FACING A CRIMINAL CHARGE?

According to the Firearms Annual Report by the Pennsylvania State Police, about 384,522 licenses to carry firearms were issued statewide in 2021. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is unlawful to possess, carry, sell, or use firearms/ammunition without necessary licensing. Reckless or intentionally dangerous use of firearms is also illegal.

A defendant convicted of a weapon charge may be subject to severe penalties, including substantial fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, difficulties in securing public benefits, and other life-changing ramifications. If you are under investigation for a weapons offense, it is imperative that you retain an aggressive and highly-skilled criminal defense attorney in your area to help strategize your defense.

My firm - The Law Offices of John Della Rocca - proudly serves clients across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas of Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County, as well as communities throughout New Jersey.

As a criminal defense lawyer, I'm dedicated to offering vigorous representation and skilled legal guidance to clients in their weapons violation cases. As your legal counsel, I can investigate every detail of your case and outline a solid defense strategy to help fight your charges. I will fight aggressively to defend your rights and keep your record clean.

Like every state, Pennsylvania has local and state laws that regulate the purchase, sale, possession, use, or concealment of ammunition, firearms, and other offensive weapons. Violating any of these laws may result in a weapons charge. Below are some common weapons charges in Pennsylvania:

• Illegal possession of a weapon
• Carrying a firearm without a license
• Possession of an unregistered firearm
• Theft of a stolen gun
• Unlawful use of a firearm
• Possession of a Prohibited Offensive Weapon
• Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited
• Possession of a deadly weapon
• Weapons on school grounds
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Providing false information on a gun purchase application
• Act 235 issues

Under Pennsylvania law, carrying a gun or weapon without a valid license or permit is illegal. Depending on the surrounding circumstance of the crime, the alleged offender may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for carrying a firearm without a license.

A person who is 21 years or older and has a current valid PA license to carry firearms is legally permitted to carry a concealed weapon in Pennsylvania. However, it is unlawful to carry a rifle, shotgun, or firearm at any time on public streets or public property in cities of the first class unless the person is:

• Licensed to carry a firearm.
• Exempt from licensing, such as members of the U.S. military, law enforcement, or someone at target practice.

Whether you have a valid license or not, you're prohibited from carrying a weapon or firearm at any of the following locations:

• School grounds
• Federal facilities
• Vehicles
• Hospitals
• Court facilities
• Prisons or correctional institutions
• Mental hospitals
• TSA security checkpoints or airplanes
• City parks in Philadelphia

A person arrested for carrying any unlawful weapon may face criminal charges in the state and be subject to devastating penalties and consequences if convicted. The following weapons are considered offensive or unlawful in Pennsylvania:

• Stun guns
• Bombs
• Stun baton
• Sandbag
• Machine gun
• Knife
• Grenade
• Metal knuckles
• Dagger
• Firearm specially made for concealment or silent discharge
• Tasers or other electric weapons
• Blackjacks
• Razor or cutting instrument
• Sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches

In Pennsylvania, gun crimes and weapons violations are serious offenses that often attract harsh punishments. Here are some potential penalties and ramifications of a weapons violation conviction:

• Lengthy prison sentences (ranging from months, years, or decades)
• Hefty fines and court fees.
• Probation
• A criminal record/history
• Ineligible to obtain certain financial loans
• Ineligible to own a legal handgun
• Prohibited from obtaining a license to carry a gun or firearm
• Increased difficulty in getting government benefits
• Increased difficulty in traveling to other countries
• Increased difficulty in securing a new job and accommodation.
• Loss of the right to vote during elections

Trying to defend your weapons violation offense without experienced representation is never advisable. Unfortunately, a conviction can jeopardize your personal reputation, quality of life, liberty, and career opportunities. Therefore, when charged with a weapons offense, you need to get in contact with a skilled lawyer. A Pennsylvania weapon charges defense attorney can craft an effective defense strategy to fight your charges and help you avoid any of these far-reaching punishments.

As the leading attorney at The Law Offices of John Della Rocca, I have the experience and resources to defend and represent clients wrongfully accused of weapons violations. I can determine your best legal defenses and refute the charges against you with factual evidence. Using my in-depth knowledge, I can guide you through the Pennsylvania criminal justice system and make sure you're given fair treatment.