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Firearm Bail Bonds
24/7 Firearm Charge Bail Assistance in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania firearm-related arrests may involve allegations about carrying without a license, prohibited possession, firearm transfers, or other criminal conduct. These allegations do not all carry the same offense classification.
Center City Bail Bonds provides 24/7 assistance to families throughout Philadelphia and our five-county service area. We can help you understand known court release requirements and discuss professional bail arrangements when available.
We do not determine firearm licensing rights or provide criminal defense representation.
Firearm Charges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act, Subchapter A of Chapter 61 of the Crimes Code, contains several separate offenses with different elements, exceptions, and grades.
Possessing, carrying, transferring, and using a firearm can each raise different legal issues. Not every firearm allegation is a felony, and the specific subsection and circumstances determine the grade.
Firearms can also be alleged as part of other offenses, which are graded under their own statutes.
Types of Firearm Charges
Common firearm-related allegations. A charge is an allegation, and the grade in any case comes from the charging documents.
Carrying Without a License
18 Pa.C.S. § 6106
Section 6106(a) covers carrying a firearm in a vehicle, or concealed on or about the person outside their home or fixed place of business, without a valid license. Section 6106(b) lists exceptions.
Charge Classification
Generally a third-degree felony. It is a first-degree misdemeanor when the person is otherwise eligible for a license and has committed no other criminal violation.
Possession by a Prohibited Person
18 Pa.C.S. § 6105
Qualifying convictions, certain court orders, and other listed circumstances can prohibit a person from possessing, using, controlling, or transferring a firearm.
Charge Classification
Penalties vary. Under § 6105(a.1), a person with an enumerated felony or drug felony conviction generally faces a second-degree felony, and a first-degree felony in specified circumstances. Other prohibitions carry different grades.
Philadelphia Firearm Restrictions
18 Pa.C.S. § 6108
The statute addresses carrying a firearm on public streets or public property in a city of the first class, which is Philadelphia, unless the person is licensed or exempt.
Charge Classification
Pennsylvania appellate courts have addressed constitutional challenges to § 6108, including its application to unlicensed open carry in Philadelphia in Commonwealth v. Sumpter (2025). The effect of those decisions depends on the facts and applicable case law. A qualified Pennsylvania attorney should review any case-specific challenge.
Firearm Sale or Transfer Violations
18 Pa.C.S. § 6111
Covers knowingly unlawful firearm sales or transfers and materially false statements or identification in connection with a purchase or transfer.
Charge Classification
Grades vary by subsection, from a second-degree misdemeanor under § 6111(g)(1) to third-degree felonies under provisions such as § 6111(g)(2) and (g)(4).
Weapons on School Property
18 Pa.C.S. § 912
Covers possessing a weapon, including a firearm, in the buildings or on the grounds of an elementary or secondary school, or on school transportation.
Charge Classification
A first-degree misdemeanor. It is a defense that the weapon was possessed for a lawful supervised school activity or other lawful purpose.
Firearms in Other Criminal Allegations
18 Pa.C.S. §§ 2702, 3701
A firearm may be alleged in connection with aggravated assault, robbery, or other offenses. Possessing a firearm does not by itself prove any of those offenses.
Charge Classification
Each charge is graded under its own statute. See our Assault and Robbery Bail Bonds guides.
Pennsylvania Firearm Charge Penalties
Grade and penalty depend on the exact subsection charged. There is no single sentencing chart for gun charges.
Misdemeanor Firearm Allegations
e.g. §§ 912, 6106(a)(2), 6111(g)(1)
Some firearm offenses, or some circumstances within them, are graded as misdemeanors.
Felony Firearm Allegations
e.g. §§ 6105, 6106(a)(1), 6111(g)(4)
Other provisions are graded as felonies, from third-degree up to first-degree in specified § 6105 circumstances.
Statutory Exceptions and Enhancements
e.g. §§ 6106(b), 912(c), 6105(a.1)
Exceptions, defenses, and sentencing enhancements written into the statutes can change how a case is treated.
- Sentencing is separate from bail. Nothing here predicts a sentence or a bail amount.
Official sources:18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(opens in a new tab)18 Pa.C.S. § 6106(opens in a new tab)
Types of Bail in Pennsylvania
Rule 524 lists the forms of release a bail authority may order. The court sets conditions individually in every firearm case.
Release on Recognizance
Release on a written promise to appear in court and follow the bail conditions, with no money required.
Release on Nonmonetary Conditions
Release on recognizance plus conditions set by the court, such as reporting requirements or travel restrictions. Rule 527 describes these conditions.
Unsecured Bail
The person agrees to be liable for a set amount if they fail to appear or follow conditions, but nothing is deposited at release.
Nominal Bail
Release after depositing a nominal amount, such as one dollar, with a designated person or organization acting as surety.
Monetary Bail
Release after depositing the full amount or another security the court accepts. A professional bail bond is one way to meet a monetary condition when the court permits it.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 524 (Types of Release on Bail)(opens in a new tab)
How Much Does Firearm Bail Cost?
There is no universal bail amount for firearm charges in Pennsylvania, and the type of firearm does not set one.
The bail authority applies the Rule 523 criteria, such as the nature of the offense, prior record, and community ties. Rule 528 says any monetary amount must be no greater than necessary and account for financial ability.
A court-authorized percentage deposit is different from a professional bail bond arrangement.
Pennsylvania Bail Calculator
Enter a court-ordered monetary bail amount to see the full amount and an illustrative 10% court deposit. The result is not a firearm bond fee and does not determine eligibility for release.
Pennsylvania Bail Calculator
Full Monetary Bail
$10,000.00
Example 10% Court Deposit
$1,000.00
Illustration Only. Requires Court Authorization.
This calculator provides an example only. The court determines bail and whether a percentage deposit is allowed. It does not estimate bail bond company fees, guarantee release, or represent a payment quote. Contact Center City Bail Bonds to discuss your situation.
Get Bail HelpCourt-Ordered Bail
The bail authority decides whether monetary bail applies and sets any amount.
Charge and Safety Considerations
The statute charged and safety concerns are part of the picture, but they do not set a figure.
Court Percentage Deposits
A court may allow an eligible percentage deposit under Rule 528 when it authorizes one.
Professional Bail Bond Arrangements
A professional surety arrangement may involve fees, collateral, or cosigner obligations set out in writing.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 523 (Release Criteria)(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 528 (Monetary Condition of Release)(opens in a new tab)
Firearm Bail Bond Payment Options
Relevant only when monetary bail is set. Approval and terms are never guaranteed in advance.
Payment Arrangements
We can discuss available arrangements once a bail order is known and the bond is approved.
Collateral
Collateral requirements depend on the approved arrangement and its written terms.
Cosigners
A cosigner may be responsible if the defendant does not appear. Read the agreement carefully.
Written Bond Terms
Every fee and obligation should be in writing. Review the terms before you sign.
Firearm Bail Conditions
These factors shape release and conditions in a firearm case.
Charge Classification
Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony is part of the nature of the offense under Rule 523.
Criminal History
Prior record matters to the release decision and can also affect the charge itself under § 6105.
Court Appearance Requirements
Every form of release requires attending each scheduled court date.
Public Safety Considerations
The court considers safety when choosing conditions, and in rare cases whether bail is available.
Court-Ordered Restrictions
Conditions under Rule 527 can include restrictions such as not possessing firearms while on release.
Separate Warrants or Holds
An open warrant or detainer from another matter can prevent release on the firearm case.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 527(opens in a new tab)
What Happens After a Firearm Arrest?
A typical sequence for a custodial arrest. Procedures vary by county.
Step 1: Arrest and Investigation
Police investigate and may arrest with or without a warrant.
Step 2: Booking and Processing
Processing usually includes fingerprints, photographs, and records checks.
Step 3: Preliminary Arraignment
The defendant appears before an issuing authority under Rule 540 and receives the complaint.
Step 4: Bail and Release Conditions
The issuing authority decides the type of release and any conditions.
Step 5: Release and Court Responsibilities
Once conditions are met and no hold applies, the person is released and must attend every date.
No release time is guaranteed.
How Firearm Bail Bonds Work
What you and Center City do together when monetary bail has been set.
For the general process in any case, see How Bail Bonds Work in Pennsylvania.
Need help understanding the bail process?
Get Bail HelpStep 1: Tell Us About the Arrest
Share the person's name, county, and where they are held. Please do not share details about the alleged offense.
Step 2: Confirm the Court's Bail Order
We check the type of release, any amount, and any conditions or holds.
Step 3: Review Available Bond Options
If monetary bail applies, we explain whether a professional bond arrangement may be available.
Step 4: Complete an Authorized Arrangement
Review the written terms, complete paperwork, and follow the posting procedure.
Step 5: Understand Court Responsibilities
The defendant must appear in court and follow every condition. Cosigners should know their obligations.
Firearm Bail Bonds FAQs
Answers to common questions about firearm bail bonds in Pennsylvania.
Generally, yes. The Pennsylvania Constitution provides a general right to bail with specified exceptions, and the court decides release in each case.
There is no fixed amount. When monetary bail is set, the court applies the Rule 523 criteria and the Rule 528 limits.
No. Under § 6106 it is generally a third-degree felony, but a first-degree misdemeanor when the person is otherwise eligible for a license and has committed no other criminal violation.
A charge under § 6105 that someone possessed, used, controlled, or transferred a firearm while legally prohibited, for example because of certain convictions or court orders.
Yes. Some firearm offenses, such as § 912 and certain § 6106 and § 6111 circumstances, are misdemeanors.
Carrying a firearm in a vehicle, or concealed on or about the person outside their home or fixed place of business, without a valid license, subject to the exceptions in § 6106(b).
Section 6108 addresses carrying a firearm on public streets or public property in Philadelphia without a license or exemption. Pennsylvania appellate courts have addressed constitutional challenges to it, including its application to unlicensed open carry. The effect of those decisions depends on the facts and applicable case law, so a qualified Pennsylvania attorney should review any case-specific challenge.
Often, yes. Prior record is one factor the court weighs, and it may also affect the charge itself, but it does not automatically bar release.
No. A bail bond does not grant or restore any firearm right, and release conditions may prohibit firearm possession.
Only within the constitutional exceptions, as applied by the court. A bail company cannot override a denial.
We can discuss currently available arrangements once monetary bail is set. Fees and obligations are confirmed in the written agreement.
Our service area includes Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks and Chester Counties, and our Philadelphia team is available 24 hours a day. Detailed local guides on this site cover Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester Counties.
Counties We Serve
Center City Bail Bonds provides firearm charge bail assistance from its Philadelphia office. Detailed county guides cover Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester Counties.
Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)
Pennsylvania
View Philadelphia County
Delaware County
Pennsylvania
View Delaware County
Montgomery County
Pennsylvania
View Montgomery County
Chester County
Pennsylvania
View Chester County
Need Help With a Firearm Bail Bond?
Firearm charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and the bail order sets what release requires. Our team can help you understand it, 24 hours a day.
1238 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 · (215) 870-8197
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Center City Bail Bonds
1238 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
24/7 bail assistance