Gun Charges Defense Attorney in Bethlehem, PA

Facing a firearm or weapons-related criminal charge in Bethlehem, PA, is serious. Under both state and local laws, gun offenses can carry heavy penalties, including mandatory sentences, fines, and long-term restrictions on your rights. At Crouthamel Law, our criminal defense lawyer fights for clients accused of gun charges in Bethlehem with a focused legal strategy and an understanding of both Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act and local municipal regulations.

Common Gun Charges in Pennsylvania

Gun cases in Bethlehem may arise under various statutes and local ordinances. Some of the common types of charges include:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm — when an individual is prohibited from owning or carrying a gun under state law
• Carrying a firearm without a license — violating 18 Pa. C.S. § 6106
• Sale or transfer violations — failing to comply with required waiting periods or paperwork under § 6111
• Possession of a firearm with an altered serial number — a serious felony offense
• Prohibited offensive weapons — including items like sawed-off shotguns or automatic weapons under § 908
• Discharging a firearm in city limits — Bethlehem’s local ordinance prohibits firing weapons within the city except in limited circumstances

Each charge carries its own legal risks and defenses. Police and prosecutors may attempt to leverage technicalities and statutory traps, so early and skilled intervention is crucial.

Understanding Gun Offense Procedures

When you are arrested or charged with a gun crime in Bethlehem, what comes next? Here’s a broad outline of how cases typically proceed:

1. Arrest and Booking — You’re taken into custody, fingerprinted, and informed of charges
2. Preliminary Arraignment — A judge sets bail, conditions of release, and a schedule for future hearings
3. Pretrial Investigation and Discovery — Your attorney seeks to review police reports, evidence, forensic testing, and witness statements
4. Motions and Suppression Hearings — We may challenge illegal searches, improper stops, or chain-of-custody issues
5. Plea Negotiation or Trial — Many cases resolve via plea, but contested scenarios may go before a jury
6. Sentencing and Appeal — If convicted, we push for the most favorable sentence permitted and explore appellate options when necessary

Because gun laws are technical and the stakes are high, your defense lawyer must know both state law and Bethlehem’s municipal code provisions.

How a Defense Attorney Can Help You

At Crouthamel Law, we bring a blend of tenacity, experience, and legal insight to your case. Here’s what we do for clients facing gun charges in Bethlehem:

• Analyze every element of the prosecution’s case and force them to prove every statutory requirement
• File pretrial motions to suppress unconstitutional searches or unreliable evidence
• Identify procedural defects or mistakes by law enforcement
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or favorable plea terms
• Represent you zealously at trial when necessary
• Advocate for minimal sentencing and work toward the restoration of your firearm rights

We understand that a gun charge doesn’t only threaten your liberty, it can imperil your reputation, employment, and civil rights for years to come.

Contact a Gun Charges Attorney Now

If you are under investigation, arrested, or formally charged with a firearm or weapons offense in Bethlehem, don’t wait. The sooner you engage experienced legal counsel, the better the chance of preserving your rights and mitigating penalties. Call Crouthamel Law today at 610-428-3386 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated gun charges attorney in Bethlehem, PA. Your defense starts now.