A Brief Overview of Pennsylvania’s Firearms Laws

On Behalf of | Apr 3, 2018 | Criminal Defense

Recent tragedies have turned the public discourse to the topic of firearms,
and with proponents of both sides of the debate arguing fiercely, there’s
bound to be a large amount of misinformation and falsehoods that come
out and make their way into the public consciousness. As a result, people
all around the state and even around the country are confused as to what
is and is not legal in regards to firearms. Are they legal to own? Can
anyone buy one? Do you need to have a permit or a license? These are all
valid questions that are being brought up and often times the answers
you get aren’t straightforward. On this blog, we’ll briefly
discuss the laws regarding firearms so you can be more knowledgeable,
avoid trouble with law enforcement, and be a more responsible firearm
owner if you choose to exercise your Second Amendment rights.

Purchasing a Firearm

Under Pennsylvania laws,
all handgun sales are required to take place in one of two locations. If the
sale is being conducted through a licensed and legal firearms dealer,
the exchange must take place at their place of business. If the sale is
a “private party,” meaning it’s a voluntary transfer
from one person to another, the transaction must take place at a county
sheriff’s office.

All sales conducted through a licensed dealer, including rifles, handguns,
and shotguns, must include an instant records check of the purchaser,
and dealers are forbidden from selling to anyone who has a felony on their
criminal history, or who they believe, in their judgement may use the
weapon to perpetrate a crime.

When there is no remuneration for a firearm transfer, there are a few exceptions.
Handguns may be legally transferred between spouses, from parent to child,
grandparent to grandchild, or between active law enforcement officers
without going through the background check process. However, rifles and
shotguns have no relationship requirements.

Licensing

Rifles and shotguns do not require a permit to carry, either openly or
concealed. However, all handguns require a permit that must be obtained
from the state in order to be carried, either concealed or in the open.
Pennsylvania recognizes concealed carry permits from most states, however
a few states do not have
all their permits recognized so it’s a good idea to check before traveling.

Illegal Possession

You’re not allowed to carry a firearm just anywhere you’d like.
Here are a few places where carrying firearms is strictly forbidden:

  • School properties
  • Court facilities
  • On any public property during an emergency
  • On any public streets or property in Philadelphia at any time

The latter two prohibitions are subject to exemption by those who have
obtained a Sportsman’s Firearm Permit, and is valid only for fishers
or hunters and must be carried in conjunction with a license to partake
in these activities. You may also obtain a license to carry firearms by
applying with the chief of police or a sheriff in the county where you live.

Illegal Firearms

Any firearm that requires mandatory registration under the National Firearms
Act, including machine guns, suppressors, and short-barreled rifles and
shotguns, are prohibited in the state of Pennsylvania unless they are
registered with the NFA. The only exception for possessing one of these
firearms is if you can present evidence that the weapon is being used
solely as a curio, in a dramatic performance, or was acquired by finding
it or having taken it from an aggressor.

Have you been accused of a weapons crime? Get help from a Scranton criminal
defense attorney today!
Contact the Law Offices of William D. Thompson today by dialing 570-846-2819!

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