Award Winning Attorney Specializing in Unlawful Gun and Weapon Possession. Call the Best Today if You’ve Been Charged.

Facing legal challenges is never easy, but some issues can be more difficult to handle than others. Because Philadelphia has strict laws governing weapon possession and ownership, the charges people face when in violation of the law can be quite serious. The problem, of course, is that many individuals find themselves in trouble for simply possessing a firearm. They might have committed no other crime, but are now facing the possibility of a criminal record due to gun possession. And if they are accused of an additional crime, those charges might very well be increased in severity due to the involvement of a weapon.

What types of weapons and gun charges are most common in PA?

There are a few different common weapons and gun charges. The illegal possession of a firearm, for example, is a common issue that takes many by surprise. While the state does not require you to register your firearm, you must acquire your weapon legally through approved sellers in the commonwealth. Additionally, certain weapons are prohibited, such as sawed-off shotguns and machine guns.

Possession of a deadly weapon is another frequent legal issue. The charge is one that is usually added to other criminal charges, particularly battery, assault, manslaughter, and murder. Note that in PA, you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon as long as you have a license to do so and abide by any restrictions or guidelines it dictates. Failing to obtain the license or to comply with the terms within it or carrying the weapon on school property or in court can result in a carrying a concealed gun without a license charge.

Finally, while you are not required to register your weapon, you must report gun transfers to new owners to the state or you might face a charge for possession of an unregistered firearm. Other possible weapons and gun charges include:

• Theft charges
• Unlawful use of a firearm
• Assorted criminal charges such as rape, theft, robbery, and kidnapping

What penalties do weapons and gun charges in PA carry?

Gun charges offer some of the most severe penalties of all weapons-related issues. Felony gun crimes are often punishable by up to $15,000 in fines and up to seven years in prison. These charges include:

• Carrying a concealed weapon with no permit
• Illegally giving a firearm to a minor
• Possession of body piercing bullets

Removing the identification numbers from a gun is a more serious felony and can result in charges of up to $25,000 in fines and as many as 10 years in prison. Other charges, such as carrying a gun with the intent to commit a crime, are misdemeanor offenses and are punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.

Whatever your specific charge might be, it is important to have an attorney who understands firearm and weapons law in Pennsylvania to ensure you have the legal representation you deserve.

Can anyone carry a gun in PA?

You might not be required to register your firearm in PA, but that doesn’t mean that anyone can carry. There are many reasons you might not be legally permitted to carry a firearm in Pennsylvania, including:

• Conviction of certain controlled substances crimes
• Felony charges such as robbery, rape, burglary, murder, and arson
• Conviction of crimes that designate you as a danger to the public
• A history of mental health problems that have led to you being declared incompetent or have resulted in an involuntary admission to a mental institution.
• Fugitives
• Conviction of certain domestic violence charges
• Conviction of more than three DUIs within a given five-year period

The above list is not exhaustive and it is important to speak with an attorney to make sure you have the right to own and carry a weapon, especially if you are facing charges related to doing so.

Bonner Law believes that you deserve the best legal representation for serious weapons charges in Philadelphia. Attorney James H. Bonner, Esquire, has the experience necessary to achieve the best possible results in your case. Reach out to us today at 610.450.4555 for more information!