Despite the Second Amendment right to bear arms, the Pennsylvania government has still placed certain restrictions on certain weapons. Severe punishments can come from being convicted of illegal ownership and/or use of firearms and other weapons, even if the weapon was solely for your personal protection.
If you have been charged with a firearm or weapons charge in Philadelphia, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced criminal attorney who will fight to protect both your rights and your future.
Philadelphia Firearm Charge Defense Lawyer
Joseph Lento founded his firm Lento Law Firm on the premise of providing quality legal services to the people who need it most when they need it most. With over a decade of experience in various roles within the Pennsylvania justice system, Joseph Lento can help determine what your case will go through in the courts and build a reactionary, customized defense to fight for your right to bear arms and for your freedom.
For a free consultation discussing what Joseph Lento can do for your Philadelphia weapons charge case, call (215) 535-5353 today.
Information on Pennsylvania Weapons Crimes
- Common Firearm Offenses
- Pennsylvania Prior Offenses That Disqualify Firearm Carriage
- Persons Authorized to Carry Weapon in Philadelphia without a License
- Pennsylvania Weapons and Firearm Offense Resources
Common Firearm Offenses in Philadelphia
The various Pennsylvania offenses involving the ownership, carry, and use of a firearm are detailed in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 §6101 – 6187. This is also known as the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act. The offenses and associated penalties codified in this act include:
Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Includes possession of bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun, dagger, switch-blade knife, or other weapon without lawful purpose that can inflict serious bodily injury
- First-degree misdemeanor
- 2.5-5 years of prison
- $10,000 fine
Prohibited Firearm Possession
- Persons meeting certain qualifications may not possess a firearm, including fugitives, DUI offenders, mentally incompetent persons, illegal aliens, delinquent persons, and offenders of certain offenses.
- Second-degree felony in most cases
- 5-10 years of prison, if felony 2
- $25,000 if felony 2
Unlawful Sale or Transfer of Firearm
- The sale or transfer of a firearm to a purchaser if that person has not applied for purchase or if the person is prohibited from purchasing a firearm
- Second-degree misdemeanor
- 1-2 years of prison
- $5,000 fine
Prior Offenses That Disqualify Firearm Carriage
There are certain offenses in Pennsylvania that disqualify a person from owning, possessing, or using a firearm. These offenses are defined in Pennsylvania code under Title 18 §6105(b). The offenses included in this section as disqualifying a person from owning or using a firearm in Pennsylvania are:
- Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer
- Criminal Trespass
- Stalking
- Possessing Prohibited Weapons
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Arson
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Aggravated Assault
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Murder
Persons Authorized to Carry Weapon in Philadelphia without a License
Certain persons are allowed by law to carry firearms and other weapons in Pennsylvania without a license. Defined in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 6106, this includes but is no limited to the following:
- Constables
- Sheriffs
- Prison wardens
- Jail wardens
- Military personnel
- Persons engaged in target shooting
- Officers of the United States
- Employees of the United States
- Agents of common carriers
- Persons engaged in the manufacture of firearms
- Firearm dealers
- Firearm repairpersons
Pennsylvania Weapons and Firearm Offense Resources
NRA - National Rifle Association – This national organization is the leading defender of your Second Amendment rights and works to educate policymakers and citizens alike while fighting to influence politics. This site is a great resource for general information on your right to bear arms, as well as current pending legislation on gun control.
Burea of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – This is the national government agency responsible for protecting United States citizens from the abuse of Second Amendment rights through violent crimes, illegal use of firearms, and the trafficking of firearms.
Philadelphia Firearm License Application Instructions – This pdf is provided by the Philadelphia Police Department and details specifically what to do and what to expect when applying to own a firearm in Philadelphia.
Finding a Qualified Gun Rights Lawyer in Philadelphia
If you have been charged with a firearm or other weapons offense, don't risk the violation of your Second Amendment rights. Contact Joseph Lento of Lento Law Firm to fight for you today. He will use his experience in various roles within the Pennsylvania justice system to build an optimal strategy for your case.
To begin protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom, call (215) 535-5353 now to schedule your free firearms charge case consultation – and see what Joseph Lento can do for you.
