New Hampshire Gun Control Laws

According to Part 1, Article 2-a of the New Hampshire Constitution, residents have the right to bear arms in the protection of their property, families and the state.  The laws comply with the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  However, New Hampshire has the right to define the law.  For example, it is an open carry state.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

New Hampshire does not have many regulations regarding the possession of guns.  However, if the few laws are disregarded or blatantly broken, the penalties generally result in monetary losses, as well as forfeiture of freedom. For felons that have already given up the right to possess firearms, the consequences are compounded.

• The first offense for possession during the commission of a crime is a Class B felony
• A second offense for possession of a gun during a criminal act is a Class A felony
• Carrying a gun without a license is a misdemeanor offense-the first time

Requirements:

New Hampshire Gun Purchasing Laws

In the state of New Hampshire, there are no licensing requirements.  However, a person must have a permit to carry a firearm, if it is loaded.  However, it is illegal to sell to a minor or a convicted felon.  Of course, parents can buy a gun for a minor child, if the individual will be monitored by a parent, guardian or licensed instructor.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

The laws for possessing and purchasing a gun in New Hampshire are lax.  No special license or permit is required, unless the individual wants to carry a loaded weapon.  However, laws have been established to protect the citizenry, if someone does not have Second Amendment rights to carry a weapon.  If disregard, the law will institute stiff penalties involving fines and possible prison time.

• A convicted felon is guilty of a Class B felony, if a firearm is purchased
• Armed career criminals face 10-40 years in prison, and up to a $25,000 fine
• The person selling a weapon to a felon is guilty of a Class B felony

Requirements:

Firing Handguns and Self Defense

New Hampshire residents have the right to own and use a gun in defense of their properties and families.  However, the freedom of self-defense ends at the property line.  Carrying a loaded weapon in public buildings or places where others may get hurt is unlawful, even if it is for the purpose of self-defense. Even if the gun is never fired, penalties apply when:

• Persons are under a protection order
• Firearms in a court room is prohibited
• Using Teflon coated bullets is a felony

Legal Help

Laws regarding possession and purchase of guns are non-specific in the state of New Hampshire.  However, if an individual is found guilty of a firearms charge, the penalties are costly and often result in revocation of freedom.  Therefore, it is extremely important to employ a criminal attorney.  With a deep understanding of the law, a lawyer often helps minimize the penalties for crimes such as:

• Possession of a concealed weapon without a permit
• Sale of a gun to a minor
• Sale of a gun to a felon