Weapons Violations Defense Attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
According to statistics from the Pennsylvania State Police 2021 Firearms Annual Report, more than 1 million firearms were purchased or transferred statewide. Under Pennsylvania firearm laws, carrying, possessing, using, or selling firearms, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons without the required licensing or permit is prohibited. A defendant could be arrested and charged with weapon violations for committing a crime involving a firearm or dangerous weapon.
If you are facing weapons violation charges, hiring a strategic Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney in your area is crucial to help build your best defenses. At Strand Law Offices, LLC, we have the diligence and resources to defend and represent clients in their weapons violation cases. Also, we will fight aggressively to defend your freedom, dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence, and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow.
Strand Law Offices, LLC is proud to represent alleged defendants in West Chester, Lancaster County, and surrounding counties across Pennsylvania.
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Reach Out TodayCommon Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are state and local laws established to address the use, concealment, possession, sale, or purchase of firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons. A person may face weapons charges for violating any of these firearm laws. Here are some common Pennsylvania weapons charges:
Unlawful use of a firearm
Illegal possession of a weapon
Possession of a deadly weapon
Carrying a firearm without a license
Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited
Theft of a stolen gun
Weapons on school grounds
Possession of a Prohibited Offensive Weapon
Assault with a deadly weapon
Possession of an unregistered firearm
If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or indicted for weapons violations, you should get in touch with an aggressive criminal defense lawyer straightaway. Your attorney can educate you about the seriousness of your charges and help strategize a solid defense.
Unlawful Carrying of Weapons
According to Pennsylvania law, it is a crime to carry a gun, firearm, or weapon without a permit or valid license. Unfortunately, carrying a firearm without a license may result in misdemeanor or felony charges and other devastating penalties and life-long consequences – if you're convicted.
Pennsylvania Open Handgun Carry Law
Furthermore, in order to legally carry a concealed weapon in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be at least 21 years old, and
You must have a current and valid PA license to carry firearms.
In addition, you are prohibited from carrying a firearm, rifle, or shotgun at any time on public streets or public property in first-class cities – such as Philadelphia – unless:
You are already licensed to carry a firearm.
You are exempt from licensing. For instance, you are a member of law enforcement, the U.S. military, or at target practice.
A reliable Pennsylvania weapons charges defense attorney can fully explain the firearms, weapons, and ammunition that are legal or unlawful in the state and where you're not allowed to carry one.
Unlawful Weapons
The following firearms and dangerous weapons are considered unlawful or offensive in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Machine guns
Stun guns
Razor or cutting instrument
Grenade
Tasers or other electric weapons
Stun baton
Bombs
Blackjacks
Dagger
Knife
Sandbag
Sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches
Metal knuckles
Firearm specially made for concealment or silent discharge
Where Weapons Are Prohibited
Regardless of having a valid license, it is still illegal to carry a firearm or weapon at any of these places:
City parks in Philadelphia
School grounds
Medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics
Mental hospitals
Court facilities
Federal facilities
Prisons or correctional institutions
Vehicles
TSA security checkpoints or airplanes
Unfortunately, an arrest for firearm violation may result in criminal charges and other severe penalties and social consequences if you're convicted.
Possible Penalties
The punishments for weapons violations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can be far-reaching. If convicted, the defendant could be subject to any of these possible penalties and ramifications:
Hefty fines and court fees.
Lengthy imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or decades)
Probation
Community service
A criminal record/history
Ineligible to legally own a handgun
Loss of the voting rights
Ineligible to obtain certain financial loans
Increased difficulty in traveling overseas
Prohibited from obtaining a license to carry or possess a gun or firearm
Increased difficulty in getting public benefits
Increased difficulty in securing a new job, housing, and educational opportunities.
A strategic attorney can determine your best defenses to avoid or mitigate any of the devastating punishments of a criminal conviction.
Turn to a Practiced Criminal Defense Attorney
Navigating the criminal justice system or defending your weapons violation charges all alone is never advisable. If convicted, you must suffer the maximum punishments and other life-changing consequences. Therefore, when facing weapons violation accusations, retaining a practiced criminal defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and help build your defense.
Our skilled attorney at Strand Law Offices, LLC is dedicated to protecting individuals wrongfully charged with weapons violations from the worst possible penalties. As your legal team, we can help you navigate the Pennsylvania criminal justice system and represent you at every phase of the legal process. Our trusted lawyer will fight vigorously to uphold your rights and help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your unique circumstances.
Weapons Violations Defense Attorney Serving West Chester, Pennsylvania
Facing a weapons violation charge can be terrifying. Don't face it alone. Contact us at Strand Law Offices, LLC today to arrange a case assessment. Our reliable attorney has the aggressive representation and skilled legal counsel you need to fight your charges. We're proud to serve clients in West Chester, Lancaster County, and surrounding counties across Pennsylvania.