Gun Possession Defense – Firearm Charges in Philadelphia, PA
Defending Clients Charged with Illegal Gun Possession in Pennsylvania
Gun laws in Pennsylvania — especially in Philadelphia — are complex, strict, and aggressively enforced. Whether you're facing charges for carrying a firearm without a license, possessing a prohibited weapon, or being a felon in possession of a firearm, a conviction can result in mandatory prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record.
At the Law Office of Mark D. Hauser, we bring over 30 years of experience defending clients accused of firearm-related offenses. We know the law. We know the courts. And we know how to fight to protect your freedom and your Second Amendment rights.
Common Gun Charges in Pennsylvania
We represent clients in all types of firearm-related cases, including:
1. Carrying a Firearm Without a License (CCW Violation)
In Pennsylvania, carrying a concealed firearm on your person or in your vehicle requires a valid license to carry firearms (LTCF) — unless you're exempt under very narrow circumstances. In Philadelphia, this rule is enforced especially aggressively.
First offense: Felony 3, punishable by up to 7 years in prison
Second offense or aggravating factors may enhance penalties
2. Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person
Certain individuals are legally barred from possessing a gun, including:
Felons
People with prior domestic violence convictions
Individuals with active protection from abuse (PFA) orders
Undocumented immigrants
People with certain mental health adjudications
Violations can result in Felony 2 charges and mandatory sentencing under Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act or federal law.
3. Possession of a Firearm on School Property
Even a licensed gun owner may not carry a firearm into a school building or onto school grounds. This is charged as a misdemeanor of the first degree, with a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.
4. Altered or Unregistered Firearms
Possessing a gun with a scratched-off serial number or a “ghost gun” (privately made firearm with no serial number) can lead to state and federal charges.
5. Gun Charges During the Commission of Another Crime
If a firearm is present during another alleged offense (e.g., robbery, assault, drug trafficking), the gun can lead to sentence enhancements or additional felonies, including Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.
Philadelphia’s Unique Gun Laws and Enforcement
Gun possession laws are enforced much more aggressively in Philadelphia County than in many other parts of Pennsylvania. The city has zero tolerance policies, and prosecutors often seek harsh penalties, even for first-time offenders.
Moreover, police frequently conduct traffic stops, searches, and pat-downs that result in gun possession charges. However, if the search or seizure was illegal, any evidence recovered may be inadmissible in court.
How We Defend Gun Possession Charges
Our defense strategies depend on the facts of your case, but often include:
✅ Challenging the legality of the stop, search, or arrest
✅ Arguing lack of actual or constructive possession
✅ Asserting constitutional violations (4th or 2nd Amendment)
✅ Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
✅ Negotiating for reduced charges, probation, or diversion (when available)
In some cases, we may also assist in getting your firearm rights restored or defending against a federal indictment if your case is escalated.
Who We Represent
We defend individuals from all walks of life who are facing firearm charges, including:
First-time offenders with no criminal record
Licensed gun owners caught unaware of Philadelphia’s stricter rules
Individuals with prior felony convictions accused of illegal possession
Out-of-state residents unfamiliar with Pennsylvania gun laws
Juveniles charged with unlawful possession of firearms
Don’t Let One Gun Charge Ruin Your Life
Gun possession charges are serious — and in many cases, the law is not on your side. You need an experienced defense attorney who understands both Pennsylvania and federal firearm laws and knows how to build a powerful defense.
📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.