Franklin Legal Issues Blog

Firearms law involves more than just one's Second Amendment right to bear arms. In addition to civil rights, it also cross-sects with criminal defense, estate planning and other areas of law. Therefore, if a person in Pennsylvania is facing legal problems with regards to possessing a firearm, it is important to seek the assistance of one familiar with the many different types of firearm legal issues.

For example, a person might be facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm, or they may be accused of committing a crime with the use of a firearm. Alternatively, a person may have been the subject of a protective order preventing them from owning a firearm. Certain mental illnesses or having a criminal record could also sometimes make it difficult for a person to obtain a firearm or concealed carry permit. If a person is denied the right to possess a firearm, it is important that they understand why. And, firearms can have a great deal of family value, but passing them on in a will or trust is more complex than passing on other kinds of assets.

Halloween has passed and before we know it, Thanksgiving and even Christmas will be here. All of these holidays make this time of year one of celebration. Many people will go to parties where alcohol is served. Of course, most people drink responsibly. However, even responsible motorists could still be accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, and newly enacted legislation has increased the potential penalties those accused of DUI may face.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf recently signed into law a piece of legislation that would impose harsher penalties on those who are convicted of DUI. Prior to this legislation, a person's third DUI conviction was a misdemeanor offense. Now, a third DUI will be prosecuted as a felony crime. In addition, prior to this legislation, those convicted of vehicular homicide while DUI would be imprisoned for three years. Now that prison term has been lengthened to five years.

Some individuals worry that when divorce proceedings begin, they will be unable to sustain themselves during the process without access to their spouse's income. Because you stayed at home and raised your children, you may not have the ability to find employment quickly.

Support exists in Pennsylvania called alimony pendente lite, which translates to, "alimony pending litigation". During your divorce depositions, hearings and process, you may have the ability to obtain income from your spouse through alimony payments. This support ensures that no individual spouse proves detrimentally affected by divorce proceedings, even if he or she has never held a job. It is essential, when dealing with alimony and spousal support, that you hire an experienced divorce attorney to help you in obtaining maximum alimony pendente lite during divorce litigation.

Autumn means hunting season is on the horizon. Hunting with a firearm, whether it is for deer, pheasants or other game animals, is a hobby that many people enjoy and look forward to it each year. However, to hunt with a firearm, a person must have a sportsman's firearm permit.

A sportsman's firearm permit can be issued to a person age 18 or above who has a license to hunt, trap or fish. There is an application and fee, and the permit is valid for five years. The permit allows a person to carry a firearm if they are in the act of hunting, fur taking, fishing or is traveling to and from areas where they are going to carry out these activities.