A common question for those who have recently moved to the Commonwealth or are new hunters is “Can I carry a firearm for self-defense while hunting?” The answer is yes! Section 2525 of the PA Game code provides that: “It is lawful for…any person who possesses a valid license to carry a firearm…to be in … Continue reading Can I carry a firearm for self-defense while hunting?
Opening Day for Antlered Deer in Pennsylvania
Today marks opening day for antlered deer here in Pennsylvania. Hundreds of hunters take to the woods to fill their freezers for the year to come or to find that trophy deer. Every year, individuals are charged with violating the game code. I previously blogged that the PA Game Commission Officers (GCOs) and Wildlife Conservation … Continue reading Opening Day for Antlered Deer in Pennsylvania
A Brief Overview of the Criminal Process
After charges are filed, a date will be set for the preliminary arraignment. One will also have to be fingerprinted and photographed. At the preliminary arraignment the Magisterial District Justice will inform you of the charges against you, advise you of a right to an attorney, set bail, and give you a copy of the … Continue reading A Brief Overview of the Criminal Process
I left my firearm in my suitcase, I do have a permit to carry, and was arrested at Philadelphia International Airport and charged, now what?
First of all, be thankful that this occurred in Philadelphia. Being the ex-Thin Line Blue, a Professional Philadelphia Police Officer, long ago, we preferred real crime, which is why you are only being charged a summary, for it could have been much worse. A summary offense on the totem pole of charges is the very … Continue reading I left my firearm in my suitcase, I do have a permit to carry, and was arrested at Philadelphia International Airport and charged, now what?
Black Aces Tactical, the SigTac SB15 arm brace and ATF’s misguided determination letter
On November 14th Black Aces Tactical received a determination letter from the Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch (FTISB) regarding their recent submission of what at first glance appears to be a SBS or AOW. Black Aces Tactical was hoping to have the item classified as a “firearm” thus removing it from the purview of NFA … Continue reading Black Aces Tactical, the SigTac SB15 arm brace and ATF’s misguided determination letter
Berks County Sheriff Weaknecht No Longer Requiring References on LTCF Applications!
It was announced today that the Berks County Sheriff's Department will no longer require references for a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). I have long contended that requiring references on the application is a violation of the confidentiality provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. 6111(g)(3.1) and (i), as merely calling the reference, even without disclosing that the … Continue reading Berks County Sheriff Weaknecht No Longer Requiring References on LTCF Applications!
HB 80 Litigation – Dechert, LLP Representing the Cities Pro-Bono?
As many are aware, yesterday, Senator Daylin Leach, Senator Vincent J. Hughes, Senator Lawrence M. Farnese, Representative Cherelle L. Parker, Representative Edward C. Gainey, the City of Philadelphia, the City of Pittsburgh, and the City of Lancaster filed suit in the Commonwealth Court against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Speaker of the House Samuel H. Smith, … Continue reading HB 80 Litigation – Dechert, LLP Representing the Cities Pro-Bono?
Corbett signs bill granting Conservation Officers use of body cameras
A new development in the Fish and Game code grants Waterway Conservation Officers (WCO), Game Commission Officers (GCO) and Wildlife Conservation Officers (WLCO) (but not their deputies) the ability to wear body cameras in the performance of their official duties. The new law requires that the individual must have received training on the use of … Continue reading Corbett signs bill granting Conservation Officers use of body cameras
HB 80 Signed by Governor Corbett
Yesterday, Governor Corbett signed HB 80, which amended 18 Pa.C.S. § 6120, our firearm preemption statute, in several keys ways. Section (A.2) now provides: A person adversely affected by an ordinance, a resolution, regulation, rule, practice or any other action promulgated or enforced by a county, municipality or township prohibited under subsection (a) or 53 … Continue reading HB 80 Signed by Governor Corbett
Settlement APPROVED in Philadelphia Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Disclosure of Confidential LTCF Information
I am proud to announce that today, Judge Jacqueline Allen signed a Final Order approving the settlement that was reached with the City of Philadelphia in the matter of John Doe, et al., v. City of Philadelphia, et al, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas docket no. 121203785, stemming from the City's posting and disclosing of … Continue reading Settlement APPROVED in Philadelphia Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Disclosure of Confidential LTCF Information