Pittsburgh Gun Crimes Lawyer

Pennsylvania Lawyers For Firearms Charges

Have you been charged with a firearms offense in Pittsburgh or western Pennsylvania? The penalties you may face could include jail time if so. You can’t take chances in these circumstances. If you’ve been charged with violating a Pennsylvania firearms law, you need representation from an experienced Pittsburgh gun crimes lawyer.

Why Choose The Levenson Law Firm

Facing a firearm-related charge in Pittsburgh can put your freedom and future at risk. The career criminal defense attorneys at The Levenson Law Firm bring decades of experience handling complex criminal cases at both the state and federal levels.

Whether you’re charged with illegal possession, use of a firearm during a crime, or facing enhanced sentencing due to a prior conviction, we know how to fight back. Our father-daughter legal team delivers a strategic and personalized defense backed by years of experience.

You’ll find that at Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices. Our Pennsylvania firearms lawyer can review your case and determine the best defense strategy for you. Contact us to learn more.

Firearm laws that may apply in your case include:

Possessing Instruments Of Crime

Possessing an instrument of crime with the intent to use it criminally is a first-degree misdemeanor. A person may be guilty of this crime if they possess a firearm or another weapon concealed on their person. A first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

It is a third-degree felony to use or wear body armor while committing a felony or attempting to commit a felony or to have control, custody, or possession of body armor while committing a felony or attempting to commit one. A third-degree felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.

Persons Not To Possess, Use, Manufacture, Control, Sell Or Transfer Firearms

Pennsylvania law restricts those convicted of specific offenses, typically violent crimes, from possessing, using, controlling, selling, transferring, or manufacturing a firearm or obtaining a license to possess, use, control, sell, transfer, or manufacture a firearm.

This law applies to anyone convicted of any of the following crimes:

• Offenses related to prohibited offensive weapons
• Offenses related to corrupt organizations
• Possession of a weapon on school property
• Murder
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Involuntary manslaughter (if the offense is related to reckless use of a firearm)
• Aggravated assault
• Assault by prisoner
• Assault by life prisoner
• Stalking
• Offenses related to weapons of mass destruction
• Kidnapping
• Unlawful restraint
• Luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure
• Rape
• Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
• Aggravated indecent assault
• Arson and related offenses
• Causing or risking catastrophe
• Burglary
• Criminal trespass (if the offense is a second-degree felony or higher)
• Robber
• Robbery of motor vehicle
• Theft by unlawful taking or disposition (upon conviction of the second felony offense
• Theft by extortion (when accompanied by threats of violence
• Offenses related to receiving stolen property (upon conviction of the second felony offense
• Offenses related to false reports to law enforcement authority
• Impersonating a public servant (if impersonating a law enforcement officer
• Intimidation of witnesses or victim
• Retaliation against a witness, victim, or part
• Offenses related to escape
• Offenses related to weapons or implements for escape
• Offenses related to rio
• Prohibition of paramilitary training
• Facsimile weapons of mass destruction
• Possession of a firearm by a mino
• Offenses related to the corruption of minor
• Sale or lease of weapons or explosives

A person may not legally own a firearm in Pennsylvania if they’ve been convicted of any offense under this law in any state. In addition, they may not own a firearm in Pennsylvania if they’ve been convicted of a similar offense in a state whose laws differ from Pennsylvania’s.

This statute also prohibits the following individuals from owning a firearm in Pennsylvania:

• Any fugitive from justice, unless they are a fugitive due to a nonmoving or moving summary offense (see Title 75)
• Anyone convicted under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act or an equivalent federal law if their offense was punishable by more than two years in prison or jail
• Anyone convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance on three more separate occasions within a span of five years (although this prohibition takes effect after the third offense and only applies to the sale or transfer of firearms)
• Anyone who, under the Mental Health Procedures Act, has been adjudicated incompetent or otherwise involuntarily committed to a mental institution for certain emergency purposes
• Anyone residing in the country illegally
• Anyone adjudicated delinquent under Pennsylvania law or any equivalent federal or state law for certain applicable crimes (such as murder, aggravated assault, etc.)

In addition, a person convicted of an offense under certain Pennsylvania Domestic Relations laws may be prohibited from owning a firearm in Pennsylvania for a specific period. For instance, a person subject to a protection from abuse order may be required to relinquish firearms or other weapons. Under the law, a court order requiring the relinquishment of firearms, other weapons, or ammunition must provide for the return of the firearms, other weapons, or ammunition to the defendant upon expiration of the protection order.

Penalties for offenses under this law can vary depending on the nature of the offense. A PA gun attorney can review your case and explain the penalties you may face.

Firearms Not To Be Carried Without A License

A person who carries a firearm in a vehicle or concealed on their person, except in their home or place of business, without a valid, lawful license may be guilty of a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. However, a person who is otherwise eligible to possess a valid license and carries a firearm in a vehicle or concealed on their person may be guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Prohibited Offensive Weapons

It is a first-degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania to repair, sell, deal in, use, or possess any offensive weapon. Offensive weapons under the law include:

• Bombs
• Grenades
• Machine guns
• Sawed-off shotguns (with barrels less than 18 inches)
• Firearms specially made or adapted for concealment or silent discharge
• Blackjacks
• Sandbags
• Metal knuckles
• Stun guns
• Stun batons
• Tasers
• Other electric or electronic weapons or other implements for the implementation of serious bodily injury that serve no common lawful purpose

How Firearm Legal Counsel In Pennsylvania Can Help

The above are just a few examples of statutes that may apply in a Pennsylvania firearms offense case. Other relevant laws include:

• Possession of a firearm with altered manufacturer’s number
• Possession of a weapon on school property

Our Pennsylvania firearms law firm may help in the following ways if you’re facing charges for any of these types of offenses:

• Reviewing the facts and details of your case and explaining your legal options
• Developing a defense strategy tailored to your case and goals
• Gathering, preserving, and examining evidence
• Finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Negotiating with the prosecution for a plea bargain to reduce your charges or potential penalties
• Working to have the charges against you dismissed altogether
• Restoring firearm rights

Navigating the legal process when you’ve been charged with a firearms offense in Pennsylvania can be intimidating. You don’t have to do it alone. Legal representation from a qualified Pennsylvania firearms defense attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Understanding the Scope of Gun Crimes in Pittsburgh

Gun violence in Pittsburgh has seen a notable decline, but it remains a serious concern, regardless of whether residents live in Homewood, the Hill District, or the South Side.

In 2024, Pittsburgh reported 81 nonfatal shootings, marking its lowest total in over six years. Of the 41 homicides recorded that year, firearms were used in 80% of cases. Youth involvement in fatal shootings has also dropped in recent years, with homicides involving teenagers falling from 26 in 2022 to 16 in 2023.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Gun Rights Lawyer Cost?

A: The cost of a gun rights lawyer in Pittsburgh depends on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Some attorneys charge hourly rates, while others may offer flat fees. Many lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to assess their services. Be sure to discuss fees upfront to understand costs and avoid surprises during the process.

Q: Will a Gun Charge Affect My Right To Own Firearms in the Future?

A: Yes, a gun charge in Pennsylvania can impact your future right to possess or purchase firearms. A felony conviction or certain misdemeanor offenses may result in the loss of your gun rights under state and federal law. In some cases, restoring those rights may require a pardon or expungement. It’s important to understand the long-term consequences and speak with a knowledgeable attorney about preserving your Second Amendment rights.

Q: Can You Receive Probation for a Gun Charge in PA?

A: Yes, you can receive probation for a gun charge in Pennsylvania, depending on the severity of the offense and the circumstances. Factors like prior criminal history, the type of charge, and any mitigating circumstances play a role in the decision. A skilled defense attorney can advocate for probation by negotiating with the court, possibly reducing jail time or providing an alternative sentence to imprisonment.

Q: Can a Gun Charge Be Dismissed in PA?

A: A gun charge can be dismissed in Pennsylvania if the defense successfully challenges the evidence or proves improper police conduct, such as an illegal search or seizure. In cases where the evidence doesn’t meet the prosecution’s burden of proof, the charge may also be dismissed. An experienced defense attorney can assess the specifics of your case and determine the ideal approach for dismissal.

Q: What Is the Penalty for a Gun Charge in PA?

A: The penalty for a gun charge in Pennsylvania varies depending on the offense. For example, carrying a firearm without a license is typically a second-degree felony, punishable by several years in prison. Additional charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, like using a firearm during a crime. The penalties will depend on the severity of the offense and other factors.

Contact A Pennsylvania Firearms Lawyer

Don’t wait to contact an attorney if you face firearm charges in Pennsylvania. At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, a Pennsylvania firearms lawyer is ready to protect your rights. We can answer all your questions about firearms laws in Pennsylvania, including those related to a gun trust, firearms dealer licenses, PICS, or your Second Amendment rights. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 412-837-8757 to discuss your case.