It is your Second Amendment right to own a firearm. However, state and federal authorities will challenge that right when they think you have committed a gun, firearms, or weapons crime. If this happens to you, hire the Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to remind them of their obligations to you.
For over 20 years, Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq. and his legal team have fought hard and won for those facing a loss in personal self-protection. Not only do we look for physical evidence that points out inconsistencies, but we also scrutinize prosecutor and police methodologies down to the finest detail when pursuing tough matters.
“For many people, the thought of losing their firearms rights isn’t just about ‘self-protection.’ Sure, it’s that, but it also means missing out on family hunting trips, peaceful nights of rest, and tradition. If Commonwealth or federal authorities don’t have an actual case or evidence against you, let’s show it. Call my office right now, and we’ll start defending your charges ASAP.”
Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq.
Founder & Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shuttleworth Law P.C.
“I Want a Free Case Evaluation With Brad”
Our Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. possesses a deep level of knowledge related to your charges. Get in on the know with your Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486. You can also shoot Brad a quick note about your case here, too.
We represent people charged with gun crimes in Bridesburg-Kensington-Port Richmond, Center City, Far Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown-Chestnut Hill, Kensington, Northeast Philadelphia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Roxborough-Manayunk, South Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and all surrounding areas.
Shuttleworth Law P.C. Fires Back at Local, State, and Federal Gun Crime Charges
Our legal team has the tenacity, cool-handedness, and firepower that clients want when defending their cases. We have developed and cultivated relationships with expert witnesses and technology partners so that we can deliver on the facts of your case.
And if you want to go to trial… we will not back down or shy away from presenting our most compelling defense before the Commonwealth and a jury of your peers.
If you or a loved one are in fear and danger of losing your gun rights, the Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyer at Shuttleworth Law P.C. will represent you against:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-Level Gun Charges
Under the Uniform Firearms Act (Title 18, Ch. 61) of PA’s Consolidated Statutes, you or your loved one will face Commonwealth-level (i.e., not federal or local but could still be charged) charges, including:
- Firearms Not to Be Carried Without a License charges (18 Pa.C.S. § 6106)
- Persons Not to Possess, Use, Manufacture, Control, Sell, or Transfer Firearms charges (18 Pa.C.S. § 6105)
- Possessing Instruments of Crime (18 Pa.C.S. § 907)
- Possession of Firearm With Altered Manufacturer’s Number (18 Pa.C.S. § 6110.2)
- Possession of Weapon on School Property (18 Pa.C.S. § 912)
- Prohibited Offensive Weapons (18 Pa.C.S. § 908)
- PHILADELPHIA SPECIFIC: Carrying Firearms on Public Streets or Public Property in Philadelphia (18 Pa.C.S. § 6108)
On police and court paperwork, these offenses are sometimes listed as “VUFA” offenses. VUFA stands for Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act.
Remember, you are innocent until the Commonwealth can prove you guilty. Otherwise, you should retain your gun rights. The burden of proof rests on their shoulders, not yours; hire Shuttleworth Law P.C. to mount a formidable legal defense that will spare no resources to protect you.
Federal-Level Gun Charges
Most federal-level gun charges are found under Title 18, Chapter 44 of the United States Code. They generally relate to the possession, sale, use, and transfer of firearms and weapons.
Federal gun crimes carry more serious consequences, and charges may include:
- Convicted felon possessing a firearm
- Illegal possession of a firearm
- Making false statements when purchasing a gun
- Sale of firearms without a license
- Sale of illegal firearms
- Using a gun in a drug or violent crimes
- Other federal gun charges
When the federal authorities get involved with your case, it becomes a matter at the national level. You cannot afford to accept a loss in your rights over false accusations or weak evidence. Hire the defense team with federal trial experience at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to investigate your charges and fight back against the charging agency holding you accountable.
Protect Your Right to Own a Firearm
The Commonwealth and U.S. federal governments know how seriously Pennsylvanians take their right to own and carry firearms. Let’s remind them of their duties to uphold your rights. Call the Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. for Your Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486 now.
Pennsylvania Could “Throw the Book at You”
A gun crime conviction will not just result in a loss of your gun rights. No, the Commonwealth or federal authorities will also come after your physical freedom and money if they get a conviction. Essentially, you could lose everything and not be able to do anything about it.
Our legal team has fought hard and won against the following FELONY-level penalties:
- 1st-degree felony: Up to 20 years imprisonment and $25,000 in fines
- 2nd-degree felony: Up to ten years imprisonment and $25,000 in fines
- 3rd-degree felony: Up to seven years imprisonment and $15,000 in fines
We also defend aggressively against MISDEMEANOR penalties, including:
- 1st-degree misdemeanor: Up to five years imprisonment and fines of $10,000
- 2nd-degree misdemeanor: Up to two years imprisonment and fines of $5,000
- 3rd-degree misdemeanor: Up to one-year imprisonment and fines of $2,500
You do not have to accept responsibility for a crime you didn’t commit or that goes unproven by police and prosecutors. Shuttleworth Law P.C. is here to help. Find out how our Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyers can help you mount the legal defense of your life.
Our Firm Has Helped the Accused Walk Away Free
Shuttleworth Law P.C. is a results-oriented law firm. Our #1 goal is to get you the outcome you want. While every case is unique, it can be reassuring to know that others in your situation have genuinely been blown away by our work.
Our legal has accomplished excellent results for clients. Check out some of our recent case results below:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. C.L.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client charged with armed robbery of a bank in Philadelphia. The incident was caught on video. Trial was held in front of a judge, and client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges. The defense was mistaken identification. As a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, I take great pride in achieving the most advantageous outcome.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.A.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client was charged with aggravated assault of a correctional officer while in custody at the Detention Center in Philadelphia, PA (part of the Philadelphia Prison System). He testified that he had to punch the correctional officer in self-defense, because he was attacked by two officers. Client was found NOT GUILTY.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.C.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client accused of burglarizing a home at night. A neighbor witness claimed to have seen the burglar and recognized him as client. Witness also claimed he knew client from the neighborhood, which is why he recognized him. Mistaken identification was the defense. Client found NOT GUILTY of all charges.
Why Hire Shuttleworth Law P.C.
REASSURANCE is the most compelling reason to Shuttleworth Law P.C.. Who knows what could happen to your future if you face the courts unrepresented?
Legal mistakes can lead to lifelong consequences that no one would ever want to endure, such as fines and time in prison. Try to stop them from happening in the first place: hire the Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to represent your rights.
Are Your PA Firearms and Gun Charges Defensible?
Yes, your PA firearms and gun charges are defensible. Just because the police think you committed a crime, it doesn’t mean that you’re already guilty. You still have a fighting chance to maintain your freedom.
That’s why people come to our legal team when they need a strong defense backed by actual evidence and legal knowledge. Shuttleworth Law P.C. will consider your case from every possible angle, including whether you were:
- Acting in self-defense
- Actually there
- In your place of business
- Target shooting
- Traveling to or from your business
- Going out for an appraisal
- In possession of a valid hunting license
- Not on government or civic property
- Not trying to illegally sell firearms
- Acting within the scope of employment
- Other defenses
There are so many more defenses available that go beyond the scope of this list. Our legal resources and trial-ready approach are two differentiating factors that could make a huge impact on your case. However, you may not know that a specific strategy could work for you without the knowledge and ability to spot inconsistencies like the Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C..
Get My Free Case Evaluation With Brad Now
A Free Case Evaluation is your opportunity to hear what gun crimes defense lawyers in Philadelphia has to say about your case at no cost or obligation to yourself and unless you’re ready to hire us. We will do an overview of your charges, take in relevant facts, and offer our thoughts on where you might stand.
Call Shuttleworth Law P.C. for your Free Case Evaluation now at 888-529-3486. We also welcome you to message us online directly via the contact form below, even if it’s for a family member. Please mention if you would like to do a secure videoconferencing call with him for those who cannot travel to our office.
Pennsylvania Gun Charge Defense FAQs
What Is a Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFA)?
Violations of f the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFAs) are gun-related crimes. The Commonwealth’s statutes determine the outcome of VUFA charges and how they are punished if convicted. However, you can defend your legal rights in court to get your VUFA dropped, dismissed, or reduced where defensible.
Click here to learn more about what a VUFA is.
What Should I Know About Philadelphia-Specific Gun Charges?
Philadelphia recognizes more stringent concealed carry laws than other cities in Pennsylvania. You must have a concealed carry permit if you are carrying or transporting a firearm around Philadelphia.
Click here to learn more.