What can cause me to lose my firearm rights in Pennsylvania?

Firearm rights can be lost under both Pennsylvania and federal law for reasons such as certain felony and domestic violence convictions, active Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, specific drug and weapons offenses, and certain mental health commitments or adjudications. The exact list of disqualifying events is technical, and a lawyer must review your full record to determine which provisions, if any, apply to you.

What should I do if my PICS background check is denied?

If your PICS background check is denied when you attempt to purchase or transfer a firearm, do not guess about the reason or ignore the denial. You should request the denial information in writing and file a timely challenge using the procedures on the denial notice. An attorney experienced with firearm rights can review your criminal and mental health history, identify possible reasons for the denial, and help you challenge any inaccurate or outdated information.

Can I ever get my firearm rights back after a conviction or mental health commitment?

In some circumstances, it may be possible to restore firearm rights through relief from disabilities under Pennsylvania law, expungement of certain records, or, in rare cases, pardons or federal relief. Whether restoration is possible depends on the specific conviction, the statute under which you were prohibited, the nature of any mental health commitment, and the time that has passed. A detailed review of your history is necessary before advising on the likelihood of success.

Is it safe to possess a firearm if I am not sure whether I am prohibited?

No. Possessing a firearm when you are prohibited can result in serious felony charges under Pennsylvania and federal law. If you are unsure about your status, you should not possess or attempt to purchase firearms or ammunition until your record has been reviewed by counsel and your eligibility has been clearly determined. A firearm rights attorney can analyze your history and advise you before you risk criminal liability.

How can a lawyer help with firearm rights and Second Amendment issues?

A lawyer can review your criminal and mental health records, identify which state and federal firearm prohibitions apply, advise you about current eligibility, and file challenges or petitions where relief is available. In addition, counsel can defend you against firearm-related criminal charges, coordinate strategy with any PFA or domestic case, and help you avoid steps that could worsen your legal position or create new offenses.

Firearm Rights & Second Amendment Attorneys • Madsen Law Offices

Firearm Rights & Second Amendment Attorneys in Easton, Pennsylvania

A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Our Firearm Attorneys have successfully challenged PICS Denials and Restored Firearm Rights for Citizens throughout the Lehigh Valley

Our experienced Firearms Attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of the Second Amendment and have assisted numerous local citizens in navigating the complex path to firearm ownership. Whether you’ve encountered a PICS Denial, a LTCF Denial, are embarking on the journey of Firearm Rights Restoration, or are facing other legal issues related to firearms, the attorneys in our Easton office are here to provide expert guidance.

In an ever-changing political landscape, the internal policies of the Pennsylvania State Police can shift. Fortunately, we have fostered a positive and cooperative relationship with their legal team, allowing us to secure their support in safeguarding the rights of our clients.

Our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully represented both law enforcement officers who have experienced PICS Denials and individuals with prior criminal records seeking to have their Second Amendment rights reinstated.

If you find yourself in need of legal assistance in matters related to firearms, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team of Firearms Attorneys. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you navigate the complexities of firearm ownership.

PICS Denials

Our Lehigh Valley Firearms Attorneys have assisted many other individuals in successfully challenging PICS Denials.

Record Review

Our Easton Firearm Rights Lawyers have helped individuals review their background to determine firearm ownership eligibility.

Rights Restoration

Our Easton Expungement Attorneys have Restored Second Amendment RIghts for Countless Lehigh Valley Citizens

Click Below for Pennsylvania First Firearm Rights Quiksheet

Pennsylvania Firearms Rights & Disabilities Quicksheet & FAQ

For Attorney Use Only

Firearms Coverage

1. PICS Denials Attorneys

PICS Denials & PICS Challenge Attorneys

PICS is an acronym for the Pennsylvania Instant Check System administered by the Pennsylvania State Police. The PICS system exists to keep us safe from individuals who should not be permitted to purchase firearms. Unfortunately, the PICS Unit can sometimes be overzealous in there denials based upon even where there are no prohibitive criminal charges. If you have a questionable PICS Denial, we may be able to help via a PICS Challenge & Appeal.

2. LTCF Denials Lawyers

Challenging a LTCF Denial

LTCF is an acronym for License To Carry Firearms, otherwise known as a concealed carry permit. The requirements for a LTCF are slightly more stringent that the standard PICS purchase requirements. If you have been permitted to purchase firearms but denied a LTCF, there may be valid reasons which we cannot assist you in alleviating. There may also be no valid reason for the denial. We are here to help.

3. Restoration of Second Amendment Rights

Pardons, Expungements & Other Common Pleas Appeals

The situations in which second amendment rights can be restored are fairly limited but yet we have been able to help many individuals on the path to firearm ownership. Generally, to be eligible for relief via pardon, an individuals must not have any felony or misdemeanor one (M1) convictions and have been conviction free for at least 5 years. There are other requirements as well but these are the bare minimum.

4. Criminal Charges and Other Misc. Issues

Firearms Charges Defense Lawyers

Pennsylvania’s firearms laws can be confusing and are riddled with exceptions and complications. There are circumstances where an individual may be permitted to possess firearms but not purchase them, yet other circumstances where an individual can purchase but not carry. These nuanced situations often lead to false criminal charges due to a lack of understanding by otherwise well intentioned police and prosecutors. Finally, there are many more situations where criminal charges are appropriate but the elevated grading is not. Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Easton can help.

Securing the Second Amendment in the Lehigh Valley

Easton Firearms Rights Lawyers

Our experienced Firearms Attorneys possess a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in firearm cases, gained through years of hands-on experience. We are well-versed in the nuances of firearm laws and regulations, allowing us to provide comprehensive legal guidance to our clients.

One important aspect we comprehend is the exception to possessing a firearm in a vehicle when a family and household member is licensed for that firearm. It’s worth noting that this exception raises questions due to the absence of individual non-Title II firearm licensure in Pennsylvania.

Furthermore, we recognize that having three DUIs within five (5) years may potentially restrict citizens from purchasing new firearms but not necessarily from retaining those they already own.

In addition, we are well-informed about the federal prohibition against firearm ownership related to domestic abuse, and we understand that it is more narrowly tailored than its commonly interpreted.

Our knowledge in these matters stems from the thorough research and due diligence we have applied while representing previous clients with firearm-related issues. You can trust our Firearms Attorneys to provide you with expert legal counsel and support in navigating the complexities of firearm laws.

Lehigh Valley Firearm Lawyer & Second Amendment Attorney FAQs

Questions commonly asked of our Lehigh Valley Firearms Lawyers regarding Firearm and Second Amendment Rights in Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton.

Can I Possess a Firearm?

The ability to possess a firearm is controlled by federal statute and Pennsylvania’s Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 6105. Generally speaking one cannot possess a firearm if they have been convicted of any Felony (defined as a crime punishable by over 2 years of incarceration, whether one was actually incarcerated for that length of time or not), convicted of a Misdemeanor 1, subject to a PFA or involuntarily committed to a mental health institution. In addition to the previous listed conditions prohibiting ownership & possession, there are numerous other specific conditions that prohibit possession. Refer to Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 6105 for a more complete explanation.

Can I Purchase a Firearm?

In addition to all the prohibitions against ownership listed above, there are a few extra circumstances that trigger a prohibition against purchasing. For example, Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 6105(c)(3), a person convicted of three (3) DUIs within five (5) years may (under certain circumstances) still be allowed to possess a firearm but is prohibited from purchasing additional firearms.

I've read Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. 6105 and still not sure if I can purchase a firearm...

Contact our office before submitting a SP4-113 Application. A false or inaccurate SP4-113 Application can have serious criminal consequences.

I've recieved a PICS Denial, what should I do?

If you have completed the SP4-113 Application For Purchase of a Firearm and been denied pursuant to a PICS Check, you will be require to complete a PICS Challenge Form SP4-197 and submit it to the PICS Challenge Unit within 30 days of your denial.

We recommend speaking with an attorney before doing so.

My PICS Challenge been denied, what should I do?

If you’ve submitted a PICS Challenge Form SP4-197 and been denied, you should contact our Easton Firearm Rights Office. We may be able to help via an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.

Am I eligible to have my Firearm Rights restored?

The restoration of firearm rights is a relatively obscure area of law but one that our office has had great success in. While restoration of gun rights after a felony conviction in Pennsylvania will require a pardon, restoration of firearm rights after a Pennsylvania misdemeanor conviction, or an out of state conviction, may be achievable even without a pardon or expungement. If you have a misdemeanor 3 or misdemeanor 2 conviction in Pennsylvania or an out of state conviction that is stopping you from owning a firearm, and have not have any arrests in the past ten (10) years, theres a good change our gun law attorneys can help you.

Are you looking for more information regarding your Firearm Rights?

Our Lehigh Valley Second Amendment Attorneys are Located in Easton, Pennsylvania

Our Firearm Rights Attorneys, Call Now : (484)548-0529

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