Philadelphia Gun Crimes Lawyer
Facing Firearms Charges in Philadelphia? Fight Back Now
Gun charges in Philadelphia aren’t something you want to face alone. The penalties can be harsh, including time behind bars, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you everywhere. Whether you’re dealing with illegal possession, carrying without a license, or something more serious, the stakes are too high to take chances. At Latta Law, we understand what you’re up against, and we’re here to fight for your rights.
Pennsylvania takes gun offenses seriously, and prosecutors rarely back down without a fight. That’s why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of firearms law and won’t settle for less than the best possible outcome. If you’ve been charged with a gun crime, call us at 215-929-6771 for a consultation. We’ll review your case and start building your defense right away.
Understanding Gun Charges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s gun laws can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out what’s legal and what isn’t. The state allows legal gun ownership, but there are strict rules about who can carry, where you can carry, and what types of weapons are allowed.
Break those rules, even accidentally, and you could be looking at serious criminal charges. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, federal regulations add another layer of complexity to state gun laws, making it critical to have legal representation that understands both.
Most gun charges fall into a few common categories. Unlawful possession happens when someone who isn’t allowed to have a gun gets caught with one, such as convicted felons or people with certain protection orders against them.
Carrying without a license is exactly what it sounds like: having a firearm on you in Philadelphia without the proper permit. Then there are charges related to using a gun during another crime, which can turn a misdemeanor into a felony fast.
The penalties vary depending on the specific charge. A simple possession case might result in probation for a first-time offender, while using a firearm in a robbery could mean decades in state prison.
Even if you think your case is straightforward, it’s worth having someone in your corner who can spot the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and push back when they overreach. That’s where experienced criminal defense representation makes all the difference.
Common Gun Crimes We Defend
We handle all types of firearms cases, from minor violations to serious felonies. Here’s what we see most often:
Illegal Possession of a Firearm: This charge applies when someone who’s prohibited from owning a gun—like a convicted felon or someone with a history of mental health commitments—is found with one. It’s a serious offense that carries mandatory minimum sentences in many cases.
Carrying Without a License: In Philadelphia, you need a valid license to carry a concealed weapon. Getting caught without one can result in criminal charges, even if you legally own the gun. This is one of the most common gun charges we see, and it’s often defensible depending on the circumstances.
Possession of a Prohibited Weapon: Certain firearms are illegal in Pennsylvania no matter who you are—things like short-barreled shotguns, machine guns, or guns with obliterated serial numbers. Possession of these weapons is always a felony.
Using a Firearm During a Crime: If you’re accused of having a gun during a theft, assault, or drug offense, that charge can come with enhanced penalties. Even if the gun wasn’t fired or used to threaten anyone, simply having it on you can add years to your sentence.
Straw Purchases: Buying a gun for someone who can’t legally own one is a federal crime. These cases often involve undercover operations and carry serious penalties, including prison time.
No matter what charges you’re facing, we’ll examine every detail of your case to find the best defense strategy. Sometimes it’s challenging the legality of the search that turned up the gun. Other times it’s proving you didn’t know the weapon was there or that you had a valid reason for having it. Every case is different, and we approach each one with fresh eyes.
Why These Charges Are Taken So Seriously
Gun violence is a hot-button issue, especially in Philadelphia. City prosecutors and judges are under pressure to crack down on illegal firearms, which means they’re often aggressive in pursuing convictions. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, cities with high gun violence rates tend to see stricter enforcement of firearms laws, and Philadelphia is no exception.
Mandatory minimum sentences mean judges sometimes have little discretion when it comes to sentencing, even for first-time offenders. A conviction can derail your life in ways you might not expect. Beyond jail time, you’ll lose your right to own firearms, which can affect your career if you work in law enforcement or security. You might also face difficulties finding employment, securing housing, or even qualifying for student loans.
The good news is that with the right defense, many gun charges can be reduced or dismissed entirely. We’ve seen cases where illegal searches were thrown out, witnesses recanted, or forensic evidence was mishandled. It’s our job to find those openings and exploit them to your advantage.
How We Build Your Defense
Defending gun charges starts with understanding what happened and why. We dig into the facts, question the evidence, and challenge anything that doesn’t add up. Here’s how we approach it:
First, we look at whether the police had the right to search you or your property in the first place. If they violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search, any evidence they found could be thrown out. This alone can get your case dismissed.
Next, we examine whether you actually possessed the firearm. Just because a gun was in your car or home doesn’t mean you knew it was there or had control over it. We’ve successfully argued constructive possession defenses in cases where the prosecution couldn’t prove our client had knowledge or access to the weapon.
We also scrutinize how the prosecution is handling the evidence. Was the gun properly tested? Did they follow chain-of-custody protocols? Are their witnesses reliable? Any weakness in their case is an opportunity for us to create reasonable doubt. The Department of Justice maintains strict guidelines for evidence handling in firearms cases, and when those aren’t followed, we make sure the court knows about it.
In some situations, negotiating a plea deal makes sense, especially if it means avoiding mandatory minimum sentences or keeping a felony off your record. But we never push you into a deal unless it’s truly in your best interest. If taking your case to trial gives you a better shot at acquittal, we’ll be ready.
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Protecting Your Future
A gun charge doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. With aggressive representation and a strategic defense, you might be able to avoid jail time, reduce your charges, or even get the case dismissed. The earlier we start working on your case, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
At Latta Law, we treat every client like they matter, because you do. We’re not a factory churning out cookie-cutter defenses. We take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way. You deserve a lawyer who’s as invested in your future as you are.
Don’t wait to get help. If you’ve been charged with a gun crime in Philadelphia, call us at 215-929-6771 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. We’ll review your case and start building your defense right away. Your freedom is worth fighting for, and we’re ready to fight.