Concealed Weapons Offenses

Carrying a concealed weapon in Tennessee may be illegal without proper authorization. Moreover, many residents and gun owners are unfamiliar with or misunderstand recent changes to Tennessee’s concealed carry laws. Persons who have been charged with concealed weapons offenses should retain a lawyer to help them contest the allegations. Nashville gun crime attorney Bernie McEvoy represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony weapons charges in Davidson and Williamson Counties. He provides a consultation to review your case so that you can protect your rights.

Although citizens of the United States have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms, that right is regulated by federal and state laws. In general, weapons may be used for their ordinary purposes, such as defense training, sporting and hunting, and other lawful activities. However, no one has the right to use or possess a weapon for aggression, or with the intent to go armed, or to engage in conduct that is dangerous to others.

Certain weapons are illegal to possess or carry, concealed or otherwise, in Tennessee. Explosives, machine guns, short-barrel rifles and shotguns, and knuckles are a few of the weapons that are banned in Tennessee. However, Tennessee law provides several exceptions allowing the use of these weapons when certain conditions are met. If you were arrested for concealed carrying of a prohibited weapon, a Nashville lawyer can advise you of any exceptions or potential defenses that may apply in your case.

In Tennessee, concealed carrying of some weapons in public may require additional authorization. Firearms and handguns, in particular, are subject to restrictions on concealed or open carrying. To carry a concealed handgun in Tennessee, you must have either a Tennessee permit or a valid, out-of-state handgun, firearm, or weapons permit or license. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor for a first-time offense, but may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor if the concealed carry of a handgun occurred in public with others present.

Tennessee residents may obtain a concealed handgun carry permit by applying in person through the Department of Safety. If the applicant is not prohibited from possessing a firearm by any state or federal law, and meets all of the criteria provided by Tennessee law, a concealed handgun carry permit will be issued to them. People who are not allowed to possess a firearm, such as those who have been convicted of a felony or domestic violence crime, and some others, are ineligible to receive a concealed carry permit in Tennessee.

Even though a person was issued a valid permit and has authorization to carry a concealed weapon, it is illegal to possess a firearm in certain areas. For example, a business, individual, or government entity usually has the right to prohibit the possession of weapons by any person on their property, including those with a concealed handgun carry permit. Possessing a concealed weapon in a building that has lawfully banned weapons is a Class B misdemeanor offense. Most people are also prohibited from openly or concealed carrying a weapon inside schools, on school property, or on property with school-sponsored events, at the airport, and in any room where a judicial proceeding is taking place. A violation may be a Class E felony if the defendant intended to go armed, or a Class B misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.

If you have been arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, protect your rights by seeking legal advice. Bernie McEvoy is a criminal defense lawyer experienced in handling concealed weapons cases and other firearm charges. He can assist people located in Davidson and Williamson Counties, including Franklin and Nashville. To request a free consultation, call (615) 255-9595 during business hours or (615) 804-8779 on evenings and weekends. You may also contact us online.