Can I Legally Carry a Concealed Firearm in Pennsylvania, and if so, What are the Requirements?
It is lawful to carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania, but only if you have the proper license. Unlawful possession is a very serious felony criminal offense. At The Hoover Firm, LLC, we are well-versed in the gun laws in the Commonwealth. Here, our Harrisburg firearm defense attorney provides an overview of the concealed firearm laws in Pennsylvania.
What to Know About the Concealed Firearm Laws in Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth allows for concealed carry by licensed individuals. You must obtain and maintain a valid License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). The license is issued under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109. Without this license, carrying a concealed firearm or carrying a firearm in a vehicle is a criminal offense under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6106. Notably, the offense is generally graded as a third-degree felony. The law applies regardless of whether the person legally owns the firearm. The act of concealing or carrying it in a car without a license triggers liability.
The Requirements to Legally Carry a Concealed Firearm
There are several different requirements that must be satisfied before you can be issued a license to conceal and carry in Pennsylvania. To lawfully carry a concealed firearm in Pennsylvania, a person must satisfy all of the following:
- Age: The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
- Residency: Most applicants must apply in the county where they reside. However, there are certain exceptions for non-residents.
- Background Check: Applicants must pass a state and federal background investigation.
- Good Character: Good character is a requirement of the law. County sheriffs may deny an LTCF if the applicant is found to be of “character and reputation” likely to act dangerously.
- No Drug or Alcohol Prohibitions: Drug and alcohol prohibitions on the applicant matter. Convictions or active addictions affecting judgment can bar issuance.
- No Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order: An active PFA order disqualifies the applicant from possessing or carrying firearms.
- Payment of Fees and Submission of Application: Finally, all fees need to be paid. A completed application and required fee must be submitted to the sheriff’s office
A Firearms Violation is a Serious Criminal Offense
Firearm violations under Pennsylvania law carry severe penalties. A conviction under § 6106 (firearm not to be carried without a license) can result in a felony record, imprisonment, and permanent loss of firearm rights. Courts also consider firearm-related offenses as aggravating factors in unrelated criminal cases. Even first-time offenders face immediate and long-term consequences. If you were arrested for any gun violation, you need a Harrisburg defense lawyer right away.
Call Our Harrisburg, PA, Firearm Defense Lawyer Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg criminal defense attorney has the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle firearms charges. If you or your loved one was arrested for a firearms offense, we can help. Contact us today to set up a completely confidential, no-obligation initial consultation. With an office in Harrisburg, we defend firearm charges throughout Pennsylvania.