Illegal Transport of Firearms in Philadelphia

There are several ways a person may be accused of illegal transport of firearms in Philadelphia. Someone who is facing any type of illegal gun transportation charge should contact an experienced gun lawyer and refrain from speaking to law enforcement or the prosecution. A person’s statements could be used against them later in court. If you or a family member were arrested and charged with a gun transportation violation, call and schedule a consultation to start discussing your potential legal options.

Defining Unlawful Transportation of a Firearm

The transportation of a firearm is considered unlawful in the city and county of Philadelphia under a number of circumstances. In most cases, an individual who has a record that prevents them from owning a firearm does not have the right to transport, own, or possess a firearm at any time. Additionally, individuals who are legal owners of firearms may not transfer the firearm unless the firearm has been separately secured from the ammunition. For example, the gun may be stored in a vehicle compartment while the ammunition can be stored in the vehicle’s trunk area. 

Furthermore, in cases where individuals are lawful owners, if they do not comply with the requirements of lawful transportation in the city and county of Philadelphia, they could become subject a felony of the third degree. Additionally, individuals who have a license to carry may be allowed to carry both the firearm and ammunition together at all times as long as it is in a lawful place. There are exceptions to the rule which are clearly marked such as courthouses, schools, government buildings, or any other marked location where firearms are prohibited by law.

Examples of Individual Prohibited to Transport Firearms

The most common examples of individuals who are never allowed to transport firearms in the city and county of Philadelphia, and in most cases the entire state of Pennsylvania, include those who have convictions on their record for charges that make them ineligible to own a firearm. Additionally, individuals who are on probationary sentences regardless of the charges typically cannot legally possess or transport a firearm from any location.

Furthermore, individuals who are ineligible to have a firearm cannot possess a firearm in their home, place of employment, or use a firearm for recreational purposes in any way shape or form. Simply stated, individuals who are not otherwise eligible to have a firearm because of convictions record or under some kind of criminal supervision may not transfer firearms at any time. A knowledgeable gun lawyer who is well-versed in cases of illegal transport of firearms in Philadelphia could review the factors surrounding the charge and work to establish a credible defense. 

Potential Penalties

While there is no specific penalty for the unlawful transportation of a weapon in Philadelphia, it is a violation of the Uniform Firearms Act to be in possession or constructive possession of a firearm if an individual is not otherwise eligible to have a firearm. In those cases, an individual generally will be charged with violating the Uniform Firearms Act, a felony of the second or first-degree depending on the charges and the date of the incident. A conviction for this offense could result in 10 years of incarceration and a $25,000 fine.

Additionally, individuals who may have a legally purchased firearm but are not in compliance in transferring it, or do not have a right to carry it via an additional permit, can be subject to prosecution of violating the Uniform Firearms Act under section 6106. Such an offense is typically charged as a felony of the third-degree and could carry a jail sentence of three-and-a-half to seven years along with a $15,000 fine. A violation of the Uniform Firearms act as a misdemeanor of the first-degree could result in a two-and-a-half to five-year jail sentence and a $10,000 fine. Someone facing such charges may find it incredibly valuable to meet with an aggressive gun lawyer to discuss the legal procedures surrounding the illegal transport of firearms in Philadelphia. 

Fight Against a Philadelphia Illegal Transport of Firearms Accusation

For anyone defending against an illegal transport of firearms in Philadelphia, retaining the legal services of an adept gun lawyer could substantially improve their chances of succeeding in court. Legal consequences for gun violations can be steep and intimidating. Call and schedule an appointment for a legal consultation to begin building a defense that is both strategic and credible.