Senate Votes against Gun Conceal/Carry Measure – Criminal Defense / Civil Rights

Guns are still dangerous and controversial; and your Senators obviously agree.  Recently, they narrowly defeated a bill that would have allowed gun owners with concealed weapons permits in their home states to carry those weapons across borders into states that have more stringent gun control laws.  The vote was close, but did not carry the majority needed to pass.  However, to those who support looser, not tougher control laws, it is a signal that victory may be possible in the near future.  Statistics show that gun control support is at an all-time low.  In addition, even though states like California hang on to tight gun control laws, more and more people are coming to believe that the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms is still relevant today.  They also believe they have the statistics to back it up.  While gun control advocates believe more guns means more crime, some studies show that in areas where tough gun control laws have softened, crime rates have not increased.  On the other hand, those who believe the 2nd Amendment guarantees the civil right to carry arms regardless of the statistics are gaining ground. 

Gun control laws vary by state.  Some states will honor gun-permits from states with similar or stricter gun control standards, while a few allow anyone with a concealed-weapon permit to carry that weapon in state.  A very few do not allow anyone to carry a concealed weapon, whether they are from their state or from a state where they have a legal permit to do so.  Some, like California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, believe this is a states’ rights issues, not merely a gun control issue, and don’t want a federal law to dictate their state statutes.  Many states have loosened their laws against possession of a concealed weapon without a permit to a misdemeanor, with fines, possible jail time, further training, and more as possible penalties.  If there is another crime involved, including drug or alcohol possession, it can quickly become a misdemeanor with fines of up to $2,000 or more, and jail time of up to five (5) years.

For now, the debate goes on.  However, you can only carry a concealed weapon where you have a permit to do so.  In some states, that means you cannot do it at all.  In addition, you should be satisfied with that or be prepared to face the legal consequences.