Gilbert Criminal Lawyers Explain Arizona Concealed Carry

On July 29, 2010, a new Arizona law went into effect that allowed most Arizona residents over the age of 21 to carry a concealed gun without a permit. This makes Arizona one of only 3 states in the US that now allow residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit – at least in areas where open-carry is allowed. Previously, Arizona required anyone who wanted to carry a concealed weapon to obtain a permit, which included a requirement that you complete an approved training course covering gun safety, gun use, and education on Arizona’s gun laws.

Although many see the change as a restoration of their Second Amendment rights, an unfortunate effect of this legislation is that many new gun owners are now forgoing gun training courses entirely. This, of course, raises a certain concern about gun safety in the hands of an inexperienced user. However, as Gilbert criminal defense attorneys, we’ve also seen a more subtle effect of the lack of training courses—clients who did not receive education about Arizona gun laws and did not know they were committing a crime. Additionally, we’ve seen many who were unaware that the change in concealed-carry law also put stiffer criminal penalties in place for committing a crime while carrying a concealed weapon.

As a Gilbert resident, what do I need to know about the new Arizona concealed-carry law?

• Although you do not need a permit to carry a concealed weapon in areas where open carry is allowed, you will need a permit to carry a concealed weapon into bars and restaurants.
• You may still need a permit to be allowed to carry a concealed gun in another state. However, more training courses are now allowed for the purpose of obtaining a permit.
• You are required to tell any police officer who asks that you are carrying a concealed weapon.
• The police have the ability to confiscate your gun temporarily if you are stopped. For example, the officer may take your concealed weapon for the duration of the stop if you are pulled over for a DUI in Gilbert.
• Stiffer criminal laws for concealed weapons mean that carrying a concealed weapon while committing another crime could result in a felony charge.

If you have been arrested for a concealed weapon in Gilbert, or if a concealed-weapons charge has complicated your criminal case, speak with one of our highly qualified Arizona criminal lawyers today at 1-888-929-5292 for answers to your questions and practical advice for your situation. We also encourage you to read our FREE book, Arizona Criminal Law – What You Must Know.