Violent crimes, possession firearm at a court

by | Nov 16, 2016 | Violent Crimes

In Pennsylvania, violent crimes such as possession of a firearm at a court are very serious. Violent Crimes like this are known as possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility. Per title 18 section 913 subsection (a)(1) of the Pennsylvania crimes code, a person commits this offense if he knowingly possesses a Aggravated Assault of an unborn child firearm or other dangerous weapon in a court facility or knowingly causes a firearm or other dangerous weapon to be present in a court facility. Per subsection (a)(2) of the Pennsylvania crimes code, a person commits possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility if he knowingly possesses a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a court facility with the intent that the firearm or other dangerous weapon be used in the commission of a crime or knowingly causes a firearm or other dangerous weapon to be present in a court facility with the intent that the firearm or other dangerous weapon be used in the commission of a crime. Subsection (e) of the statute states that free lockers or similar facilities are required to be made available at or within the building containing a court facility for the temporary checking of firearms or for the checking of other dangerous weapons that are not otherwise prohibited by law. Notice of the provisions of subsections (a) and (e) must be posted at the public entrance at each courthouse or other building containing a court facility.

There are exceptions to this statute. Subsection (a) shall not apply to the lawful performance of official duties by an officer, agent or employee of the United States, the Commonwealth or a political subdivision who is authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of any violation of law; the lawful performance of official duties by a court official; the carrying of rifles and shotguns by instructors and participants in a course of instruction provided by the Pennsylvania Game Commission; Criminal Coercion Associations of veteran soldiers and their auxiliaries or members of organized armed forces of the United States or the Commonwealth, including reserve components, when engaged in the performance of ceremonial duties with county approval; and the carrying of a dangerous weapon or firearm unloaded and in a secure wrapper by an attorney who seeks to employ the dangerous weapon or firearm as an exhibit or as a demonstration and who possesses written authorization from the court to bring the dangerous weapon or firearm into the court facility.

Possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility is a serious offense that carries serious penalties. If you commit subsection (a)(1), you are committing a misdemeanor of the third degree. If you are found guilty, you face a possible penalty of up to one year imprisonment and/or fines up to $2,000. If you commit an offense under subsection (a)(2), you are committing a misdemeanor of the first degree. If you are found guilty, you could face a possible penalty of up to five years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000. An offense under subsection (a)(1) is a summary offense if the person was carrying a firearm with a license and failed to check the firearm in under subsection (e) before entering the court facility. If you are found guilty, you could face a possible penalty of 90 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $300. If you or someone you know is facing possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility charges, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney will best be able to assess the facts of your case and produce the best possible outcome for you.​

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