Violating NC Concealed Carry Weapons Law

The Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of North Carolina protect a person’s right to bear arms. However, this right is not absolute. If you wish to carry a concealed weapon in North Carolina, you must have a permit and follow other laws that govern where and how the weapon is carried. Violating NC concealed carry weapons laws can result in misdemeanor or even felony charges that could lead to severe penalties and a permanent criminal record if you are convicted.

If you are facing weapons-related charges in North Carolina, the Stowe Law Firm, PLLC can help. Criminal Defense Attorney Ryan Stowe is a fierce defender of his clients’ rights. He will analyze your situation, help you explore your options, and provide legal advice and representation at all phases of the criminal process.

Who Is Eligible for a NC Concealed Carry Weapons Permit?

In North Carolina, it is a crime to carry a concealed weapon without a concealed carry weapons permit. A concealed carry weapons permit allows a person to carry a firearm or other deadly weapons, such as a stun gun, shuriken, razor, brass knuckles, bowie knife, slingshot, or dagger in a way that conceals the weapon from others.

To obtain a concealed carry weapons permit, you must be at least 21 years old and a US citizen or permanent resident alien. In addition, you must complete a weapons training course that is at least eight hours in length, and you must have lived in North Carolina for at least 30 days before submitting the application.

Furthermore, you must not suffer from any physical or mental impairment that prevents you from safely handling a gun, must not have been convicted of an impaired driving offense within three years prior to the application date, and cannot be currently awaiting trial or sentencing for a disqualifying criminal offense.

Where Can I Carry A Concealed Weapon with a Permit?

When you have a North Carolina concealed carry permit, you can carry a concealed weapon in state parks, state and national forests, roadside rest areas, and in a vehicle. When you have your permit on hand, you can carry a concealed weapon at a funeral, parade, and in the parking lot of an educational facility when the firearm is locked inside a parked vehicle.

While North Carolina is flexible regarding where properly credentialed people can carry a concealed weapon, the right to concealed carry, even with a permit, is not absolute. Even with a permit, you are not allowed to carry a concealed weapon at law enforcement offices and facilities, in detention and correctional facilities, and inside state office buildings. Concealed weapons are also not permitted inside a public or private school building or bus, or on the property, grounds, or campus of an educational institution.

Charges Violating North Carolina Concealed Carry Laws

A violation of North Carolina concealed carry laws can lead to severe penalties. Possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class G furlong punishable by up to 47 months in prison. Possession of a firearm on educational property is a Class I felony which is punishable by 24 months in prison. Carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited place without a permit is a Class 2 misdemeanor that carries a sentence of between 1 and 60 days in jail for a first-time offense. For a second offense, you could face felony charges with penalties of up to 39 months in prison.

Defenses to Charges of Carrying a Concealed Weapon

If you have been charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, you need a lawyer who will prepare a compelling defense strategy. Depending on your circumstances, the following defenses might be available:

• The weapon was not a firearm
• You were on your way to an activity in which you legitimately used the weapon
• You possessed the weapon for a legitimate use
• You did not attempt to use the weapon for an illegal purpose
• You were a member of the armed forces and have a concealed carry permit
• You have proof of military deployment

The Stowe Law Firm, PLLC: Serious Defense for Serious Crimes.

If you are facing weapons-related charges in North Carolina, the Stowe Law Firm can help. Based in Salisbury, NC, Criminal Defense Attorney Ryan Stowe proudly represents people in Cabarrus, Davidson, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Davie, and Stanly counties. He has extensive experience defending people accused of committing crimes and is a fierce advocate and defender of his clients’ rights.

Whatever your circumstances, Attorney Stowe will analyze your situation and prepare a vigorous legal defense to protect your rights and minimize the likelihood of a conviction.

To learn more about North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Ryan Stowe and the cases he handles, read reviews from other people he has helped, then contact the Stowe Law Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.