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. 

Common 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.