Pennsylvania Weapons Charges: Understanding the Laws and Penalties

The Second Amendment of the Constitution makes it clear that citizens have the right to keep and bear arms. That being said, each state has the right to decide how guns are going to be controlled within their borders. Pennsylvania is a state that is strict when it comes to the type of weapons an individual can possess. The state is also firm about who has the right to possess a firearm, where it can be stored, and under what circumstances it can be carried or used. If a person violates Pennsylvania’s gun laws, they could find themselves facing long prison sentences and other consequences that could affect them for the rest of their life. Some of the potential gun crimes a person could be charged with include:

• Possessing a weapon while on probation or parole
• Possessing a firearm with a changed serial number
• Possessing an illegal firearm
• Stealing a firearm
• Using a firearm to commit a crime
• Illegally possessing or selling firearms

When facing a weapons charge, it is critical to work with a criminal defense attorney who understands Pennsylvania law and the strategies prosecutors might use in these cases. The right attorney will craft an aggressive yet compassionate defense that protects your rights and fights for the best possible outcome.

Understanding the Serious Consequences of Weapons Charges

Weapons charges in Pennsylvania are prosecuted aggressively. Prosecutors take an even tougher stance when a firearm is used in connection with another crime. For example, using a gun to commit a violent offense may result in mandatory minimum sentencing in addition to penalties for the underlying crime. A skilled defense attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, working with professionals to examine every detail of the case. They understand that for the defendant, this isn’t just a legal matter — it’s their future. When entering the courtroom with a client facing a weapons charge, a dedicated defense lawyer will advocate fiercely for their client’s rights. In some situations, a plea deal may be negotiated to minimize the penalties. From start to finish, the attorney ensures that the client’s rights are never compromised.

Penalties for Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s firearm statutes do not make special provisions for first-time offenders. However, repeat offenders may face increased penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6111(h). This applies even if a person has a previously clean record. Weapons charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the nature and severity of the crime:

• First-Degree Felony: Up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
• Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in prison and fines up to $2,000.

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Being charged with weapons possession in Philadelphia is no laughing matter. If you or a loved one has been accused of a weapons-related offense, contact our criminal defense team right away. The sooner you begin your defense, the better your chances of protecting your rights and your future.