Firearms and Dangerous Weapons Charges in Delaware County
Firearms and dangerous weapons charges in Delaware County carry severe legal consequences and are prosecuted aggressively under Pennsylvania law. These cases often involve mandatory minimum penalties, firearm prohibitions, and felony exposure, even for individuals with no prior criminal history.
Attorney William Burrows represents clients facing weapons-related charges throughout Delaware County, defending cases in both Magisterial District Courts and the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
See all Criminal Charges – Delaware County
Common Firearms and Weapons Charges in Delaware County
Pennsylvania law regulates the possession, use, and transfer of firearms and other dangerous weapons. Charges frequently prosecuted in Delaware County include:
Carrying a Firearm Without a License
This charge applies when a person is accused of carrying a concealed firearm or transporting a firearm in a vehicle without a valid license to carry. Depending on circumstances, this offense may be charged as a felony.
Persons Not to Possess Firearms
Individuals with certain prior convictions are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms under state and federal law. Violations of this statute are typically charged as felony offenses.
Possession of Prohibited Offensive Weapons
This includes allegations involving items such as sawed-off firearms or other weapons restricted under Pennsylvania law.
Possession of Firearms During the Commission of a Crime
Weapons charges are often added when a firearm is allegedly present during another criminal offense, such as drug crimes or assault.
Dangerous Weapons Charges
Allegations involving knives, tasers, or other weapons may result in criminal charges depending on how the item was possessed or used.
How Weapons Charges Are Handled in Delaware County Courts
Magisterial District Courts
Weapons cases typically begin in the Magisterial District Court serving the location where the alleged offense occurred. These courts handle:
- Preliminary arraignments
- Bail determinations
- Preliminary hearings
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Even when a case begins in district court, serious weapons charges rarely end there.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Most firearms and dangerous weapons charges proceed to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, particularly when the allegations involve felony-level offenses. The Common Pleas Court oversees:
- Formal arraignment
- Pretrial motions, including suppression of evidence
- Trial or negotiated resolution
- Sentencing and firearm prohibition rulings
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Felony weapons convictions can permanently affect an individual’s right to possess firearms.
Firearms Charges by Location in Delaware County
Weapons charges are prosecuted in the Magisterial District Court assigned to the municipality where the incident occurred. Each district court serves specific boroughs, townships, and cities.
If you are facing firearms or dangerous weapons charges in any of the following areas, your case will begin in the appropriate district court:
- Aldan, Folcroft, and Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Aston, Chester, and Upper Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Brookhaven, Parkside, Rose Valley, and Upland Criminal Defense
- Chester City Criminal Defense
- Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Collingdale, Glenolden, and Norwood Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Colwyn, Darby, and Sharon Hill Borough Criminal Defense
- East Lansdowne Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Haverford and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Lansdowne and Yeadon Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Marple and Newtown Criminal Defense
- Media and Swarthmore Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Tinicum Township Criminal Defense
- Radnor Township Criminal Defense
- Springfield Township Criminal Defense
- Upper and Lower Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Upper Providence Township Criminal Defense
Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town
Understanding the court that has jurisdiction can affect bail, suppression arguments, and defense strategy.
Weapons Charges and Violation Proceedings
Firearms allegations often trigger separate violation proceedings, particularly when the accused is:
- On probation
- On parole
- Subject to a PFA order
A weapons-related arrest may lead to probation violations, parole violations, or PFA violations, even if the underlying criminal case is still pending.
Related Violation Pages:
- Probation Violations in Delaware County
- Parole Violations in Delaware County
- PFA Violations
- Technical Violations
- See all Violations in Delaware County
Violation matters are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas, separate from the criminal prosecution.
Potential Penalties for Firearms Convictions
Convictions for firearms and dangerous weapons offenses may result in:
- County jail or state prison sentences
- Mandatory minimum incarceration
- Permanent loss of firearm rights
- Probation or parole supervision
- Substantial fines and court costs
Felony convictions can also affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, and housing.
Defense Strategies for Firearms and Weapons Charges
Effective defense strategies may involve:
- Challenging the legality of searches and seizures
- Disputing possession or ownership
- Examining licensing and permit issues
- Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
- Evaluating the applicability of firearm prohibitions
Attorney William Burrows leverages his prosecutorial insight and deep familiarity with Delaware County courts and law enforcement practices to develop strong, evidence-based defense strategies.