Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Zak T. Goldstein, Esquire

Being charged with a gun crime in Pennsylvania doesn’t automatically mean your life is over. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to prison. And it certainly doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to move forward.

Yes, gun charges are serious. But they’re also often defensible. And with the right legal strategy, you may be able to avoid a conviction, protect your record, and keep your future on track.

Here’s what you need to know—and why the smartest thing you can do right now is get a lawyer who knows how to fight.

1. You Are Not Convicted Just Because You Were Charged

A gun arrest is not the same as a conviction. The police may have overreached. The stop may have been illegal. The gun may not have been yours.

Until and unless the Commonwealth proves its case in court beyond a reasonable doubt, you still have every opportunity to win—through suppression motions, trial, or negotiation.

2. There Are Real Paths to Avoid a Record

Depending on your background and the facts of your case, your lawyer may be able to:

Get the charges dropped
Win a motion to suppress the firearm due to an illegal search
Negotiate for a dismissal or diversion (like ARD or AFD in some cases)
Fight the case at trial and get an acquittal

And if you beat the case, you may be eligible to expunge the record entirely.

3. Even a Conviction Isn’t Always the End

Let’s say things don’t go perfectly, and a conviction happens. That still doesn’t mean it’s over. You may still be able to:

Appeal the case if your rights were violated
File for a pardon in the future, especially if this is a first offense
Clear your record later through post-conviction litigation

We’ve helped clients get their rights back years after a conviction—but the best time to fight is now.

4. Don’t Plead Guilty Without Exploring Your Options

Prosecutors may try to scare you into a guilty plea. Don’t take the bait. There is often far more room to fight than people realize:

Was the stop or search unconstitutional?
Was the gun really yours?
Did the officers follow the rules?
Do the elements of the charge even apply to your situation?

You won’t know unless an experienced attorney thoroughly reviews the case.

5. You Only Get One Record—Protect It

Your criminal record can affect:

Job opportunities
Professional licenses
Housing and immigration status
Future police encounters

But a smart, strategic defense can often prevent it from getting on your record in the first place.

Facing gun charges or appealing a criminal case in Pennsylvania?

If you are facing criminal charges or under investigation by the police, we can help. We have successfully defended thousands of clients against criminal charges in courts throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We have successfully obtained full acquittals and dismissals in cases involving charges such as Conspiracy, Aggravated Assault, Rape, Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, and First-Degree Murder. We have also won criminal appeals and PCRAs in state and federal court, including the successful direct appeal of a first-degree murder conviction and the exoneration of a client who spent 33 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Our award-winning Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers offer a free criminal defense strategy session to any potential client. Call 267-225-2545 to speak with an experienced and understanding defense attorney today.

Will a Gun Charge Ruin My Record? Not If You Fight It.