Weapons Charges Lawyer in Lancaster, PA

A weapons charge in Lancaster can lead to jail time, steep fines, and the loss of your firearm rights. Many weapons offenses are graded as misdemeanors or felonies. If you were charged with a weapons offense, our weapons charges lawyer in Lancaster at the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh can immediately protect your constitutional rights, examine the legality of the stop or search, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your case.

What Are the Most Common Weapons Charges in Lancaster?

Common charges in Lancaster include:

• Carrying a firearm without a license (18 Pa.C.S. § 6106)
• Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (18 Pa.C.S. § 6105)
• Carrying a weapon on school property (18 Pa.C.S. § 912)
• Firearms not to be carried without a valid License to Carry Firearms

For example, carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a valid license can result in a third-degree felony under § 6106.

Can The Police Stop You Just for Carrying a Firearm in Lancaster?

No. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania held in Commonwealth v. Hicks that simply possessing a firearm in public doesn’t alone create reasonable suspicion for a stop unless there are additional facts suggesting criminal conduct. For instance, if you were stopped near downtown Lancaster, Park City Center, or Route 30 solely because an officer observed a firearm, a suppression motion may apply. If the stop was unconstitutional, the firearm and any statements they obtained from you may be excluded from evidence.

What Are The Penalties for Weapons Charges in Lancaster?

Penalties depend on grading and criminal history, such that:

• A third-degree felony carries up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
• A second-degree felony, such as prohibited possession, can carry up to ten years in prison.
• Misdemeanor offenses can still result in jail time, probation, and permanent loss of firearm rights.

A conviction may also affect employment opportunities in Lancaster County and eligibility for future firearm licensing.

What Lancaster Residents Should Know About Weapons Charges

Can I Clear My Record After a Weapons Conviction?

Pennsylvania allows some convictions to be expunged or sealed, but eligibility depends on the offense and your criminal history. First-time misdemeanors are more likely to qualify than felony charges. Talk to our Lancaster weapons charges attorney to determine whether and when you can petition for expungement.

How Do Firearm Licenses Affect Charges?

A License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) can prevent charges under § 6106 if obtained and carried lawfully. You should ensure your license is current and valid. Additionally, missteps, such as carrying in a prohibited area, can still trigger criminal penalties even with a license.

What About Prior Convictions or Prohibited Status?

Prior felony convictions, domestic violence offenses, or certain mental health adjudications can make firearm possession a § 6105 offense, a second-degree felony. This carries harsher penalties, including up to 10 years in prison.

Are There Alternatives or Diversion Programs?

Some first-time offenders in Pennsylvania may qualify for accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) or other diversion programs. These can reduce penalties or allow charges to be dismissed after completing conditions.

What Happens to Your Firearm During Pre-trial?

Police in Lancaster may temporarily seize your firearm pending trial. Pre-trial restrictions or bail conditions can affect access to your weapons.

Learn How Our Weapons Charges Attorney Can Defend The Charges Against You

Pennsylvania firearm law is technical, and constitutional issues often determine the outcome. Our weapons charges attorney in Lancaster will investigate why the police stopped you. If they lacked reasonable suspicion under Hicks, we can pursue suppression. If the firearm was lawfully possessed or improperly attributed, we can challenge constructive possession claims. If the grading is incorrect, we can seek a reduction of your charges.

Our Lancaster weapons charges lawyer will also review body camera footage, police reports, and criminal history classifications and evaluate whether constitutional violations occurred during the encounter.

Reach out to the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh at 717-208-4599 or online for your confidential consultation.