The Cost of Carrying a Gun at Philadelphia International Airport
For the past few years, a disturbing trend has caused Philadelphia International Airport officials to be on high alert at all times. There has been a substantial increase in firearm confiscation by airport security! And this has naturally increased the number of arrests and legal complications for those committing inadvertent errors as well.
Let’s take a closer look.
The Rise of Firearm Confiscation Cases
According to reports from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), firearm confiscation cases have increased at an alarming rate over the last few years.
For instance, in the year 2017, a total of 35 guns were confiscated by the airport security authorities of Philadelphia. But the total number significantly decreased in 2020, mainly because of the travel restrictions for the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, right after the long quarantine, the numbers seemed to jump up again! In 2021, a whopping 39 firearms were confiscated from Philadelphia International Airport. The number rose to 44 in 2022, and 2023 was a record-setting year where the authorities caught hold of 45 guns. In fact, a 2023 report from TSA suggests that on average, nearly 18 guns are found across U.S airport checkpoints per day, with most of the firearms being fully loaded!
What’s the Most Common Reason for this Issue?
Other than the people who attempt to carry firearms illegally, here are some of the most common reasons behind the increasing confiscation of firearms-
- Pure inadvertent error/ lack of awareness
- Not clearly understanding/ misinterpreting the rules to carry firearms
But, no matter how inadvertent an error it is, if you’re caught with a firearm during the security check, you will face detention and stiff penalties for bringing a concealed firearm inside the airport. And this applies to the ones who have/ don’t have permits to carry concealed weapons!
What are the Charges and Penalties You Could Face?
If in any way you get caught with a loaded firearm at the Philadelphia International Airport, here are some of the charges that you could face-
- Possession of a Firearm without a permit
- Possession of a Firearm by a prohibited individual
- Carrying Firearms in public places or on public property
- Disorderly conduct
Now, if you’ve been caught up in this mess, you can face a prison sentence, along with a criminal gun conviction.
On top of that, there are civil penalties that the TSA imposes on such type of offenders. This includes a significant fine and exclusion from certain expedited screening programmes. Added to that, your gun is surely going to get confiscated!
What to do if You’re Detained?
What if you made the mistake of not reading the regulations to fly with firearms? Would you be at the mercy of the TSA or the airport police?
Of course not! In fact, if your firearm has been confiscated, don’t ever try to talk with these officials, as anything you say might be held against you. Therefore, only a qualified and experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, with a thorough knowledge of gun laws, can help in resolving this complicated situation.
So, if you’re ever caught up in this mess, don’t hesitate and seek help from our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers from the Logue Law Group ASAP! Our professionals have profound knowledge of gun laws and can help reduce the charges or even dismiss the case entirely. Just place a call at 844.PITT.DUI for any further enquiries.