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Defending Against Philadelphia Gun Charges and Firearms Offenses
Defending Against Philadelphia Gun Charges and Firearms Offenses
If you’ve been charged with a gun or firearms offense in Philadelphia, I know you’re probably feeling scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. As a criminal defense lawyer in Philly for over a decade, I’ve represented hundreds of good people facing similar charges. I’m here to help you understand the charges, potential penalties, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Crafting Your Defense Strategy
So where do we start building your defense? First, I need to thoroughly understand the details of your arrest, including:
- Why did the police stop and search you? Was it a legal search and seizure?
- What events led up to your arrest? Were you acting in self-defense at any point?
- Do you have a valid license to carry, or any other facts that could justify possession of the weapon?
Small details can sometimes make a huge difference in these cases. I’ll also pull your criminal record and analyze if there are any issues with how the police handled evidence or interrogations.
Next, we’ll dig into the specific charges filed – what exactly are the DA’s accusations? Do they align with the evidence and accounts of what happened? Oftentimes I find holes in the DA’s case or facts that contradict their allegations.
Finally, we’ll explore options for getting charges reduced or dismissed through pre-trial diversion programs. For example, first-time offenders may qualify for ARD probation instead of jail time. I know the judges and DA’s well – I’ll craft a compelling argument as to why you deserve a second chance.
Fighting These Cases at Trial
If we ultimately have to fight these charges at trial, I have an in-depth understanding of PA gun laws and tons of experience arguing firearm cases in Philly courts. We’ll go in with confidence, highlight any weaknesses in the DA’s evidence, and I’ll make sure your side of the story is heard.