Weapons Violation Attorneys in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is a serious offense to carry, sell, possess, or use a firearm, ammunition, or other dangerous weapons without having the right permits. A defendant charged with weapon violations could face devastating penalties, including lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, a criminal record, and other life-changing consequences. 

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime involving a firearm or dangerous weapon, retaining a highly-skilled Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is paramount to help strategize your defense. Our attorneys at Adams Kearney Law have the diligence and resources to protect individuals charged with weapons violations from the worst-case scenario. 

In addition, we can investigate every detail of your case and outline an effective defense to fight your charges. Our reliable team will guide you through the Pennsylvania criminal justice system, refute the allegations against you with substantial evidence, and help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your unique circumstances. 

Adams Kearney Law proudly represents clients in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and throughout Delaware County, Chester County, as well as surrounding cities and the greater Philadelphia area. 

Common Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania   

Pennsylvania has established local and state laws guiding the possession, use, concealment, purchase, or sale of ammunition, firearms, and other dangerous weapons across the state. An individual may be arrested and charged with weapons violations for breaking any firearm statutes and rules. Here are some of the most common weapons charges in the Keystone State: 

• Carrying a gun or firearm without a license 

• Possession of an unregistered firearm 

• Possession of a deadly weapon 

• Theft of a stolen gun 

• Unlawful use of a firearm 

• Assault with a deadly weapon 

• Possession of a prohibited offensive weapon 

• Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited 

• Illegal possession of a weapon 

• Weapons on school grounds 

If you or someone close to you is under investigation for weapons violations, you need to reach out to a strategic criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal representative can fully explain the nature of your charges and help build your best defenses. 

Unlawful Carrying of Weapons 

Under Pennsylvania weapons law, carrying a firearm, gun, or weapon without a valid license or permit is unlawful. A person arrested for carrying a firearm unlawfully or without a license may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the surrounding circumstances. 

Pennsylvania Open Handgun Carry Law 

To legally carry a concealed weapon in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 

• You must be 21 years or older, and 

• You must possess a current and valid PA license to carry a firearm. 

Also, it is unlawful to carry a shotgun, rifle, or firearm at any time on public streets or public property in first-class cities (Philadelphia) except when: 

• You are exempt from licensing. For example, you are a member of the U.S. military, law enforcement, or at target practice.   

• You are already licensed to carry a firearm. 

A knowledgeable Pennsylvania weapons charge defense attorney can educate you about some unlawful weapons in the state and places where carrying a firearm is prohibited. 

Where Weapons Are Prohibited  

Whether you have a valid permit or not, you’re prohibited from carrying a weapon or firearm at the following places: 

• School grounds 

• TSA security checkpoints or airplanes 

• Federal facilities 

• Medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals 

• City parks in Philadelphia 

• Mental hospitals 

• Vehicles 

• Prisons or correctional institutions 

• Court facilities 

Unlawful Weapons 

The following firearms and dangerous weapons are offensive or unlawful in Pennsylvania: 

• Grenade 

• Machine guns 

• Sandbag 

• Tasers or other electric weapons 

• Stun guns 

• Blackjacks 

• Razor or cutting instrument 

• Dagger 

• Firearm specially made for concealment or silent discharge 

• Knife 

• Metal knuckles 

• Stun baton 

• Bombs 

• Sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches 

A person arrested for firearm violations may face serious criminal charges and other punishments if convicted. 

Possible Penalties  

Here are some possible penalties and consequences of a weapons violation conviction in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 

• Massive fines and court fees  

• Lengthy prison sentence (ranging from months, years, or decades)  

• Community service 

• Probation  

• A criminal record/history  

• Loss of the voting rights 

• Ineligible to legally own a handgun  

• Increased difficulty in traveling to other countries  

• Increased difficulty in getting public assistance  

• Ineligible to obtain certain financial loans  

• Prohibited from obtaining a license to carry or possess a firearm or gun 

• Increased difficulty in getting a new job, accommodation, and scholarships 

A reliable attorney can investigate every detail of your case and identify potential defenses to mitigate or prevent any of the far-reaching penalties of a criminal conviction. 

Work With a Strategic Criminal Defense Attorney 

Defending your weapons violation accusations without reliable representation could increase your risk of getting convicted. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction or record could jeopardize your career, reputation, liberty, and future. Therefore, when charged with a crime involving a firearm, you should hire a strategic criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for detailed guidance. 

At Adams Kearney Law, we are dedicated to providing highly-skilled representation to clients in their weapons violation cases. Our practiced attorneys will work to understand your unique situation and represent you intelligently at every stage of the court proceedings. Above all, we will fight to defend your rights and make sure those allegations don’t ruin your life.