Tennessee Gun Control Laws

According to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, citizens have the right to bear arms.  In Article 1, Section 26 of the Tennessee State Constitution, it states that citizens have the right to bear arm for their common defense.  However, the state legislature reserves the right of regulation, in order to prevent crime.  For instance, even if it is lawful to have a gun under normal circumstances, it is illegal to be in possession of a gun while intoxicated.

Carrying Guns and Possession Laws: Penalties & Regulations

Although minors are not allowed to possess a gun simply by virtue of their age, many people actually forfeit their Second Amendment right to bear arms, based upon previous actions and disregard for the law. For example, individuals convict of a felony drug offense or a violent felony crime have lost the privilege to own any type of weapon. Thus, people illegally possessing weapons are looking at stiff fines and possible jail time.  For example:

• Possession of a firearm on school property is a maximum 6 years in prison with a $3000 fine
• Selling a firearm to an individual known to have a substance abuse problem is a Class A misdemeanor
• Going out in public with a gun needed for offense or defense is still illegal, except for those like law enforcement that have a special permit
• Carrying a gun onto school property is a felony punishable by up to 6 years in prison and a $3000 fine.

Requirements:

Tennessee Gun Purchasing Laws

In order to buy a gun in the state of Tennessee, the purchaser must have a valid ID, present all of the relevant information regarding the gun to be bought, provide a thumbprint, and sign a firearms transaction record.  The dealer will call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to request a background check.

Penalties & Regulations for Illegal Purchases

Unfortunately, guns are sold to a person(s) no old enough to possess a weapon.  In addition, citizens of Tennessee may forfeit their right to bear arms through criminal acts or behavior making the possession of a gun potential harmful to themselves or others.  To sell or buy a weapon illegally is punishable by law. For example:

• It is a Class A misdemeanor to sell a firearm to an intoxicated person
• Machine guns and sawed off weapons are illegal.  The weapons shall be confiscated and destroyed.  Felony charges apply to both the buyer and the seller
• A minor caught with a handgun faces 100 hours of community service and suspension of the driver’s license for a year

Requirements:

Firing Handguns and Self Defense

In the state of Tennessee, citizens have the right to bear arms for protecting life, limb, and property.  However, the State Legislature has the right to deny the “wearing of arms”, if it will prevent a crime. Individuals cannot have a pistol in public areas. Residents must apply for a permit, in order to carry a weapon on their persons.

• Possession of a controlled weapon like a machine gun or sawed off shotgun is strictly prohibited
• Minors should never be in possession of a gun, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or in the presence of a licensed firearms instructor
• Persons convicted of drunk driving, at least twice in the last 10 years, may not have a gun.  In addition, the last conviction is not within the last 5 years

Legal Help

Individuals facing gun charges should not appear in court without the services of a professional attorney.  Illegal possession or purchases indictments are often at the state and federal level.  Whether the individual is intent on breaking the gun laws, or made an error in judgment, legal counsel will be necessary for a variety of violations, including:

• Possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime
• Minor in possession of a handgun
• A concealed weapon is brought on school property, without a valid permit