Concealed Carry Laws in Your State

Concealed carry laws vary from state to state. You can be charged with a felony if you point a gun at someone, but most states grant immunity to gun owners. Most concealed carry states also forbid lawsuits for crimes committed while carrying a gun. You cannot sue someone if you accidentally shoot them with your gun. This is a tremendous benefit for gun owners. If you are concerned that someone might use your gun in a dangerous way, it is essential that you learn the laws in your state.

California's concealed-carry law

Since 1923, a permit to carry a concealed weapon has been required in California. But prior to that time, California was a "may issue" state, meaning that police chiefs or sheriffs could issue concealed carry licenses to applicants. Moreover, there were many instances in which a concealed weapon permit was denied because the applicant didn't meet the state's subjective standards, such as "good moral character."

Background checks for concealed-carry permits

Background checks are a standard part of the application process for concealed carry permit applications in most states. In November, Colorado's CBI reported 74,454 applications turned up positive for a background check. The numbers for December have not been released yet. Nevertheless, Colorado's concealed carry permit process is likely to continue to rise. The statistics show that the application process has increased from last year. However, there are some ways to avoid being turned down.

Minimum age

A new bill in Wisconsin would lower the minimum age for concealed carry from 21 to 18. While this would make it easier for 18-year-olds to purchase a weapon, the age for carrying a gun is still the same. Some lawmakers have expressed concern over the law, especially after a school shooting in which bullets were fired into the building and police shot and wounded a man just across the street. To reduce the chance of injury, a bill that would limit ammunition to 10 rounds was proposed by Rep. Jerry Stogsdill.

Other states' laws

Not all states have the same laws when it comes to concealed carry. Some allow it while others only permit it under certain circumstances. Among these situations are schools. There are exceptions to the rules in some states, such as drop-off areas. Depending on the state, you may be allowed to carry your concealed weapon inside your car in these situations. However, if you are unsure about the laws in your state, it is best to contact a lawyer for guidance.

Effects of concealed-carry laws on violent crime

The effects of concealed carry laws on violent crime are mixed, but there is some evidence to suggest that they reduce violent crimes. For example, the study conducted by Crifasi, Pollack, and Webster (2016) evaluated the effects of carry laws on nonfatal and fatal assaults committed by law enforcement officers. While their results were mixed, they did suggest that carry laws reduce violent crime by about 15% in some cities. However, the effects of concealed carry laws on rape and assault rates were unclear.