Concealing a Firearm Can be a Crime?

If you're a gun owner, listen up: carrying your firearm concealed without a permit could land you in a lot of trouble! The fact is, in virtually every state, carrying a concealed gun without a permit can lead to felony criminal charges, years in prison and thousands of dollars in fees and fines.






What's the Big Deal?

Concealed carry laws are in place mainly to protect law enforcement. The thinking behind these laws is that someone with a concealed weapon can cause serious injury or death to a law enforcement officer, if the officer is unaware that the person has a firearm. In addition, most criminals choose to conceal weapons when committing robberies and other crimes, so concealed carry laws have been enacted in an attempt to cut down on these types of incidents.

Are These Laws Working?

While there is a debate to over whether concealed carry laws actually work to deter criminals from carrying guns, innocent citizens are getting caught in the crossfire. In fact, one of the most common problems that citizens who are legally carrying a concealed firearm run into is the issue of reciprocity. Reciprocity regarding concealed carry permits is based on state statutes, and not all states have reciprocity with other states. This means that you may be able to legally carry a concealed gun in Wisconsin via a Wisconsin-issued permit, but you can not legally conceal a weapon in Florida using your permit, as Florida does not have reciprocity with Wisconsin.

Have You Been Arrested?

If you've found yourself arrested for a concealed firearm, it's important to examine your legal options at once. As mentioned, many people find themselves in trouble with the police for concealed carry simply because they were unaware of the laws in a specific state. Partnering with a criminal defense lawyer is a good first step in defending your rights, and a criminal defense lawyer can also represent you in court to explain how you simply made a mistake.

According to our attorneys at www.orlandocriminalteam.com, one of the best ways to protect yourself, is to ensure that you have reviewed the laws of any state in which you live or visit before traveling. Again, just because you have a concealed carry permit in one state, it doesn't mean that all other states will honor it. Before traveling or moving, contact your state's licensing department to speak with a representative regarding where your state has reciprocity. In addition, you should always have your concealed carry permit on you, and you need to let any law enforcement officers who approach you know immediately that you are carrying a concealed firearm and that you have a permit.

Krista Langford is a contributing author for Katz & Phillips, the Orlando lawyers who provide legal defense for clients who have been charged with firearms and weapons offenses. At www.orlandocriminalteam.com, you can see the many areas of Florida criminal defense expertise these attorneys are equipped with to provide their clients with the best possible outcome. Fight back with the help of these experienced lawyers!