Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a License – Can Be a Felony

Owning or possessing a firearm in today’s day and age requires a certain modicum of legal knowledge to avoid trouble. Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 6106, firearms not to be carried without a license, “any person who carries a firearm in any vehicle or any person who carries a firearm concealed on or about his person, except in his place of abode or fixed place of business, without a valid and lawfully issued license under this chapter commits a felony of the third degree.” A subsequent subsection explains that, if the person caught carrying a firearm illegally is otherwise eligible to possess a concealed firearm and has not committed another crime in possessing the firearm, the charge will be a misdemeanor of the first degree instead of a felony of the third degree. Essentially, to carry a firearm in a concealed fashion, which includes carrying it in a vehicle – not just if it’s tucked into your waistband or otherwise hidden on your person, one must have a concealed carry permit.

Even with a concealed carry permit, though, one must be careful. I have received questions from potential clients who have a concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania but traveled out of state and ended up encountering law enforcement in another state which does not honor Pennsylvania’s concealed carry permits. It goes without saying that different states have different laws. A legally valid concealed carry permit in Pennsylvania may not be valid in another state.

If you have questions concerning your legal rights and obligations surrounding your ownership, possession or carrying of firearms, contact Scaringi Law 717 657 7770.