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Weapons Bail Bonds
24/7 Weapons Charge Bail Assistance in Philadelphia
Weapons-related arrests in Pennsylvania may involve allegations concerning prohibited offensive weapons, possessing instruments of crime, weapons in restricted locations, or the unlawful use of certain devices. The offense classification depends on the particular statute and circumstances.
Center City Bail Bonds provides 24/7 assistance to families throughout Philadelphia and our five-county Pennsylvania service area. Our team can help you review known bail requirements and discuss available bond arrangements when authorized by the court.
Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has several weapons statutes rather than one weapons offense. They include possessing instruments of crime, prohibited offensive weapons, unlawful use of electric or electronic incapacitation devices, weapons on school property, and dangerous weapons in court facilities. A weapons allegation may also accompany a separate criminal charge.
Not every weapon-related allegation is a felony. Several of these offenses are misdemeanors, and one courthouse provision is a summary offense. Lawful possession, statutory exceptions, intent, location, and the specific conduct alleged can all change whether an offense applies and how it is graded.
Firearm licensing, carrying, and prohibited-person laws are covered on our Firearm Bail Bonds page. A charge is an allegation, not a finding of guilt, and the court decides bail separately.
Types of Weapons Charges
Each card reflects the statute's own grading. The grade in a real case comes from the charging documents.
Possessing Instruments of Crime
18 Pa.C.S. § 907(a)
Possessing an instrument of crime with intent to employ it criminally. The statute defines an instrument of crime as something specially made or adapted for criminal use, or something used for criminal purposes in circumstances not manifestly appropriate for its lawful uses. Owning an ordinary tool does not by itself establish this offense.
Charge Classification
Misdemeanor of the first degree.
Concealed Weapon With Criminal Intent
18 Pa.C.S. § 907(b)
Possessing a firearm or other weapon concealed on the person with intent to employ it criminally. The required criminal intent is an element of the offense.
Charge Classification
Misdemeanor of the first degree.
Prohibited Offensive Weapons
18 Pa.C.S. § 908
Making, repairing, selling, dealing in, using, or possessing an offensive weapon as the statute defines it, such as metal knuckles, a blackjack, or another implement for serious bodily injury that serves no common lawful purpose. The statute lists defenses and exemptions, and not every knife, tool, or self-defense device is covered.
Charge Classification
Misdemeanor of the first degree under § 908(a).
Electric or Electronic Incapacitation Devices
18 Pa.C.S. § 908.1
Using a stun device on another person for an unlawful purpose, possessing one with intent to do so, or possession by a person prohibited from possessing firearms under § 6105. The statute permits reasonable self-defense use of a properly labeled device and exempts listed officials.
Charge Classification
Generally a first-degree misdemeanor. A subsection (a) offense committed with intent to commit a felony is a second-degree felony.
Dangerous Weapons in Court Facilities
18 Pa.C.S. § 913
Knowingly possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a court facility, or causing one to be present. Courthouses must post notice and provide lockers for checking weapons, and a conviction under (a)(1) generally requires that notice was posted or that the person had actual notice.
Charge Classification
Third-degree misdemeanor under (a)(1); first-degree misdemeanor with intent to use the weapon in a crime under (a)(2); a summary offense for a licensed carrier who failed to check the firearm.
Weapons on School Property
18 Pa.C.S. § 912
Possessing a weapon in the buildings or on the grounds of an elementary or secondary school, or on school transportation. The statute provides a defense for possession for a lawful purpose. Firearm-specific issues are covered on our Firearm Bail Bonds page.
Charge Classification
Misdemeanor of the first degree.
Pennsylvania Weapons Charge Penalties
Classification depends on the exact statutory provision. These are grades, not sentences, and they are not bail amounts.
Misdemeanor Weapons Charges
§§ 907, 908, 912, 913
Most offenses on this page are first-degree misdemeanors, and § 913(a)(1) is a third-degree misdemeanor.
Felony Weapons Charges
§§ 907(c), 908.1(d)
Using or wearing body armor during a felony is a third-degree felony, and unlawful stun device use with intent to commit a felony is a second-degree felony.
Statutory Exceptions and Defenses
§§ 908(b), 908.1(b), 912, 913(c)
Curio, self-defense, lawful-purpose, and official-duty provisions can mean no offense applies.
- Weapons charges filed alongside another offense are graded separately. Sentencing is a separate question from pretrial bail.
Official sources:18 Pa.C.S. § 907(opens in a new tab)18 Pa.C.S. § 908(opens in a new tab)18 Pa.C.S. § 913(opens in a new tab)
Types of Bail in Pennsylvania
Rule 524 lists the forms of release a bail authority may order. The court determines whether monetary or nonmonetary conditions apply in a weapons 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 Weapons Bail Cost?
Pennsylvania does not establish one standard monetary bail amount for weapons charges.
The bail authority applies the Rule 523 release 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 must account for the defendant's 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 an example of a court-authorized percentage deposit, not a weapons charge bail prediction or a professional bond fee.
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 any 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 Bonds
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)
Weapons 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.
Weapons Charge Bail Conditions
A weapons charge does not automatically remove the right to bail. These factors shape what the court requires.
Offense Classification
Whether the charge is summary, misdemeanor, or felony is part of the nature of the offense under Rule 523.
Criminal History
Prior record is one of the release criteria the bail authority weighs.
Public Safety Considerations
The court may consider safety concerns when choosing release conditions.
Court Appearance Requirements
Every scheduled court date must be attended, and appearance history matters.
Court-Ordered Restrictions
Conditions may include giving up weapons, stay-away terms, or reporting requirements.
Other Holds or Warrants
A detainer or open warrant from another matter can prevent release.
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 Weapons 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. Some weapons offenses begin with a citation instead.
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 Determination
The issuing authority decides the type of release and any conditions, or denial where the law allows.
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 Weapons 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 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 Release Responsibilities
The defendant must appear in court and follow every condition, including any weapons restrictions.
Weapons Bail Bonds FAQs
Answers to common questions about weapons bail bonds in Pennsylvania.
Generally, yes. Article I, Section 14 provides a general right to bail with specified exceptions, and the court decides release in each case.
There is no set amount. When monetary bail is ordered, the court applies the Rule 523 criteria and the Rule 528 limits.
No. Under § 908(a) it is a first-degree misdemeanor, and the statute includes defenses and exemptions.
Under § 907(a), it is possessing an instrument of crime with intent to employ it criminally. It is a first-degree misdemeanor, and owning an ordinary tool is not enough on its own.
No. Most offenses on this page are misdemeanors and one courthouse provision is summary. Some, like body armor use during a felony, are felonies.
Yes. Section 908.1 covers unlawful use, possession with intent to use unlawfully, and possession by a person barred from firearms. It also allows reasonable self-defense use of a properly labeled device.
Section 913 prohibits knowingly bringing a firearm or dangerous weapon into a court facility, with exceptions. Courthouses must post notice and provide lockers for checking weapons.
Firearm charges under Chapter 61 involve licensing, carrying, and prohibited persons. Weapons charges in Chapter 9 cover instruments of crime, offensive weapons, stun devices, and restricted locations. Our Firearm Bail Bonds page covers firearm charges.
No. Bail does not restore any right or remove a legal restriction, and courts often set weapons conditions.
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 weapons 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 Weapons Bail Bond?
Weapons charges vary widely in grade and conditions. Our team can help you understand the court's bail order and what release requires, 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