Gun owners in North Carolina are not shy about defending their Second Amendment right to bear arms. A bill currently making its way through the state legislature may allow gun owners to bear those arms with even more liberty. Still, there are many who worry about the dangers the bill presents and the potential for an increase in weapons offenses, especially for those who are not familiar with carrying firearms.
If the law passes, it would eliminate the need for permits to carry concealed weapons in places where openly carrying a weapon is allowed. The bill also lowers from 21 to 18 the age at which someone can apply for a concealed-carry permit. Decisions regarding the approval or rejection of applications for such permits would be made within 90 days instead of 45 days from the time the sheriff obtains the mental health report of an applicant.
In addition to the changes the proposed law makes, proponents of the law point out that it does not change some crucial elements of existing weapons laws. For example, the law for concealed handgun permits would not change. There is no addition to places where a gun owner can openly carry without a permit or changes to the laws banning certain people from carrying firearms. Laws about self-defense or misusing weapons would not change. Still, the bill barely passed the House, and opponents worry that it is a dangerous precedent.
North Carolina laws for carrying a concealed weapon are complex, and facing charges of weapons offenses can be upsetting. Those who carry weapons for self protection may find themselves on the defensive in a court of law. In these cases, having the advice and guidance of a dedicated attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of the situation.
Source: lincolntimesnews.com, "NC House votes to end concealed carry requirement", Matt Chapman, Accessed on July 8, 2017
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