Philadelphia Weapon Charge Lawyer

Pennsylvania was listed as having the tenth strictest gun control laws in the country according to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

It is a common misconception that only criminals are charged with violating gun laws. However, you do not need to be in the process of committing crimes such as robbery and assault in order to be charged with violating Pennsylvania gun laws. In fact, you could be an ordinary citizen arrested because you happened to be responsibly carrying a gun in a location where it was not permitted.

If you have been accused of unlawfully carrying a weapon, you need a Philadelphia weapon charge lawyer to represent you.

Before You Ever Carry in Pennsylvania

The best way to protect yourself from accidentally breaking gun control laws is to speak with a Philadelphia weapon charge lawyer before you ever begin carrying a gun Pennsylvania.

This is true whether you live in the state or are just planning to visit. Taking precautions now can prevent a potentially embarrassing and frustrating situation later.

Are You Permitted to Carry?

You can open-carry in Pennsylvania as long as you are not in Philadelphia. However, before carrying a concealed weapon in Pennsylvania, you need to go through the process of receiving a permit.

However, you may be denied a permit for any of the following reasons:

• You are a convicted felon.
• You are under the age of eighteen.
• You are believed to be of unsound mind, a drunk, or a drug addict.
• You are an illegal alien.
• You are under an active protection from abuse order.

If your permit is denied unjustly, a Philadelphia weapon charge lawyer may be able to help you challenge the denial. Depending on your circumstances, the penalty for carrying a weapon when you are legally not allowed to could result in a year in jail, or possibly even up to five years in prison.

Penalties for Unlicensed Concealed Carry

The penalties for concealing a weapon on your person or in your vehicle without a license are quite harsh. Just how harsh the penalty actually is largely depends on whether the gun is licensed to you.

If it is, you could be facing a first-degree misdemeanor and up to five years in prison.

If the gun is not yours, you will be facing a third-degree felony and up to seven years in prison.

These penalties are not to be taken lightly. If you find yourself being charged with any type of violation for carrying a concealed weapon, you should always safeguard your future by retaining the services of a Philadelphia weapon charge lawyer.

Places Where Weapons Are Banned

In Pennsylvania, you are not allowed to carry a weapon in certain places even if you have a permit to carry in general:

• Court houses
• Schools, schoolyard grounds, and school transportation
• State buildings

In Philadelphia, you are also not allowed to carry a weapon in a public park, city buildings, or if you are deemed to be an “imminent harm” to yourself or others.

Speak with a Philadelphia Weapon Charge Lawyer

Even a responsible gun owner can make an honest mistake and forget that certain areas don’t allow guns under any circumstances. If this is a situation you find yourself in, a Philadelphia weapon charge lawyer from Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates can help you through the legal proceedings that result.

Call us at (215) 701-6519 to review the details of your case and determine the best way to proceed.