Weapon Laws - Know Before You Travel

Keeping a personal protection weapon on you is a great way to protect yourself and protect others, but unfortunately, many people each year end up facing criminal charges due to the fact that they haven't taken the time to research the specific laws of the areas in which they travel with their weapons. While it may seem as though receiving a weapons license in one state would transfer to all other states, the fact is, nothing could be further from the truth.
Different States, Different Laws
In America, carrying a weapon, whether concealed or not, is a right that is granted by the legislators and law enforcement agencies of each state. This means that an action that is legal in one state may suddenly become illegal as soon as you cross over the border into another state.
For example, in South Carolina, it is perfectly legal for gun owners to keep a loaded pistol in the glove box of their vehicles, with or without a concealed carry permit. However, as soon as South Carolina drivers cross over into neighboring North Carolina, they must place any guns onto the dashboard and keep them there until returning to South Carolina. Essentially, in South Carolina, it is illegal to openly carry a pistol, but it is perfectly fine to conceal one in your vehicle's glove box - in North Carolina, people can openly display a pistol in a vehicle, but if it is concealed in a glove box, it becomes a crime.

Penalties for Weapons Charges
Penalties for weapons violations charges can vary, but in many cases, they are very severe. Everything from an arrest to long-term imprisonment can be incurred if you don't follow the weapons laws of the state or states in which you're traveling, and these penalties are usually accompanied by costly fines and fees. According to information from www.virginia-criminallawyer.com, individuals charged with illegal weapons possession may face both jail time and fines and fees, and this can lead to huge amounts of debt and more.

How to Protect Yourself
If you plan to travel with a weapon, always make sure to research the specific laws that will apply to your situation before beginning your journey. All states have websites set up currently where you can review weapons laws and restrictions. If you're unsure after researching the laws of the areas where you'll be traveling, never hesitate to contact a law enforcement agency in the area to find out more detailed information. As mentioned, the risks involved with not doing research may become too much to bare, so never leave your situation to chance.

Finally, responsible weapon ownership is a must, regardless of where you live or travel. You need to spend time with any weapon that you choose to own in order to know exactly how it functions and what it is capable of doing. Each year, many thousands of individuals misuse weapons before they have been properly trained, and this can lead to severe injuries and even death.

If you purchase or travel with a weapon, beyond researching laws, you need to understand exactly how and why your weapon will function the way that it does, and from there, you will need to exercise caution in all of your dealings with your weapon or weapons.

Shelby Warden is a legal researcher that contributes this information to educate those who plan to travel with a weapon. If you are accused of violating the gun laws in Virginia, the criminal defense lawyers of Price Benowitz have successfully helped many clients with gun charges throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.