Gun control is a highly debated issue among people in Philadelphia. People on both sides of the issue are very passionate about their position. However, people still have the right to possess firearms. There are many regulations on who can own them and the steps one must take to buy them. This is also true for those who sell guns as well. A Philadelphia resident cannot simply sell guns to the public without the proper licensing.
Three men from Philadelphia were recently charged for allegedly selling stolen guns out of their home in West Philadelphia. The men were charged at the federal level and, according to the FBI, the three men stole the guns from other states, transported them to Philadelphia and began selling them. The men allegedly received $26,000 by selling the stolen guns.
The men are charged with illegal firearm sales as well as other crimes. These men face very serious penalties if they are convicted for the crimes, including lengthy prison sentences. However, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the men are guilty of the crime before they can be convicted and sentenced. Also, just like in any criminal proceeding, there may also be defenses available to the accused, which could be used to suppress evidence and otherwise prove their innocence.
Many people in Philadelphia own guns. Some do so legally and others do so illegally. However, simply being charged with a gun offense, as these three men have, does not mean that they are in fact guilty. Defenses may be available, but defenses tend to be fact specific. Therefore, it is very important to understand the law and the defenses to ensure one’s rights are protected.
Source: Philly Voice, “Philadelphia men charged with selling 32 stolen guns” John Kopp, July 15, 2016
