Source: http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/open-and-concealed-gun-carry-laws-pennsylvania.htm
Timestamp: 2017-02-21 20:56:50
Document Index: 298937722

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 21', '§ 1290', '§ 6105', '§ 6106', '§ 913', '§ 912', '§ 1101', '§ 6105', '§ 913']

Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Pennsylvania | Criminal Law
Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is considered an “open carry” state, which means that it
is generally legal for an adult to openly carry a firearm without a permit. In fact, according to Section 21 of the Pennsylvania State Constitution, every citizen has a right “…to bear arms in defence [sic] of themselves and the State...” (Penn. Stat. and Con. Stat. Art. I § 21.)
However, Pennsylvania’s open carry policy does not mean that everyone may have a gun, or that you may always carry a gun wherever you
like. While you may carry a concealed weapon in your own house or fixed
place of business without a permit, you are required to obtain a special concealed carry permit to carry a concealed weapon under most other circumstances. (18 Penn. Stat. and Con. Stat. § 1290.4.) For more information, see Gun Permit Laws in Pennsylvania.
People Who May Not Carry a Gun in Pennsylvania
The following individuals are prohibited from carrying a weapon (open or concealed) in Pennsylvania.
someone with a character and reputation such that the individual would likely act in a manner dangerous to public safety
convicted of certain drug or controlled substance crimes, or who are addicted to (or unlawful users of) illegal drugs
people who have been adjudicated as incompetent or who have ever been involuntarily committed to a mental institution
people who have been adjudicated delinquent within the past ten years
non-U.S. citizens who are in the U.S. illegally
people who have been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. armed forces
convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol on three or more separate occasions within a five year period
people convicted of certain domestic violence crimes
(18 Penn. Stat. and Con. Stat. § 6105 & 6109.)
following rules govern when you may not carry a gun in Pennsylvania. They do not apply to peace officers, members of the armed services when on active duty, agents and messengers engaged in duties requiring them to protect money or valuables, weapons merchants or repair people, or people training dogs or engaged in hunting with a valid hunting permit.
you are in your house or at your fixed place of business, you may not carry a concealed firearm in your vehicle, or on (or near) your body unless you have a special concealed carry permit. (18 Penn. Stat. and Con. Stat. § 6106.)
You may not carry a firearm in a court facility. (18 Penn. Stat. and Con. Stat. § 913.)
You may not carry a weapon onto school property. (18 Penn. Stat. and Con. Stat. § 912.)
Pennsylvania, it is a third degree felony to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Penalties include a fine of up to $15,000, up to seven
years in prison, or both. (18 Penn. Rev. Stat. and Con. Stats. § 1101.)
is a second degree felony for a person prohibited from carrying a weapon to do so. Penalties include a fine of up to $25,000, up to ten years in prison, or both. (18 Penn. Stat. and Con. Stat. § 6105.)
is a misdemeanor in the first degree to carry a firearm into a court facility. Penalties include a fine of up to $10,000, up to five years in
prison, or both. (18 Penn. Rev. Stat. and Con. Stats. § 913.)
penalties for violating gun carry laws are serious. If you have any questions about whether you are allowed to carry a gun in Pennsylvania, or if you are facing charges for a gun violation, consult a qualified criminal defense lawyer. Share on Google Plus