State Gun Laws
Though some gun issues are covered by federal gun laws, most laws covering firearms are enacted by states, and vary greatly in purpose and substance according to state. Some gun issues, however, are fairly common, and most states address these with laws. Below, you'll find a few commonly-sought laws on gun issues and which states allow these practices.
Right to Carry Concealed Weapons
One of the country's most controversial laws decided at the state level is the right to carry a concealed weapon. This right typically refers to handguns (which are small enough to conceal), but may include other concealed weapons or guns as well. Thirty-nine states have what is referred to as "shall issue" concealed-carry laws, meaning that as long as applicants meet certain predetermined criteria, their application cannot be denied.
Nine states have what is known as a "may issue" law, meaning that concealed-carry permits are issued at the discretion of those issuing permits. However, in practice, there is a range of practices used in "may issue" states, from virtual "shall issue" practices in Alabama, Connecticut and Iowa to "never issue" practices in Hawai'i, which technically allows permits but does not issue them per the decision of local officials.
Whether or not such laws support a reduction in crime is the subject of much debate, and evidence exists supporting both sides of the argument.
| States with “Shall Issue” Concealed-Carry Laws | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Michigan | Oklahoma | ||
| Arizona | Minnesota | Oregon | ||
| Arkansas | Mississippi | Pennsylvania | ||
| Colorado | Missouri | South Carolina | ||
| Florida | Montana | South Dakota | ||
| Georgia | Nebraska | Tennessee | ||
| Idaho | Nevada | Texas | ||
| Indiana | New Hampshire | Utah | ||
| Kansas | New Mexico | Vermont | ||
| Kentucky | North Carolina | Virginia | ||
| Louisiana | North Dakota | Washington | ||
| Maine | Ohio | West Virginia | ||
| Wyoming | ||||
| States with “May Issue” Concealed-Carry Laws | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Hawaii | New Jersey | ||
| California | Iowa | New York | ||
| Connecticut | Maryland | Rhode Island | ||
| Delaware | Massachusetts | |||
| States with Laws Banning Concealed-Carry | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Wisconsin | District of Columbia | ||
Gun Bans on Handguns and Assault Weapons
Some states have enacted bans on certain types of guns, and in such cases, any possession of these guns outside of legal bounds is punished severely. Some jurisdictions ban handguns, while more typically assault weapons are banned. A criminal defense lawyer can advise you more thoroughly about gun bans in your state and what penalties for violating these bans might be.
| States with Bans on Particular Guns | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California: assault weapons, .50BMG caliber firearms, some .50 caliber ammunition and "unsafe handguns." |
Maryland: assault pistols | Ohio: assault weapons (certain areas) |
||
| Connecticut: assault weapons |
Massachusetts: assault weapons |
Virginia: revolving-cylinder shotguns, like the “Street Sweeper” and “Striker 12” models |
||
| Hawaii: assault pistols |
New Jersey: assault weapons |
District of Columbia: handguns and semiautomatic firearms |
||
| Illinois: Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Morton Grove, Winnetka, Wilmette, and Highland Park prohibit handguns |
New York: assault weapons |
|||
Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer if You've Been Arrested on Gun Charges!
Regulations concerning gun permits, assault, possession and other firearms related issues have a complex set of legal issues associated with them. It makes sense to seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with violating your state's gun possession or usage laws.
Simply call 1 (877) 445-1059 or fill out our free case evaluation form to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in your area and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your gun law issue in greater detail.