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Not only are you an excellent attorney, but a good person who truly cared about me and always did your best to help me. I am so grateful for being given a second chance. —TomDave Shrager successfully lobbied for my felony charge to be completely withdrawn. His services were worth every dime. A highly personable, intelligent, and competent attorney, I would recommend Dave Shrager to my closest friends and family without hesitation. —RonDave knows the system better than any lawyer in Pittsburgh due to his family's local and long-standing practice, and it was evident in the positive manner in which the judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers responded to Dave's arguments on my behalf. —JimI cannot say thank you enough to David Shrager for all his help today! If it were not for this guy, I would no longer have a job or drivers license. So thanks again Dave, you're the best! —BillI was in a bad place in my life...I was making bad decisions, which led to my having a really bad night and lots of legal trouble. I'm lucky I had Attorney David Shrager at my side. He helped guide me, with his legal expertise, through a very difficult time in my life. —Tamika
Call 412-969-2540 to Speak Directly with Attorney David Shrager 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Charges for Possession of a Weapon on School Property

Possession of a violent weapon on school property has become a major issue. Numerous school shootings have put people in fear for their children’s safety, causing the possession of a weapon on school property to become a very a serious crime, with severe consequences.

If you have been arrested for possession of a weapon on school property, you face jail time, fines and a misdemeanor on your permanent record. This is likely to affect your future for a very long time – including your ability to find a job, get housing, get approved for a loan and your ability to obtain a license for a firearm.

But until you are convicted, you still have the opportunity to defend your rights. Talk to an experienced Pittsburgh Weapons Lawyer who understands your situation and can help you understand what you’re up against and how to fight back.

Call Pittsburgh Attorney David J. Shrager today. He is personally available via his cell phone 24/7 and will give you a free initial legal consultation. You can call or text him anytime at 412-969-2540.

_______________________________________________
A GUN VIOLATIONS CHARGE DOES NOT
ALWAYS MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.

CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________

Don’t be scared; be prepared!

At Shrager Defense Attorneys we understand that good people make mistakes and that some charges are unwarranted and should be dropped. We are here to help you understand the legal system and the charges you face as well as the options you have under the law.

Every weapons charge is worth fighting — it is possible to have charges dropped or a heavy sentence greatly reduced.

WHAT CONSTITUTES POSSESSION ON SCHOOL PROPERTY?

The law regarding possession of a weapon on school property is defined in PA statute Title 18 §912.

Under the statute, possession of a weapon on school property is defined as anyone having a weapon on their person:

  • In the buildings of, on the grounds of, or in any conveyance providing transportation to or from any elementary or secondary publicly-funded educational institution, any elementary or secondary private school licensed by the Department of Education or any elementary or secondary parochial school.

Essentially, if you are found with a weapon on your person while on school grounds, in a school building or on any vehicle transporting children to and from school, you can be charged. It does not matter if the school is public, private or parochial – the charge will be the same.

DEFINING A WEAPON

For purposes of possessing a weapon on school property, weapon is defined as any of the following:

  • Knife;
  • Cutting Instrument;
  • Cutting Tool;
  • Nun-chuck stick;
  • Firearm;
  • Shotgun;
  • Rifle, or;
  • Any tool, instrument or implement that is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.

While the statute may cite some specific prohibited weapons, they also included a “catch-all” phrase to include anything that can inflict serious bodily injury.

This means, while you may be carrying something that is not listed in the statute, you may still be charged under the statute if it can be shown that the item can inflict serious bodily injury.

_______________________________________________
A GUN VIOLATIONS CHARGE DOES NOT
ALWAYS MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.

CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________

PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF A WEAPON ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

In order to discourage people from taking any weapons onto school property, the penalties in PA are harsh. If you are arrested for possessing a weapon on school property, you will be charged with a first degree misdemeanor.

If you are found guilty of Possession of a Weapon on School Property, you could receive the following penalties:

  • Up to five years in jail, and;
  • Up to $10,000 in fines, and;
  • A misdemeanor on your permanent criminal record.

DEFENSES TO POSSESSION OF A WEAPON ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Lawmakers did include a defense in the statute.

To fight your charges of possession of a weapon on school property, you must be able to prove that you were:

  • In possession of the weapon in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course; or
  • In possession of a weapon for some other lawful purpose.

For example, if you were in possession of a cutting instrument while on school grounds to as part of repairs or maintenance, you will not be in violation of the law.

This is where a knowledgeable and experienced weapons defense attorney becomes invaluable. An experienced weapons lawyer is able to investigate the circumstances of your case, interview witnesses and craft the best possible defense to help you protect your rights, your freedom and your future.

COMMONWEALTH V. GOSLIN

Recently, the defense provision in the law that states being in possession of a weapon on school property for some “other lawful purpose” has been scrutinized by the courts.

A man by the name of Andrew Goslin attended a meeting at his son’s school regarding his son’s suspension – consequently for bringing a knife to school. Mr. Goslin went to the meeting straight from his job, where he works as a carpenter. At some point during the meeting, Mr. Goslin, in his frustration, took out the pocket knife that he routinely carries for work, and asked if he was going to be arrested as well. He did not threaten anyone with the knife or cause any harm to anyone. For his actions, he was charged with possession of a weapon on school property.

Mr. Goslin was found guilty by the trial court, but he appealed. Upon making it to the Superior Court, they found that “other lawful purpose” did not have to be in conjunction with a school activity and was, in fact, its own defense. While the Superior Court did not acquit Mr. Goslin, but rather remanded his case to the trial court, it did shed some light on the defense provision of the statute.

It has left people to question what “other lawful purpose” could mean. For example, if you are a licensed to carry a firearm and routinely carry one for self-defense, could that be used as a defense? Mr. Goslin’s case was not re-tried, so it remains to be seen how “other lawful purpose” will be interpreted. However, it certainly leaves broader scope for defense against the crime of possession of a weapon on school property.

What Shrager Defense Attorneys Can Do For You

We will examine your case closely and seek out details that may make all the difference in getting a positive outcome for your case. We work to find weaknesses in the prosecution and will aggressively fight your charges.

We are dedicated to our clients and treat them with respect and dignity. We will work closely with you to help you understand your situation and your options and we are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.

If you or a family member have been arrested or charged with a drug crime call Shrager Defense Attorneys today.

_______________________________________________
A WEAPONS CHARGE DOES NOT
ALWAYS MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.

CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________

_______________________

FREE Legal Consultation

Call or Text 412-969-2540 right now for a FREE initial legal consultation.
Speak directly with David J. Shrager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.