In Cumberland County, possessing a firearm with a scratched-off or altered serial number is a major red flag for law enforcement—and can land you with a serious first-degree misdemeanor under 18 Pa.C.S. § 6117. But prosecutors often stack this charge with felonies, making the stakes even higher.
What Does the Law Say?
It is illegal in Pennsylvania to possess a firearm with the manufacturer’s serial number removed, defaced, or altered. It doesn’t matter whether:
- You didn’t alter the number
- You didn’t know it was altered
- The firearm wasn’t loaded or used
Penalties Include:
- Up to 5 years in jail
- $10,000 in fines
- Additional felony charges if linked to drugs, theft, or other gun crimes
Cumberland County Context:
We’ve defended clients arrested during traffic stops on I-81, warrant searches in Carlisle, or during gun store inspections. These cases are often linked to larger investigations, and prosecutors don’t hesitate to push for prison time.
Our Legal Strategy
We focus on knowledge and intent—the law requires that the prosecution prove you knew or should have known the serial number was altered. We also challenge unlawful searches and seizures, as many of these arrests result from questionable police conduct.
Caught with a defaced firearm in Cumberland County? Call The McShane Firm. Your defense starts now.
Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:
- Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
- Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
- Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.
This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.
