A conviction on your record can have a significant impact on your life, including limiting your ability to secure employment, government benefits, student loans, vote and possess a firearm.
You may face stiff penalties if you’re convicted of a gun offense for illegal possession of a firearm here in Pennsylvania.
Which laws prohibit gun possession?
The 1968 Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq, and Pennsylvania state laws alike prohibit anyone convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm. It doesn’t matter whether the conviction was for a violent or non-violent offense. Any criminal offense punishable by one year or more of incarceration is a felony under U.S. law and thus an absolute bar to being able to lawfully own or carry a gun.
Firearms prohibitions apply to some non-felons
Convicted felons aren’t the only ones who cannot possess firearms. It’s unlawful for anyone subject to domestic violence protective orders to possess a firearm. A conviction on your record for misdemeanor domestic violence or a crime of force such as assault or battery may also make it unlawful for you to possess a firearm as well.
Restoration of your rights to possess a firearm
You may be lawfully able to possess a firearm if you’ve received a pardon, had your record expunged, or civil rights restored.
Not being able to possess a firearm may limit your job prospects and affect your life in other ways. Know that the penalties may be far worse if you’re caught possessing a gun despite being prohibited from doing so. Learn more about your situation and your options for a solid defense by continuing to review our website.