Defending the Right to Bear Arms

Any Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney can tell you it was legal to bear arms in Pennsylvania long before the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution came into being.

Article 1 Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Declaration of Rights, as the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 used to be known, guaranteed that Pennsylvania residents could carry firearms. Written into this Article are the most strongly worded phrases that anyone has ever seen about gun rights and law-abiding citizens and the guns they own. It was the basis for most of the other states’ similar Constitutional clauses, as well as for the United States Constitution. Pennsylvania’s law was published in 1776; the Bill of Rights was not adopted until December 15, 1791, a decade and a half later.

Article 1 Section 21 now states: The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

The power that we citizens have is formed by these words. But, the government sometimes forgets this important right, or doesn’t recognize it. We have the right to protect ourselves and our families. The bad guys don’t announce they’re coming. We need to be prepared for them, which means the right to concealed carry.

The media and groups of activists have tried to make gun ownership a criminal offense. They try to make this most basic of rights appear to not be legitimate, which makes gun owners feel ashamed and stop practicing their right to bear arms. These popular media outlets and activist groups wrongly link lawfully owning and carrying a gun with activities outside the law, like violent crimes, killing sprees, and hostage situations. These groups have an agenda that is at odds with the long-held, classic, Pennsylvanian and American values.

Federal and state gun laws and codes can be confusing and contradictory to both the Pennsylvania and federal Constitutions and to common sense. As a result, many hard-working, well-intentioned, and honest people become criminals by accident. The law, which can be unmerciful and speedy, often fails to give the benefit of the doubt to people who make honest mistakes or simply don’t understand.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has tried to curb gun violence by passing strict laws. These laws are aimed at people who use and possess weapons illegally. Despite the regulations, Pennsylvania is one of the states where a citizen is more likely to die via a gun than a car wreck.

The following is a list of crimes associated with guns:

• Possession of a firearm prohibited: Carrying a gun when you have a PFA (Protection From Abuse) order against you.
• Selling or making repairs to an offensive weapon: Offensive weapons are things like grenades, machine guns, switchblades, and sawed-off shotguns.
• Possession of a weapon on school property: This applies to guns and any other dangerous weapon.
• Possession of a firearm with an obliterated or altered serial number: Some antiques are exempted from this. All other guns must have a serial number.
• Carrying a gun without a license: You must have a concealed carry license to carry a weapon in your car, with a few exceptions.
• Possessing criminal instruments: As long as the gun you have is perceived as real and operable, you can be charged with this.

The criminal justice system can be confusing. When you’re facing gun violations or charges, you need a skilled lawyer with the determination to win your case. Sean Logue and his associates will walk you through the entire process, from explaining your charges to describing your alternatives. They are experienced and aggressive, with a winning record.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a gun violation in or around the city of Pittsburgh, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney. The Logue Criminal Defense team serves Pittsburgh, PA, the surrounding counties, and West Virginia and Ohio. Schedule a free initial consultation with a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense lawyer from Logue Law Group. Call today at 844.PITT.DUI or 844.PITT.DUI. Or, you can contact us online.

Don’t wait to call! The longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more difficult it becomes for him or her to get a good outcome for you and your case. Call today!