Pittsburgh Gun & Weapon Crimes
Call a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney
Using a weapon in a state or federal crime makes you subject to mandatory penalties. Our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer Melvin Vatz seeks to have charges reduced, as a conviction from crimes related to weapons carry stiff penalties. If you are facing any type of weapons charge the Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz can work to find alternative charges and penalties.
In the state of Pennsylvania, common weapons charges include:
- Having an unlicensed weapon
- Using a weapon in the commission of a crime
- Assault with a deadly weapon
Our firm has been helping people fight weapons charges for nearly 40 years. Let us put that experience to work for you when you schedule a free consultation.
Pursuing Reduced Charges
Attorney Vatz’s approach to weapons cases is similar to that for all criminal defense cases. He analyzes the prosecution’s case, makes sure that all evidence was collected legally, and determines whether there were any mitigating circumstances. He files motions to suppress any evidence illegally seized, such as if a weapon was found during a search without a warrant.
Additionally, if a weapon was found during a routine traffic stop, he may be able to have that evidence suppressed. In short, he does everything possible to make sure our clients are facing the lowest level of weapons charges.
Seeking Alternative Sentencing
Conviction for many weapons charges, including those involving drug crimes, carry significant sentences in state or federal prison. Even lesser charges
result in county jail time. Mr. Vatz tries to obtain alternatives to county jail, including sentencing to a halfway house or boot camp for younger adults.
If you have been charged with any criminal offense involving a weapon, contact our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer to learn about your options and your rights. Gun charges are increasingly serious. It is important to have any attorney who will defend you vigorously from such charges.