Protecting our children is the fundamental reason many of us own and carry our firearms. Securing those firearms in our homes is just as important as understanding how to use them in the outside world. Let’s take a look at the laws in your state regarding securing firearms from children.

Criminal Liability

There are no laws that say you have to lock up your firearms from children. The two potential charges that we see are recklessly endangering another person (a misdemeanor of the second degree in Pennsylvania), and endangering the welfare of children (a knowing disregard type of standard which is difficult to prove).

Civil Liability

Under Pennsylvania law, it’s pretty clear that a parent is liable if the minor child uses a gun if negligence on part of the parents results in the injury.

Common sense rules at the end of the day. Let’s be safe, because children are very important.

If you have any questions about the legality of storing your firearms, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to an Independent Program Attorney.