The most misleading law I have run across in my career is that of the definition of "Crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year" under the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act.

If one was to look at the Pennsylvania law that governs whom may not possess a license to carry a firearm in the state of Pennsylvania, they would discover a blanket restriction against anyone “charged with or has been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" from obtaining a license to carry a firearm. (See 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6109, “Licenses”)

Almost identical language appears in the Federal Crimes Code which provides that “[i]t shall be unlawful for any person who is under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" to possess a firearm. (See 18 U.S.C. § 922(n)).

In Pennsylvania, a misdemeanor of of the second degree is punishable by imprisonment for up to two (2) years. Examples of misdemeanors of the second degree include Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and certain types of DUI offenses.

Therefore, from a review of Pennsylvania and Federal Law, if one is currently charged with or been convicted of a Pennsylvania Misdemeanor of the Second Degree they cannot buy or possess a gun, or have a license to carry a gun, right? Well, not exactly...

Here is where the confusion in the law comes into play. The definitions section of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act reads as follows: "Crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year." The term does not include any of the following: . . . (2) State offenses classified as misdemeanors and punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed two years." (See 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6102)

Likewise, the Federal Crimes Code's definitions section states that “The term “crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year” does not include— . . . (B) any State offense classified by the laws of the State as a misdemeanor and punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less." (See 18 U.S.C. 921(20)).

With these definitions in mind, a Pennsylvania misdemeanor of the second degree (punishable by up to two years in prison), would not bar someone from owning a firearm under the blanket restriction pertaining to crimes punishable by up to one year. This contradiction in the law has led to many individuals being charged with lying on a firearms form when purchasing a firearm unjustly, and has led to confusion in law enforcement, the courts, and in defense attorneys in Pennsylvania.

In fact, I currently have motion before the Court of Common Pleas of Somerset County, in which this very law and subsection is at issue.

It should be noted though that Pennsylvania and Federal Law in the realm of firearms and crimes is EXTREMELY technical, and there are many misdemeanor level offenses in Pennsylvania, including many Misdemeanors of the Second Degree that would make one ineligible to buy, own, or possess a firearm and/or a license to carry a firearm in Pennsylvania. In fact, almost all drug offenses in Pennsylvania, regardless of their grading, result in loss of the offender's firearm rights. There is also a list of enumerated offenses, regardless of grading, which result in loss of the offender's firearm rights. Also if one is on probation, they cannot possess a weapon, regardless of the offense. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone who is unsure if a prior offense, even a DUI, would bar them from buying a firearm, or obtaining a license to carry a firearm, should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney BEFORE going to the gun store or applying for the license, to avoid answering a question wrong on the forms and being charged with lying on a firearms form which is itself a felony.

Today a substantial change in DUI law took effect in Pennsylvania.  For the first time in history, a person can be charged with a Felony for driving under the influence in Pennsylvania.  Under the new law, any person who is charged with a DUI and has three or more DUI offenses within the past ten years will now be charged with a Felony of the third degree.  Also, third time DUI offenders under certain circumstances, such as a minor being present in the vehicle, will also be charged with a Felony of the third degree.  A felony of the third degree is punishable by up to seven (7) years in prison and a $10,000.00 fine.  DUIs in Pennsylvania, even certain types of first offenses, continue to carry mandatory jail/prison time under the new law.  As such seeking counsel immediately when charged with any type of DUI is imperative.