Pennsylvania Mayors Pledge to Enact Strict Gun Laws

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter enacted controversial gun laws in the city, earlier this year, three of which were upheld as constitutional by Common Pleas Court Judge Jane Cutler-Greenspan. The laws, which are stricter than Pennsylvania State gun laws, require gun owners to report lost or stolen guns within 24-hours of discovering their disappearance, impose criminal penalties for failing to do so, and also restrict unstable individuals and individuals subject to an order of protection from owning guns. Following Philadelphia’s lead, a coalition of regional mayors which includes Mayor Nutter and the Mayors of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Lancaster, Reading, Pottsville, and York pledged to introduce legislation which would impose possible fines and/or jail time for failing to report a lost or stolen firearm.

The announcement, which took place this week during a news conference held at Philadelphia’s City Hall, was hoped to put pressure on the state legislature to enact statewide gun laws. All of the Mayors agreed to propose legislation within the next few weeks for their respective cities, and all also said that they are prepared to be sued; just as in Philadelphia where proposed legislation was challenged by the National Rifle Association before being upheld in part. Under the Philadelphia legislation which was upheld, failure to report lost or stolen firearms can result in a fine of up to $1,900 and 90 days in jail. Several attempts to pass statewide legislation for gun control have failed recently, however, a bill increasing penalties for “straw” purchases, or legal purchases of firearms which are then delivered illegally to felons, passed the House in April of this year. Mayor Nutter hopes to expand the coalition of Mayors to include other Pennsylvania cities such as Erie, Pittsburgh, and Williamsport.

With gun laws ever changing both locally and nationally, it is extremely important to seek the expertise of an experienced criminal defense attorney when charged with a gun-related offense. An experienced criminal defense attorney has the skill to interpret the changing laws and develop the best available defense to your charges. If you have been charged with a gun-related offense, contact the Law Offices of Marc Neff immediately.