Pennsylvania Concealed Carry: Why Getting Your Permit is Only Half the Battle
The relationship between citizens and their Second Amendment in Pennsylvania is complicated. The state is widely known as a “shall-issue” state, which means that if you meet the basic legal requirements, the government is generally required to grant you a permit. Yes, your License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) can be yours within a day.
The initial task of obtaining a permit might feel like a straightforward administrative hurdle. However, the reality on the ground is that keeping that permit is where many citizens run into trouble. While our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is here to help, here’s a breakdown of LTCF and more in PA.
The “Shall-Issue” Paradox: Why It’s Easy to Get
On paper, getting your LTCF in PA is relatively simple. You must be 21, a resident of the city, and pass a background check through the PICS. You fill out the application, pay a $20 fee, and wait for the Gun Permit Unit to do its due diligence.
If your record is clean of felonies, specific misdemeanors, and mental health commitments, you’re legally entitled to the LTCF. This ease of access creates a bit of a false sense of security for new permit holders who think they are cleared for life.
The Character and Reputation Trap: Why It’s Harder to Keep
The real friction comes after the permit is in your wallet. Under 18 Pa. C.S. § 6109, the licensing authority has the power to revoke a license if they determine an individual’s character and reputation. Anything can suggest the permit-holder is likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Such infractions don’t have to do anything with firearms, such as:
- Involvement in a verbal altercation where the police were called.
- Repeated minor contact with law enforcement, even without an arrest.
- Inconsistencies or omissions on the original application.
- Unpaid tickets of administrative fines that the city interprets as a “disregard for the law.”
Does the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act Apply in PA?
One of the biggest points of confusion for PA gun owners is the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. While federal versions of this act are frequently debated in Congress, national reciprocity isn’t the law of the land.
PA does recognize permits from other states, but only through specific state-level reciprocity agreements signed by the Attorney General. If you’re a PA resident, you must have a PA-issued LTCF to carry concealed within the state. If you’re caught carrying an out-of-state permit while living in PA, you face the same felony charges as someone with no permit at all. This is why the assistance of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is important.
Caught Across State Lines: How We Protect Your Rights
The danger doesn’t just exist within the city limits. Many PA residents unknowingly cross into neighboring states like New Jersey, New York, or Maryland, where gun laws are drastically different. A single wrong turn with a firearm in your vehicle can turn a law-abiding citizen into a defendant facing mandatory prison time.
This is where Logue Law Group becomes an essential ally. Specializing in firearms law, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers understand the intricate web of interstate reciprocity. If you’re caught carrying in another state, we provide the aggressive defense needed to mitigate the damage. We also protect your PA permit from being revoked back home as a result of the incident.
A minor interstate mistake can lead to a permanent loss of your rights. So, having a seasoned Pittsburgh criminal lawyer who specializes in the Second Amendment is non-negotiable. Call us at 412-387-6901 or email us at sean@seanloguelaw.com for a consultation today.