Nebraska Gun Control Laws

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution permits American citizens the right to own guns.  However, in addition to national compliance, each state has specific laws regarding ownership and use of handguns, shotguns, and rifles.  According to Article 1, Section 1 of the Nebraska Constitution, individuals over the age of 18 can use a gun to defend their families and property, hunt, and lawful recreational use.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

In order to protect the public, state and Federal laws prohibit certain individuals from possessing a gun.  For some, it is simply a matter of becoming an adult.  Unfortunately, others have forfeited their Constitutional right to bear arms based upon criminal actions.  In Nebraska, citizens not supervised by an instructor, guardian, or parent must reach the age of 18. Felons and fugitives from justice cannot legally possess a weapon.  In Nebraska:

Giving a minor possession of a gun unsupervised is a Class IV felony punishable by a maximum 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine

Unlawful possession of a concealed gun is a Class I misdemeanor for the first offense

Transfer of a machine gun or sawed off shotgun or rifle is a Class IV felony, and the sentence is up to a $10,000 fine and 5 years in prison

Requirements:

Nebraska Gun Purchasing Laws

In Nebraska, the buyer must purchase guns from a licensed firearms dealer.  The application is given to law enforcement for a background check.  In 2 days, approval or reason for denial must be given.  The purchaser is at least 21 years of age.  The permit is valid for 3 years, and there is no limit to the amount of guns an individual may own.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

Purchasing a gun for an individual that has a criminal background is against the law.  In addition, buying a gun for a minor, unless under the supervision of a qualifying adult is strictly prohibited.  In either case, the law provides for severe punishment via incarceration, stiff fines, or both.

• Providing false information on an application is a Class IV felony, punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and 5 years in prison
• Any person purchasing a gun for an unqualified individual is guilty of a Class IV felony
• Purchasing a gun for a minor is a Class IV felony

Requirements:

Firing Handguns and Self Defense

Nebraska allows individuals to defend their property and persons that are under threat of injury or death. However, even with a license to carry, it is not lawful to have a weapon in certain circumstances, except for a person(s) like a law enforcement officer having a license, in order to protect and serve.  An individual should never carry a gun:

• On school property
• With serial number and identifying marks removed
• Discharging in a public place or roadway

Legal Help

For individuals facing gun charges, hiring professional legal help is essential.  Although the laws in the state of Nebraska are simple for purchasing a gun, the penalties for unlawful acts committed regarding a firearm are stiff.  For example, a lawyer has the experience and knowledge to represent those persons who:

• Brought a gun on school property
• Possessed a gun during the commission of a crime
• Are a minor in possession of a gun