How is possession of a firearm graded if it was intended or used in the commission of a crime?

When a firearm is possessed with the intention of being used in the commission of a crime, the grading of that possession is typically taken very seriously under law. In this context, a misdemeanor of the first degree is assigned to reflect the increased severity of the offense. This classification recognizes that the use or intended use of a firearm in committing a crime poses a significant threat to public safety and carry significant legal consequences.

Grading firearm possession as a misdemeanor of the first degree emphasizes the serious nature of the offense and serves as a strong deterrent against the use of firearms in criminal activities. It often results in harsher penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment, proportional to the risks and harms associated with such behavior.

In contrast, lesser charges such as a third-degree misdemeanor, felony, or summary violation would imply a less severe level of intent or risk associated with the firearm's use in a criminal context, which does not adequately capture the serious implications of using a firearm while committing a crime.