State governments, including the state government of Pennsylvania, take regulations on firearms very seriously, and crimes involving firearms are generally considered grave. If you live in Pennsylvania, you may have wondered: Is a gun charge a felony in Pennsylvania? Read on to learn about Pennsylvania’s firearm crimes and possible penalties for them.
What Is Considered a Gun Crime in Pennsylvania?
The term “gun crime” is a very general one that encompasses a wide variety of individual offenses, ranging in seriousness from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. The possession and use of firearms come with a significant amount of inherent risk, so states impose corresponding legal regulations with the aim of mitigating those risks.
Some less serious gun crimes can be charged as misdemeanors in Pennsylvania, while others are always felonies. The following are some examples of gun-related offenses in our state, along with their typical classifications:
- Aggravated assault. If an assault is committed using a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, it is considered aggravated assault. This is at least a second-degree felony, but is usually charged as a first-degree felony, depending on the specific circumstances.
- Carrying without a license. In Pennsylvania, a license is required to carry a firearm concealed on your person or in your vehicle. Carrying without a license is a third-degree felony if you are ineligible to obtain a license, and it is a first-degree misdemeanor if you are eligible to obtain a license but have not done so.
- Unlawful possession. Convicted felons are generally barred from possessing firearms in Pennsylvania, as are people who have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault. Possessing a firearm under these circumstances is at least a second-degree felony.
These are only a few examples of gun-related offenses in Pennsylvania, but as demonstrated here, the nature and seriousness of gun-related offenses are highly variable, and so, too, are the potential penalties. Misdemeanors may result in a fine or a relatively short jail sentence, whereas felonies may result in long prison sentences, depending on the convicted person’s criminal history and the circumstances of the incident.
What to Do If You Face Firearm Charges in Pennsylvania
Guns are everywhere in the United States, and Pennsylvania is no exception to this rule. In 2023 alone, more than 761,000 regulatory system checks were performed for firearm sales or transfers in our state. It follows that gun crimes are relatively common as well. If you find yourself facing charges, the first thing you should do is hire a gun crime lawyer to help you understand your legal position and defend yourself.
If You Need Legal Representation, Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer
If you need representation to help you defend yourself against gun-related charges in Pennsylvania, contact Louis W. Emmi, Attorney at Law. Our team has over four decades of experience advocating for clients in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. We are prepared to listen to you, help you understand the potential outcomes of your case, and mount a strong defense on your behalf. Contact us today to get started.
