute misdemeanor or felony crimes, which are punishable by incarceration. Whether you’re facing up to one year behind bars for bringing a weapon into a court facility without criminal intent or up to 10 years for unlawful possession due to a history of violent crime convictions, trust your case to a Pittsburgh gun crime lawyer who knows how to deliver results.

Attorney Samir Hadeed has helped clients minimize the consequences of gun charges through representation that’s strategic, methodical, and aggressive in upholding all legal protections that are guaranteed to defendants under the criminal justice system.

How Hadeed Law Can Help

You need a Pittsburgh gun crime lawyer who does more than appear in court and provide basic arguments. Hadeed Law offers full legal support for all stages of the justice process, including:

Investigation and evidence collection
Development of carefully calculated, personalized strategies and arguments
Skillful execution of legal strategies both in negotiations and in trial
Consistent communication to keep clients informed throughout the process
Unwavering advocacy for clients’ rights under the legal system
Dedicated pursuit of the most favorable outcome in each individual situation

When gun charges threaten your future, dedicated legal representation is essential for putting your case on the path to the best possible resolution.

Why Choose Hadeed Law as Your Pittsburgh Gun Crime Lawyer?

Hadeed Law provides criminal defense representation with a focus on protecting clients’ rights, a breadth and depth of professional skills, and a commitment to making legal support accessible through no-cost case reviews and multilingual services.

Dedication to Fighting for Fair Treatment

Your legal protections matter, and attorney Samir Hadeed will go to great lengths to preserve them. He recognizes the importance of fair treatment and due process under the legal system, and he’s willing to stand up to prosecutors who overstep.

Skills in All Aspects of Legal Representation

Your case requires a trial attorney with the skills to fight for you in the courtroom, but it also demands a methodical approach to investigation, case preparation, and negotiations with the prosecutor. Mr. Hadeed brings a blend of critical skills to every case he handles.

Free Consultations and Multilingual Services

If you think that you can’t afford legal guidance or that a language barrier will prevent you from getting the help you need, Hadeed Law is here for you. Hadeed Law provides multilingual services, supporting clients who speak English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, and Italian. The firm also offers free, confidential consultations.

Contact a Pittsburgh Gun Crime Lawyer at Hadeed Law Today for a Free Consultation

Gun charges matter because a conviction could leave you facing potentially lengthy prison sentences, not to mention the ongoing consequences of having a criminal record. Don’t wait to bring on skilled counsel to protect your legal rights and begin building the foundation for your defense.

For help from a firearm charges attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, contact Hadeed Law online or call 412-275-5413 today.

Pittsburgh Gun Crime Lawyer