Weapons Offenses Safe and Protected, Powerfully Represented

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Acquittal Impeachment Trial
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Charges Dropped Arson
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Charges Dropped Embezzlement

Philadelphia Weapons Crime Lawyer

Weapons Crime Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Delivering Legal Advocacy for Weapons Charge Defense Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Any crimes that involve the presence of a weapon are aggressively prosecuted in Pennsylvania. In fact, Philadelphia law enforcement and prosecutors are known for their hard stance against gun crime. If you are facing criminal charges for a weapons-related offense, protect yourself with the experience and know-how of a seasoned criminal defense team. With the help of a Philadelphia weapons crime lawyer, you can develop a personalized strategy to weaken any case the prosecution has against you while pursuing the ideal outcome in your situation.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we recognize how serious these charges are, and our team of more than a dozen criminal defense attorneys is ready to stand up to protect your best interests. We have a long history of helping clients who are facing some of the most severe weapons charges, and we take an aggressive and knowledgeable stance in defending members of the Philadelphia community against these charges.

No matter how serious your charges are, let a weapons crime attorney in Philadelphia, PA, start crafting your custom-tailored defense today.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.
Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

- Ninel B.
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

- Sewall M. Jr.
They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.
They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB

Fierce Representation Against Any Type of Weapons Charges

Pennsylvania has a strict and complex system of gun laws paired with a steep set of penalties for offenders. It doesn't matter if this is your first offense—you can still be subject to harsh consequences if found guilty. Our Philadelphia weapons crime lawyers can be your shield against any type of weapons offense, such as:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Anyone possessing a firearm without the proper license or who has been prohibited from owning a gun because of a prior conviction may be charged with this crime.

Carrying a Firearm Without a Proper License

Pennsylvania law requires citizens to have a license to carry a concealed firearm or transport one in a vehicle. Violating this law can result in felony charges.

Possession of a Firearm By a Prohibited Person

Some citizens are not allowed to carry firearms, such as felons, fugitives, and people with specific mental health conditions. Anyone who carries a firearm in violation of this restriction may face criminal charges.

The Illegal Sale or Transfer of a Firearm

The sale, purchase, or transfer of a firearm without following legal procedures can qualify as a crime in both state and federal courts.

Possessing a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime

The consequences of most crimes are elevated if the crime was committed with the use of a firearm. For example, theft charges can escalate to robbery charges if the thief was brandishing a firearm during the crime.

Straw Purchases

It is illegal to purchase a gun for someone who is prohibited from owning one. This action is known as a “straw purchase” and is a felony offense.

Possessing an Illegal Weapon

Some weapons, like a switchblade or a firearm fitted with a silencer, are always illegal. Additionally, modifying a weapon, such as by creating a sawed-off shotgun, can also result in criminal charges.

No matter the nature of the charges, our Philadelphia weapons crime lawyers will build a strong and aggressive defense strategy to challenge the charges and the evidence against you.

How Our Philadelphia Weapons Crime Lawyers Can Defend You

Even if you do not believe there is a way to protect yourself against your weapons charges, our attorneys may be able to see something you cannot. We take a proactive approach to building our defense, rather than waiting for the prosecution to make its case against you. Some of the methods that we employ to defend our clients include:

Challenging the legality of the stop or search: If the police violated your rights during your traffic stop or while they were searching your person or property, any evidence they collect would then become inadmissible in court. If the prosecution's case revolves around that evidence, they may not be able to prosecute you further.
Disputing unlawful possession charges: Our lawyers can argue that you had the right to own the weapon in question, that you were not aware of its presence, or that you were not the person who owned it.
Questioning the evidence presented by the prosecution: By scrutinizing eyewitness testimony, police reports, forensic tests, and the chain of custody of any evidence, we can weaken the prosecution's strategy against you.
Exploring opportunities for reduced charges or sentencing: If dismissing or beating your charges is not a viable option, we can negotiate with the prosecution in an attempt to minimize the charges and their consequences in your case.

Every defense we employ is developed based on the unique factors surrounding the situation. Our clients gain peace of mind by knowing we are doing everything in our power to represent them, rather than employing a basic strategy you can find at any law firm.

What a Weapons Crime Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, Can Do to Help

You need more than a Philadelphia weapons crime lawyer. When you are looking for skilled legal representation, you also need guidance from a team that has a long history of success, proven courtroom experience, and an unending commitment to defending clients.

Our lawyers are known by judges and prosecutors for our aggressive legal advocacy. These skills have earned us national recognition in the form of media coverage and awards from legal organizations. No matter how daunting your charges may seem, trust our long history of success.

Take Action Now by Contacting a Philadelphia Weapons Offense Lawyer Today

The longer you wait to seek legal representation, the less time a weapons crime attorney in Philadelphia, PA, has to build a defense you can depend on. When every moment counts, contact our Philadelphia weapons crime lawyers by calling us at (215) 610-3440 or reaching out online.

To make the first step in your defense even easier, we offer free initial consultations where we can review your case, help you understand your options, and begin guiding you through every challenge that lies ahead of you. We welcome you to contact a team of attorneys who are as invested in your needs as you are.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weapons Crime Defense in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

You absolutely can be charged in these situations. Pennsylvania law requires you to have a valid license to carry a firearm, even if you have no prior offenses.
The law does allow you to own a firearm in your home without a permit, but if you intend on carrying it outside your house or in a vehicle, you need to be sure you have the proper license in place.
If the police found a firearm in your vehicle during a traffic stop through improper procedures, it may be possible to keep that evidence from being used against you in court. We will review the details of your traffic stop to determine whether the stop was lawful or whether your rights were violated in another way. If so, we will file a motion to suppress this evidence.
Federal prosecutors often file charges for a federal crime if the offense crossed state lines, was related to prohibited weapons, or involved possession by a prohibited person. In these situations, you absolutely need a legal team capable of handling federal charges.
Some misdemeanors and most felony charges can result in a permanent loss of your rights to possess or carry firearms. Our Philadelphia weapons crime lawyers are committed to protecting these rights, and we will explore all avenues of preserving them whenever possible.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie

the complete coverage advantage

Full-Spectrum
Law

From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.
Values-Driven
Practice

From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
Human-Centered
Advocacy

We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
High-Caliber
Results

Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family

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