Lehigh County, PA Firearms Eligibility Investigations
How long does a Lehigh County Pardon take in Pennsylvania
Even if you are a good candidate, the downside is a Pardon doesn’t happen overnight. The process, from start to finish, typically takes 3-5 years. Though that may seem like a long time, you have to understand that waiting longer will not make the process go faster. So if you are a good candidate for a Pardon, it is best to start as soon as possible rather than letting the wait time discourage your efforts and simply drag the process out even longer.
What to do after a PICS Denial or Undetermined Status in Lehigh County
After a PICS Denial or Undetermined Status, it is very important to contact a firearms attorney as soon as possible. This is because there are very strict deadlines in place, and neither the dealer nor the Sheriff will be able to inform you of the reason for denial. DO NOT TRY TO CONTACT THE POLICE TO FIND OUT WHY, BECAUSE ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU IN CRIMINAL COURT. Make sure to keep good notes about the date and location of the denial and the name of the dealer or Sheriff’s Office. If you are denied a License to Carry Firearms (concealed carry license) due to a PICS Denial or Undetermined Status, the Sheriff must send written notice of the denial by certified mail. Make sure you do not lose that letter. You only have 30 days after a PICS denial or undetermined status to file a PICS Challenge. If you don’t file your PICS Challenge within 30 days, you cannot have it overturned. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not try to file a PICS Challenge unless you are absolutely certain that you are not prohibited from possessing firearms and are willing to face a felony and jail time if you are wrong. When you file the challenge, you will once again certify that the information you provide is subject to the penalty of a felony of the third degree and a misdemeanor of the third degree. Many people try to purchase a firearm and have no idea that something in their past makes them prohibited. An experienced firearms attorney will be able to ask you the right questions, gather the necessary documents and information and determine whether you are even eligible to own and possess firearms (or get a License to Carry Firearms) before submitting a PICS Challenge on your behalf. Because there is a 30-day deadline, it is very important to act fast, because 30 days is a very short amount of time to conduct the necessary investigation.
Can I get an expungement in Lehigh County, PA
There are only three reasons you can expunge a conviction for a misdemeanor or felony in Pennsylvania. First is if you are 70 years of age or older and free of arrest or prosecution for ten years. Second is you have been dead for 3 years. Third is if you have been granted a Governor’s Pardon (executive clemency). Most people who are seeking to expunge their criminal convictions are not 70 years of age, and nobody seeking expungement has been dead for three years. Most people who want to expunge their criminal convictions in Pennsylvania need a Pardon.
If I had a Lehigh County PICS Denial does that mean I can’t Own a Gun?
Not necessarily! Just like everything else in the world, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Instant Check System are not perfect. At The Gun Law Firm, we have helped a tremendous number of clients get erroneous PICS denials overturned over the years. But much like a medical emergency, the sooner you get medical attention the better your chances of survival will be. Particularly due to the short, strict deadlines in place, it is important to have a firearms attorney on your side as soon as possible after a PICS denial.
Why It’s Important to Have a Gun Lawyer in Lehigh County
There are many reasons why a person can’t legally own a gun in Pennsylvania. Most people don’t know all of these reasons, and even most lawyers don’t know all of these reasons. Many people are surprised when they find out some of the reasons you can’t legally own a gun. That is why it’s important to have a lawyer who specifically focuses on gun law help you determine if you can legally own guns. Gun laws are so complicated and so voluminous that many judges, police officers, prosecutors, and private attorneys get them wrong. When a mistake can lead to prosecution, it can cost you your freedom, your money, your reputation, and even your family. That’s why it’s important to have a gun lawyer who understands the ins and outs of Pennsylvania gun laws.
Can I apply for a Lehigh County Pardon in Pennsylvania by myself?
Certainly. But if you are serious about your pardon, you may want the assistance of an attorney who is experienced with the pardon process rather than trying to “learn as you go” as you do it for the first time. We pride ourselves on knowing what it takes to bring the absolute best out of our clients to help us portray the true person you have become to the Board of Pardons during this important opportunity for a second chance. We know the ins and outs of the pardon process helping us make a stressful experience as smooth as possible for our clients. Many of our clients are too busy with their own careers, businesses and families to spend a bunch of time trying to figure out a brand new process. There is so much on the line during the pardon process, such as your future, your family, your career, and your rights. It makes sense why our clients would rather trust a professional with a wealth of experience.
