State Line Firearm Rules: What You Must Know If You Carry a PA Permit
Inhabitants of Pennsylvania might carry a concealed firearm if they have the correct license. Carrying a concealed firearm in another state may be a different story.
Several states share reciprocity regarding concealed carry permits. Pennsylvania has reciprocity with many states. It’s crucial to know which states share reciprocity and which don’t. In many cases, if you get caught with a concealed weapon, you can get arrested. You will need an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side.
But first, let’s talk about reciprocity and how you can navigate it when you travel.
The Issue of Reciprocity
The situation isn’t black and white. Some states share reciprocity, and some don’t. Some don’t need a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Some don’t share reciprocity, but let Pennsylvania’s gun owners apply for a permit to carry concealed firearms. Some states might not allow that. However, if you’re arrested, that lacks reciprocity, you need help from our legal team at Logue Law Group and an attorney from the other state.
States That Share Reciprocity with PA
The issue of reciprocity is tricky to sort through. Here are the states that allow gun owners from PA to carry concealed firearms if they have the proper permit:
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
If your licence is valid in PA, it might be valid in the abovementioned states. You don’t need to apply for a separate permit to carry a firearm. However, it’s important to remember that these laws are always subject to change. If you’re planning to travel to any of these states with your concealed weapon, discuss it with a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
States That Don’t Share Reciprocity with PA
Your licence to carry a concealed weapon in PA will not work in certain states. You might need extra licensing from the new state before entering it with a firearm. These states include:
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Washington
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- California
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
States That Don’t Need a Concealed Carry Permit
Certain states don’t require anyone to have a concealed carry permit. If you own your firearm legally, you can carry it. However, this still doesn’t allow you to carry your firearm everywhere all the time. Every state may have varied limitations on how and where a firearm can be carried. Again, consult with your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer before carrying a firearm to another state.
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Alaska
Penalties of Concealed Firearms in States Without Reciprocity
The penalties for carrying a concealed firearm differ from state to state. A PA permit isn’t valid everywhere. The possible penalties depend on whichever state you commit the violation. Usually, weapon charges tend to be severe.
It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer may be able to persuade the authorities to let you go with a warning if you’re caught carrying a firearm, wrongfully thinking your PA permit was valid in the other state. A gun owner who’s not dangerous and responsible may manage to avoid severe penalties. However, those without any permits have a higher chance of facing harsh consequences.
A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you sort out the concealed carry laws of PA. However, for example, if you get caught in California, which doesn’t have reciprocity with PA, you need an attorney from California on your side, too. To know more, don’t forget to send your queries to sean@seanloguelaw.com.