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Gun charges in Philadelphia are serious offenses that can result in lengthy prison sentences. Law enforcement and prosecutors are particularly aggressive when it comes to gun-related offenses, and without skilled legal representation, you could face harsh consequences that impact your freedom and future. At DiDonato & Burke Law Firm, we provide a strategic and aggressive defense to protect your rights.
Gun crimes cover a wide range of offenses, including illegal possession, carrying a firearm without a permit, using a firearm in the commission of a crime, and unlawful firearm sales. The penalties for these charges depend on factors, such as prior convictions, whether the firearm was used in a violent crime, and whether the offense falls under state or federal jurisdiction.
Like drug and narcotic cases, gun cases typically involve a search by police of a person’s home or car. With the rise in gun violence in cities, police are over-aggressive in conducting searches looking for guns. And typically, they can make mistakes. Gun offenses can carry heavy jail sentences, particularly if you are charged in Federal Court or have a prior criminal record. At DiDonato & Burke Law Firm, Thomas F. Burke brings his 32 years of trial experience to attack illegal searches and seizures of guns. If you have been charged with a gun violation, in Philadelphia, call Thomas F. Burke at DiDonato & Burke Law Firm immediately.
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Gun crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. Federal gun charges often result in mandatory minimum sentences, which means that a conviction could lead to a lengthy prison term with no possibility of parole. Federal laws often come into play in cases involving:
If you are facing federal firearm charges, you need an experienced defense lawyer who understands how to navigate both state and federal courts. Call Thomas F. Burke at DiDonato & Burke Law Firm immediately.
Gun-related offenses in Pennsylvania carry significant penalties, including:
Can result in 5 to 20 years in prison depending on the severity of the crime.
Can result in up to 7 years in prison and substantial fines.
Enhances penalties for violent crimes and can add years to a sentence.
Often lead to mandatory minimum sentences, increasing the risk of extended incarceration.
Thomas F. Burke understands that not every gun charge is legitimate, and mistakes by law enforcement lead to unlawful arrests and violations of constitutional rights. Mr. Burke takes a proactive approach to every case by:
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Thomas F. Burke has over 32 years of experience defending individuals accused of firearm-related offenses. Mr. Burke has a proven record of challenging unlawful searches and seizures, persuading judges to throw out evidence obtained illegally, and securing favorable outcomes for his clients.
At DiDonato & Burke Law Firm, we provide:
Personalized legal representation tailored to your unique case
Aggressive defense strategies to fight for your rights
Comprehensive case analysis to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence
Expert negotiation skills to seek charge reductions or dismissals
If you are facing gun charges, take these steps to protect your rights:
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A gun charge conviction can result in years behind bars, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Don’t take chances with your future—get the legal defense you deserve. If you or a loved one has been charged with a gun crime in Philadelphia, contact Thomas F. Burke at DiDonato & Burke Law Firm today.
Schedule your confidential consultation today. Thomas F. Burke will personally evaluate your case and explain how he can help protect your rights and freedom.
Pennsylvania firearm cases can involve allegations such as possession by a prohibited person, carrying a firearm without the required license, certain firearm possession or carrying offenses in Philadelphia, possession of a firearm with an altered identifying number, unlawful transfers, and firearm allegations connected to other criminal offenses.
Possibly. Prosecutors may sometimes attempt to establish possession based on the location of the firearm and evidence that a person knew about and exercised control over it. Cases involving firearms found in vehicles, homes, or shared spaces can therefore depend heavily on the specific evidence connecting an accused person to the weapon.
Pennsylvania’s firearm laws contain provisions specifically addressing carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia. Other statewide licensing and possession laws may also apply. Because the legal issues vary depending on the alleged conduct and the person’s circumstances, Philadelphia firearm charges should be evaluated under the specific statutes involved.
Yes, when there is a valid legal basis for doing so. A defense attorney may review whether police had lawful grounds for a stop, detention, search, vehicle search, entry into a residence, or seizure of the firearm. If constitutional violations occurred, the defense may seek suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence.
Ownership and possession are not always the same legal question. The prosecution generally must establish the required connection between the accused person and the firearm. When a gun is found in a shared vehicle, residence, or other location, evidence concerning knowledge, access, control, statements, fingerprints, DNA, or other circumstances may become important.
Avoid giving statements about the firearm or surrounding events without first understanding your legal rights. Preserve any potentially relevant records and speak with a criminal defense attorney promptly. Firearm cases can carry serious consequences and may involve both possession issues and constitutional challenges to how the weapon was discovered.
