What Charges Can I Expect if My Child Brings a Firearm to School?
It’s a call no parent ever wants to receive: your child has been found with a firearm at school. The shock quickly gives way to fear — not only for your child’s future, but for your own. These cases are becoming more common in Pennsylvania and across the country, and prosecutors are increasingly holding caregivers accountable for how firearms are stored and accessed at home.
In Norristown, PA, a mother was arrested after her 6-year-old son brought a gun to his elementary school. That same week, a North Carolina man faced charges after his own 6-year-old carried a firearm to school in their backpack.
While you may expect similar charges for similar crimes, you’d be wrong. The North Carolina man was charged with a simple misdemeanor for improperly storing his weapon. However, the Pennsylvania mother faces felony charges for endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment for failing to secure a firearm in her home.
Students who bring guns to school can expect severe consequences. A 16-year-old North Penn High School student was taken into custody after he brought a firearm to school, and now faces four charges — including two felonies.
If your child brings a gun to school, you need the best legal defense available. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or contact us online and make sure your rights are protected!
Bringing a Firearm to School Has Serious Consequences
Under federal law, the Gun‑Free School Zones Act makes it a crime to knowingly possess a firearm in a “school zone”(i.e., on school grounds or within 1,000 feet) unless an exception applies. The Act also requires states receiving federal funds to adopt policies that expel any student found to have brought a firearm to school for at least one year (with some case-by-case exceptions).
In addition to these federal charges, the state of Pennsylvania also has its own set of charges for firearm offenses. State law makes it a Misdemeanor of the First Degree (M1) to possess any weapon — including a firearm — on school property. Even though it’s “only” a misdemeanor, an M1 is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Pennsylvania, and a conviction can result in up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. It will alsopermanently appear on your criminal record, making it difficult to obtain employment, college admission, or professional licensing.
Depending on how the student got possession of the weapon, the parents can also face serious charges, including reckless endangerment, criminal negligence, and endangering the welfare of children.
Defend Your Rights
Whether you’re a juvenile accused of bringing a weapon to school or the parents of a child facing such accusations, the LLF Law Firm can help. Our Criminal Defense Team knows the Pennsylvania court system inside and out, and we’re ready to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Just call the LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to start building your defense.