Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania
Feb. 1, 2023
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is an offense to carry, possess, sell, or use firearms and ammunition without the required license. Essentially, state authorities handle weapons violations and gun crimes seriously, and a conviction may result in harsh penalties and other life-long ramifications. If you have been arrested and charged with a weapons offense, hiring an aggressive Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is crucial to help build your defense.
With over 15 years of extensive experience, our attorney has the skill and resources to represent and defend clients in their weapons violation cases. As your legal counsel, we can investigate all of the facts of your case, enlighten you about the penalties of a weapons charge, and help strategize a strong defense in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your unique situation. Our firm proudly serves clients across York, Camp Hill, Lancaster, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Common Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a person may be arrested and charged with a weapons offense for violating state or local statutes addressing the possession, sale, concealment, use, or purchase of firearms, ammunition, and other offensive weapons. Here are some common weapons charges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Unlawful use of a firearm
Illegal possession of a weapon
Possession of a deadly weapon
Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited
Theft of a stolen gun
Carrying a firearm without a license
Assault with a deadly weapon
Possession of a Prohibited Offensive Weapon
Weapons on school grounds
Unfortunately, getting convicted for any of the aforementioned weapons charges in Pennsylvania may result in lengthy incarceration, massive fines, a criminal record, and other severe consequences. A seasoned lawyer can evaluate the nature of your weapons charges and determine your best defenses.
Unlawful Carrying of Weapons
According to Pennsylvania law, it is an offense to carry a gun or weapon without a valid license or permit. Depending on the surrounding circumstance, the defendant may face a misdemeanor or felony charge for carrying a firearm without a license.
Pennsylvania Open Handgun Carry Law
Furthermore, in order to legally carry a concealed weapon in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
You must be at least 21 years old, and
You must have a current and valid PA License to Carry Firearms.
However, carrying a firearm, shotgun, or rifle at any time on public streets or public property in cities of the first class" (Philadelphia) is prohibited except:
You are licensed to carry a firearm.
You are exempt from licensing, such as members of law enforcement, the U.S. military, or a person at target practice.
A seasoned lawyer can educate you about the weapons and ammunition that are legal or illegal in the Keystone State and where you can carry them.
Where Weapons Are Prohibited
Here are some hot zones in Pennsylvania where weapons and firearms are prohibited:
Vehicles
School grounds
Court facilities
TSA security checkpoints or airplanes
Federal facilities
Hospitals
Prisons or correctional institutions
City parks in Philadelphia
Mental hospitals
Even when you have a valid license, you're prohibited from carrying a firearm at any of these places.
Unlawful Weapons
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the following weapons are considered unlawful or offensive:
Bombs
Machine gun
Grenade
Firearm specially made for concealment or silent discharge
Stun guns
Sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches
Blackjacks
Dagger
Sandbag
Knife
Stun baton
Tasers or other electric weapons
Metal knuckles
Razor or cutting instrument
If you or someone close to you has recently been arrested and charged with carrying an unlawful weapon or for a weapons violation, you should get in touch with a strategic criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your attorney can enlighten you about the nature and possible penalties of your weapons charges and help build your defense.
Possible Penalties
Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a defendant convicted of a weapons charge in Pennsylvania might be subject to any of these penalties and ramifications:
Substantial fines and court fees.
Lengthy incarceration (ranging from months, years, or decades)
Probation
A criminal record/history
Increased difficulty in traveling to other countries
Prohibited from obtaining a license to carry a gun or firearm
Ineligible to own a legal handgun
Loss of the right to vote during elections
Increased difficulty in getting government benefits
Increased difficulty in securing a new job and accommodation.
Ineligible to obtain certain financial loans
A highly-skilled Pennsylvania firearm offense defense attorney help determine the best defenses to fight your charges and help keep your record clean.
Detail-Oriented Legal Advocacy
Pennsylvania gun laws are very strict. A criminal charge or conviction for weapons violation or gun crimes could possibly jeopardize your quality of life, freedom, career, and future opportunities. Therefore, when facing weapons charges, it is imperative that you retain a reliable criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance and to help strategize your defense.
At Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, we're dedicated to offering skilled representation to individuals who have been wrongfully charged with weapons offenses. Using our in-depth knowledge, we can guide you through the Pennsylvania criminal justice system and represent you intelligently at every phase of the legal process. Our trusted attorney will fight aggressively to uphold your freedom and make sure those allegations don't ruin your life.
Facing weapons violation allegations can be terrifying. Don't face them alone. Contact us at Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, today to schedule a simple case assessment with a dependable weapons charge defense lawyer. Our firm proudly serves clients across York, Camp Hill, Lancaster, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.