Reuters reports that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has decided again that Pennsylvania cannot prohibit 18-to-20-year-olds from carrying guns during a state of emergency.

The circuit court decision does not impact Pennsylvania's other restrictions involving firearms, guns, and weapons. Common weapons-related crimes include:

• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
• Prohibited Firearm Possession.
• Unlawful Sale or Transfer of a Firearm.
• Carrying a Firearm Without a License.
• Possession of a Firearm with an Altered Number.
• Possession of a Weapon on School Property.

Individuals convicted of these crimes and others may face severe penalties, such as prison time and fines. You don't have to navigate Pennsylvania's weapon and gun laws alone.

At the LLF Law Firm, we defend individuals accused of firearm, weapon, and gun-related crimes. To speak with our Criminal Defense Team, contact our offices at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online consultation form.

Pennsylvania Youth Possess Constitutional Right to Carry Firearms in State of Emergency

In January 2024, the Third Circuit determined that Pennsylvania's law prohibiting 18-to-20-year-olds from carrying firearms in public during a state of emergency was unconstitutional. Later that year, and in response to its own decision upholding restrictions on gun ownership by people under domestic violence restraining orders, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Third Circuit's decision and remanded the case for reconsideration.

Recently, the Third Circuit reconsidered its decision as directed but again concluded that Pennsylvania's law violated the rights of people under the age of 21 to bear arms as protected by the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

Pennsylvania's other firearms, weapons, and gun laws remain in effect, and anyone charged with a related crime should expect to be prosecuted. If you are arrested or charged with a weapon or gun-related crime, the LLF Law Firm can help.

The LLF Law Firm Defends Individuals Charged with Firearm, Weapon, and Gun-Related Crimes

The personal and legal consequences of a gun-related criminal charge can be devastating. If your freedom and future are in jeopardy because of a weapon-related arrest, let the LLF Law Firm help. We can provide legal guidance and develop a comprehensive defense strategy to challenge any allegations made against you.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can defend you and your due process rights by:

• Analyzing the evidence collected by law enforcement and prosecutors and identifying possible defenses.
• Leading our own investigation to identify exonerating evidence and witnesses.
• Serving as your legal adviser and providing information and guidance on the charges, the legal process, and possible penalties.
• Negotiating with prosecutors and advocating for dismissal, reduced penalties, or lesser charges.
• Representing you throughout the trial.

Whatever the charge, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. You don't have to navigate Pennsylvania's criminal justice system alone. Contact our offices at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to partner with our experienced criminal defense attorneys.