As gun violence increases in Pennsylvania, police are cracking down on selling illegal firearms. With strict state and federal regulations for purchasing legal guns, many look for loopholes to create and manufacture unregulated guns by importing parts or creating guns with printers or kits. That's what happened to three Pennsylvania men recently arrested on firearms charges.
Three Arrested on Ghost Gun Charges
WHYY and 6ABC recently reported that police arrested three Montgomery County men for manufacturing ghost guns and silencers and then illegally selling them. Law enforcement officials traced a shipment of silencer components from China to one of the defendants' homes in May. At the home, police found many AR-15 parts, firearm sights and tools, weapon-mounted lights, a 3D printer, other firearms and parts, and a Polymer 80 tool kit, a parts kit used for privately making firearms. Police also found photos of completed guns and a photo of one of the defendants firing a weapon with a silencer.
The defendants are facing multiple firearms charges, including:
- Illegal firearms sales,
- Dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities,
- Making, repairing, or selling an offensive weapon,
- Corrupt organization,
- Conspiracy, and
- Criminal use of a communications facility.
What Are Ghost Guns?
The Gun Control Act of 1968 regulates the sale, manufacture, and possession of firearms at the federal level, making it illegal for anyone not licensed to sell or manufacture a firearm. The law also requires manufacturers to include a traceable serial number on firearms. Under federal and Pennsylvania law, many people convicted of certain crimes cannot legally possess or purchase a gun. As a result, unregulated ghost guns are increasingly in popularity.
Ghost guns are untraceable firearms you can buy online and assemble at home. The kits are often cheaper and easy to obtain online, and some states don't specifically regulate the purchase of ghost gun kits yet. Pennsylvania's criminal code doesn't specifically mention “ghost guns.” However, if Pennsylvania law prohibits you from selling or possessing a regular gun, you are also prohibited from possessing or selling a ghost gun.
Charges you could face related to ghost guns include:
- Person not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell, or transfer firearm,
- Possession of a firearm with altered manufacturer's number,
- Altering or obliterating marks of identification
Even possessing a ghost gun in Pennsylvania can be a felony, with all of these charges classified as second-degree felonies punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
You Need a Skilled Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney
If you're facing firearms charges in Pennsylvania, it's a serious matter. You need an attorney who is experienced in handling criminal charges, including felonies. The skilled Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm can help you. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686, or contact them online to schedule your consultation.
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