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Pennsylvania gun laws are complex, but Philadelphia has its own set of rules. In fact, Philadelphia's gun laws are stricter than the rest of the State. To understand your rights, you need a Philadelphia gun lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the different Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFA).
When it comes to carrying a gun, what may be legal in most of Pennsylvania can actually be considered a crime in Philadelphia. For example, you are not permitted to open carry in the City without a license to do so. As a result, you can be charged with unlawful possession of a gun in Philadelphia under the Uniform Firearms Act.
If you are arrested for carrying a gun in Philadelphia without a license, you will be charged with violating the Uniform Firearms Act. If, for example, the firearm is recovered in a vehicle, you will be charged under Section 6106 of the Uniform Firearms Act. This offense is often referred to as VUFA 6106. On the other hand, you are carrying the firearm in a holster on your hip and the gun is visible, you will be charged under Section 6108 of the Act. VUFA 6106 and VUFA 6108 are two of the most common gun charges in Philadelphia.
At Wimmer Criminal Defense Law, we have experience fighting and beating gun charges like VUFA 6106 and VUFA 6108. Ready to discuss representation? Schedule your free consultation today with a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney by contacting us online or calling 215-712-1212.
In general, it is legal to possess a firearm in Philadelphia and throughout the state of Pennsylvania. That said, there are restrictions regarding who can own a firearm, as well as how firearms can be transported and carried. The severity of the charges you face will depend on the particular offense with which you are charged.
First, it’s important to recognize that Philadelphia has its own specific law pertaining to possession of firearms. Under Section 6108 of the Uniform Firearms Act, it is against the law to carry a firearm on any public street or public property within the Philadelphia city limits unless:
The law prohibits both open and concealed carry on your person or in your vehicle. However, the law does not prohibit the following:
Obtaining a license to carry a firearm (sometimes referred to as a “concealed carry permit) is the best way to avoid an unlawful carry charge.
The major difference between Philadelphia’s gun possession laws and Pennsylvania state law is that “open carry” (not concealed) is arguably legal outside of the city’s limits. You should note, however, that Pennsylvania law is actually silent on whether open carry is legal, and it is illegal under state law to carry a concealed weapon on your person or in your vehicle without a license.
Carrying a firearm in a public area in Philadelphia is a third-degree felony offense. If convicted, you face the following penalties:
If you were eligible for a license and committed no other crime at the time of your offense, unlawful carrying of a firearm is reduced to a first-degree misdemeanor offense. While misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies, you should be aware that the consequences are still serious. If convicted, you face the following possible penalties:
Of course, charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm often are brought along with other charges. If convicted, you will face the penalties for these crimes in addition to the penalties for carrying a firearm without a license. One of the most common gun charges is unlawful possession by someone who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. Under Pennsylvania law, you are prohibited from owning a firearm in the following situations:
Depending on your situation, you could face additional charges anywhere from a third-degree misdemeanor up to a first-degree felony. As a result, the penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm range anywhere from one year in jail and a fine of $2,500 to 10 to 20 years in state prison and $25,000 in fines.
It is also against the law in Pennsylvania for a minor to possess a firearm. If you are under 18 and charged with possessing a firearm, you will be tried in juvenile court. However, you are exempt from this prohibition if you own the firearm with your parent or guardian’s consent and supervision or were hunting at the time you possessed the firearm.
It is a second-degree felony to own a firearm which has had the manufacturer’s number altered in any way. This includes firearms where the serial number has been filed off or otherwise removed, and even if you were not the one who altered it. If convicted, you face five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
It is also against the law to possess any Teflon-coated or armor-piercing ammunition while committing a crime or attempting to commit a crime. Keep in mind that prosecutors can charge you for the "attempt" to commit a crime in a broad range of circumstances. Possession of prohibited ammunition is a third-degree felony.
Pennsylvania’s gun laws are complex, and you could be facing severe penalties if convicted or violated them. Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer Lauren Wimmer knows how to fight your gun charges. She uses her knowledge and experience to fight for your rights and make sure you get a fair result. Call us today at 215-712-1212 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your case and how we can help.
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