Probation Granted for Falsified Statement on Gun Application
Did you know that writing false statements, or making false claims, while filling out the ATF Form 4473 can invite felony charges?!
And that is exactly what happened with one of our clients. In fact, he had to spend several days behind bars until he contacted us, and our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers took up his case. Needless to say, if he hadn’t established contact with us, he would have been serving a full-fledged prison sentence.
Our experienced lawyers at the Logue Law Group are well-adept at handling such cases where falsifying statements on gun applications lead to criminal accusations. So, let’s explore this blog and find out how we achieved a favorable outcome for our client.
The Prohibition List
Title 18 § 6105 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes prohibits the possession, selling, transfer, or ownership of firearms for the following individuals-
- Individuals who are convicted of felony drug offenses under the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance Act, Drug Device Act, and Cosmetic Act.
- Defendants of final protection from abuse that clearly states these individuals to give up their firearms.
- Individuals having three DUI convictions within 5 years.
- Individuals convicted of offenses like rape, robbery, burglary, etc.
However, this isn’t the end of the list. According to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), there are several other categories of people who are prohibited from owning firearms, like-
- Any person who is convicted of a felony.
- Any person who is convicted of a misdemeanor and has served a prison sentence of one year or more.
- Any person with an active protection-from-abuse order.
- Any fugitive from justice for any charge except for minor traffic offenses.
- Any person addicted to illegal drugs or controlled substances.
- Any immigrant without documents.
- Any person who has been adjudicated as mentally incompetent.
- Any person with a dishonorable discharge from any branch of the U.S military.
So, if you belong to one of the above categories and still try to straw purchase firearms, the consequences can be life-altering. Therefore, always have a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side to make sure that you have the strongest possible defense.
How Did We Manage the Probation?
Our client was charged with a third-degree felony as he had falsified a statement while filing out the ATF Form 4473. The matter went into further complications because, being a resident of Maryland, he was extradited to Pennsylvania and was compelled to serve a prison sentence.
Fortunately, the man contacted our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers and briefed the whole situation. And owing to the seriousness of the charge, we knew that if this case was not handled properly, our client could end up serving a long prison sentence.
Therefore, our expert team of Pittsburgh criminal lawyers did what they do best. We negotiated with the prosecution on behalf of our client and had a great chance of challenging and beating this falsified case of felony on the basis of the evidence present.
However, our client wanted the case to be put to rest. So, even though we had all the chances to win this case, he agreed to plead to a lesser misdemeanor charge. Our client now had to serve a six-month probation, after which he would be set free.
Such cases serve as stark reminders of why you should seek professional legal counsel while handling matters like this. Only a knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you protect your rights and get you justice! So, if you, or a loved one, has been held for falsifying on gun applications, make sure to reach out at 844.PITT.DUI.