A juvenile gun charge can affect much more than a court file. It can affect school discipline, probation, placement risk, college plans, military options, and the child future.
Do not answer ownership questions, move firearms, or assume a license or prior record issue is simple. Firearm cases require a careful review before decisions are made.
A juvenile gun charge can affect school discipline, probation, placement risk, college plans, military options, and family stress. It should not be treated as a youthful mistake that will automatically disappear.
Juvenile cases often involve group settings, peer pressure, shared vehicles, backpacks, social media, or another person’s firearm. The possession issue must be examined carefully.
The defense should be built in layers: first the legality of the police encounter, then possession, then license or prohibited status, then long-term firearm consequences. Missing any layer can leave a major issue unaddressed.
Parents should avoid letting the child make statements to police or school officials without guidance. A teenager may admit facts to protect a friend or because they do not understand the consequences.
The common mistake is believing that an explanation will clear everything up. In firearm cases, explanations can backfire. A person who denies ownership may still admit knowledge, access, or prior handling, and that may be enough for prosecutors to build a possession argument.
The practical issue is whether the evidence proves legal possession. The firearm’s location matters, but so do access, control, intent, the legality of the search, the accused person’s record, and any license or court order involved.
A strong defense looks for weak links. Was the gun in a shared vehicle? Was it in a room used by multiple people? Were there fingerprints, DNA, or statements? Did police skip over another obvious owner?
The McShane Firm defends clients accused of gun crimes in Central Pennsylvania. We focus on challenging possession, suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence, and protecting the client from the lasting damage of a conviction.
Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:
- Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
- Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
- Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.
This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.
