Firearm / Weapon Charges
Although citizens of the United States have the constitutional right to bear arms, Pennsylvania has certain and laws and regulations regarding weapons and guns primarily to ensure the state’s citizens safely use weapons, and do not harm others. However, some use of firearms and weapons are classified as criminal offenses, and can result in severe punishments. A few of the most common firearm criminal offenses in Pennsylvania are:
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Concealment of a Firearm / Weapon
- Firearm Possession
- Unlawful Sale or Transfer of Firearm
West Chester Firearm Charges Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with committing a violent crime in Chester County, or the surrounding areas of Lancaster County, Montgomery County or Delaware County, contact the Skinner Law Firm. Michael J. Skinner is experienced with Pennsylvania’s firearm and weapons offenses, and will make every effort to achieve the best result possible in your case. Call the Skinner Law Firm at (267) 388-3476 for a consultation today.
Information Center for Pennsylvania Violent Crimes
Back to top
Firearm Offenses in Chester County
The Uniform Firearms Act, codified in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 6101 – 6187, defines all offenses and penalties associated with firearm use in Pennsylvania. A few of these criminal charges are:
Possession of a Prohibited Weapon - Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 908 – A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he possesses any offensive weapon such as a firearm, bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed off shotgun, dagger, knife, switch-blade knife, stun gun or any other weapon that can inflict serious body injury. A conviction of this offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Prohibited Firearm Possession - Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 6105 – A person who has been convicted of certain offenses, any fugitive, a person who has been convicted of driving under the influence, a person who has been adjudicated incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental hospital, an illegal alien or a person who has been adjudicated delinquent is prohibited from possessing a firearm under this section.
Unlawful Sale or Transfer of Firearm - Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 6111 – It is a crime in Pennsylvania for a seller to sell or transfer a firearm to a purchaser if the person has not properly applied, before the statutory waiting period has ended, or to a person prohibited from purchasing a firearm.
Back to top
Offenses Prohibiting Someone from Carrying a Firearm
If anyone has committed certain offenses in Pennsylvania, and has been convicted, they are prohibiting from owning, possessing or using a firearm. The following lists a few of the common offenses, but all are not included:
- Murder
- Voluntary or Involuntary Manslaughter
- Aggravated Assault
- Stalking
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Arson
- Burglary
- Criminal Trespass
- Robbery
- Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer
- Possessing Prohibited Weapons
Back to top
Person Permitted to Carry Weapons in West Chester
According to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 6106, certain persons are permitted to carry firearms without a license. These people include, but are not limited to, constables, sheriffs, prison or jail wardens, members of the military, anyone engaged in target shooting, officers or employees of the United States, agents of common carriers, any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, or any person in the business of dealing or repairing firearms.
Back to top
Weapons and Firearm Resources in Chester County
National Rifle Association – The national firearms education organization is a political force and leading defender of citizens’ Second Amendment rights.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Online – Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, also cited as 18 Pa. Const. Stat., contains all of the state’s rules and regulations regarding firearm and weapons offenses in the state of Pennsylvania. This link goes directly to Title 18, which is entitled “Crimes and Offenses.”
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – This national law enforcement agency protects United States citizens from violent crimes and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms.
Pennsylvania State Police - This governmental department was created to serve the public in Pennsylvania by seeking justice, preserving peace and improving the quality of law for all. The site has information on traffic and crime initiatives, safety tips and services provided by the department. A Chester County office is located at:
Pennsylvania State Police Chester County Station
997 Lieds Road
Coatesville, PA 19320
Phone: (484) 340-3241
Back to top
Skinner Law Firm | West Chester, Pennsylvania Gun Charges Defense Attorney
Contact the Skinner Law Firm today for a consultation about your alleged weapon or firearm offense in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas of Delaware County, Lancaster County and Montgomery County. Michael J. Skinner will listen to the facts of your case, and help you identify any mitigating factors or applicable defenses to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact the Skinner Law Firm at (267) 388-3476 for a consultation about your gun or weapons charge in Pennsylvania.