Gun Violations/Firearms Defense Lawyer
Pennsylvania has some of the harshest penalties for weapons charges in the nation. A single violation of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act can land you time in prison if convicted. Fortunately, being charged with a weapons or firearms charge does not necessarily mean you will be convicted.
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If you are facing a criminal charge for a gun or firearms violation, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help mitigate your charges or, in some cases, have them dropped entirely. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling various types of cases involving weapons violations. Our team has successfully defended numerous Pennsylvanians and created solid defense strategies for decades.
Types of Gun and Firearm Charges You Could Face in Pennsylvania
The State of Pennsylvania defines a firearm as “any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.”
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Anyone who is found to violate any of the following firearms offenses in Pennsylvania could face severe penalties:
- Carrying a gun or weapon without a proper permit
- Possession or sale of illegal firearms
- Theft of any kind of firearm
- Possession of an unlicensed weapon when facing a charge for another crime
- Selling a firearm without adhering to the 48-hour waiting period
- Selling a gun to anyone who is not eligible to buy a gun, including:
- Minors
- Undocumented immigrants
- People who have been convicted of certain crimes
- People who have been committed to a mental institution
- People under certain restraining orders
The possession of a concealed firearm is also illegal in Pennsylvania if you do not have a valid license to do so. Even individuals with permission to have a gun in their home or business can be convicted of a felony if they transport their firearm to another location without a valid permit.
In Pennsylvania, using a gun while committing another crime (such as a burglary, drug deal, or assault) is highly penalized. A conviction for using a firearm in a crime comes with a mandatory five-year sentence added to their sentence, regardless of whether the gun used was real or artificial.
Use or Possession of an Offensive Weapon in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State Law prohibits the use of “offensive weapons” such as:
- Bombs
- Grenades
- Machine guns
- Sawed-off shotguns (with a barrel less than 18″ in diameter)
- Firearms specially made for concealment or silent discharge
- Blackjacks
- Sandbags
- Metal or brass knuckles
- Daggers, knives, razors or other cutting instruments with a switchblade or other automatic reflex
- Stun guns, stun batons, tasers or other electronic weapons that can inflict serious bodily injury and serve no common lawful purpose
Possession of a weapon deemed “offensive” by the State of Pennsylvania is a first-degree misdemeanor.
What are the Possible Penalties for Gun and Weapons Violations in Pennsylvania?
A conviction for a gun or firearms violation in Pennsylvania could come with:
- Up to 2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine for a second-degree misdemeanor
- Up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for a first-degree misdemeanor
- Up to 7 years in prison and a $15,000 fine for a third-degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine for a second-degree felony
A felony gun charge can also disqualify your right to:
- Own a gun
- Obtain a student loan or state assistance for higher education
- Become a foster parent or adopt a child
- Hold certain professional licenses and certifications
When many people see a firearms conviction on a person’s criminal record, they often assume the person is a dangerous criminal who cannot be trusted. Therefore, a conviction for a weapons crime can hinder your future employment prospects, housing opportunities, and even personal relationships.
Experienced Gun Violations and Firearms Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania
If you have been charged with a firearms crime in Pennsylvania, do not hesitate to contact an experienced weapons violation attorney. With over 65 years of experience, a Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. lawyer has the knowledge needed to aggressively fight your case on your behalf. Call (215) 822-7575 or complete our contact form today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.