What Are Your Second Amendment Rights?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states that “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” In short, it gives you the right to own and carry a firearm.

Whether you had your firearms license revoked or suspended or have been charged or arrested for a crime related to gun possession, ownership, or sale, it’s in your best interest to discuss your specific situation with a Pennsylvania gun crime defense attorney to help preserve your right to carry and own a firearm.

Understanding The Second Amendment and Gun Laws in Pennsylvania

Put simply, as an American, the Second Amendment provides you the right to be armed and use a firearm to protect yourself and your property. These rights are essential to ensure the rights of lawful gun owners are protected. Understanding these rights and how state laws can affect them is crucial.

For instance, the Stand Your Ground law in Pennsylvania lets you use deadly force to defend yourself, your family, or your property under specific circumstances, such as when someone armed with a deadly weapon attacks you outside your house. In this situation, the law will only protect you if you use your gun against the attacker and their deadly weapon is visibly displayed during the incident. Below are more gun laws in Pennsylvania you should know about:

Purchasing Guns

You don’t need a license or permit to buy a gun. There’s also no waiting period. However, you must be at least 21 to buy a handgun and 18 to buy a long gun, including a shotgun or rifle.

Carrying Guns

You must be at least 18 to possess a gun, and open carry is allowed. In Philadelphia, however, you need a license to carry concealed or openly. 

Gun Possession

You can possess a shotgun, rifle, or handgun without a license in your place of business or house. However, they are required to unload a handgun when transporting it in a car without the required license. Certain individuals cannot possess guns in PA, including the following:

• Individuals with felony convictions (unless expunged or pardoned)
• Those with a protection from abuse (PFA) order issued against them
• Fugitives from justice
• Those with convictions for assault or violent offenses (10-year prohibition)
• People with convictions for drug-related offenses that are punishable by more than two years of imprisonment
• Individuals who have been found to be dangerous to themselves or others or involuntarily committed
• Non-U.S. citizens who are unlawfully residing in the country
• People who have misdemeanor domestic violence convictions
• Juvenile delinquents (15-year prohibition for certain offenses)
• Individuals who are federally prohibited from owning a firearm

Protect Your Right to Bear and Carry Arms With Help From Our Pennsylvania Second Amendment Rights Attorney

At the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh, our Pennsylvania Second Amendment rights attorney has assisted many people, including those with felony convictions, in restoring their gun rights. When one of your most fundamental rights is on the line, you need someone with the right experience to advocate for you and give you the best results for your case. Arrange your case review with our Pennsylvania Second Amendment rights attorney by calling 717-435-8830 or reaching us online.