Arkansas Gun Control Laws

The state of Arkansas has passed preemptions laws, restricting the ability of lower government authorities to alter gun carry and possession laws in their jurisdiction, however, some laws regarding use of weapons are regulated at the municipal level. The state of Arkansas is known as a “Shall Issue” state regarding gun possession and carry.  Essentially, according to state laws, state law enforcement shall issue applicants permits for concealed carry upon passing a background check and completion of a training program.  Concealed carrier permits from other states are recognized in Arkansas, so long as the permit is as restrictive as or more so than Arkansas’ and the other state recognizes an Arkansas permit as well.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

Criminal codifications in Arkansas mention a number of restrictions on carry and possession for firearms.  For starters, concealed carry is only allowed by private individuals if proper permit is obtained and valid.  Other restrictions in Arkansas regarding gun carry and possession include:

• Concealed carry, with or without permit, is prohibited in courthouses, sporting event venues, liquor serving establishments, and other government properties.  If found in possession, conviction of concealed weapons possession may prove applicable and is punishable as a misdemeanor offense
• Concealed carry of weapons without permit is a misdemeanor offense for first time offenders
• Possession of concealed firearm by persons under age of 21 is prohibited
• Ownership,  possession, or carry of firearms by convicted felons, mental defectives, and persons under age of eighteen without parental consent is illegal

Requirements: For Firearms Possession and Carry in the state of Arkansas

Arkansas Purchasing Guns Laws

Firearms purchase in Arkansas requires all of the mandated federal transparency stipulations regarding identity of purchaser, record of sale, and background assessment on buyers.  Permits are not required for firearms purchase, and antique firearms are treated as regular firearms in the state of Arkansas.  Sale to minors is restricted to the ages of eighteen or older, or with express parental consent.

Penalties & Regulations for Unlawful Purchases

• Purchase and possession of machine guns is regulated by federal laws and must be registered with secretary of state of Arkansas
• Sale of firearms to minors under age of eighteen without parental consent is prohibited
• Purchase of firearms is subject to passing background check, criminal history check, as well as other caveats regarding personal ability to use a firearm safely

Requirements: For Purchase of Firearms in state of Arkansas

Firing Handguns and Self Defense in Arkansas

Use of a firearm across a road or right of way is illegal in Arkansas.  Other laws regarding use of weapons in state parks and hunting grounds also prove applicable.  Criminal use of firearms, such as during the commission of a crime, is illegal and engenders the offender to heightened criminal penalties and charges.  Use of firearms in self-defense in Arkansas is only allowed under circumstances where individual or another’s life is in clear and present threat of lethal injury or harm. 

Legal Help

Gun charges in Arkansas present numerous challenges to defendants.  For many individuals, the intervention of an attorney will prove highly beneficial.  In many cases, plea bargaining through extenuating circumstances or other non-criminal intentions may prove possible, as well as an outright dismissal of the case.  Additionally, conviction of gun charges, depending on the nature of the charge, can result in the creation of a criminal record, which will have lasting consequences for individuals, as well as jeopardize their ability to possess firearms in the future.