Alaska Concealed Weapon Charges

The State of Alaska is the second state in the nation to adopt similar carry laws originally enacted in Vermont.  All residents age 21 or older can legally carry either an open or concealed firearm without obtaining a permit. However, individuals must obtain a permit if they want to carry their firearm in other states that honor the Alaska concealed handgun permit. All concealed weapons are still prohibited in public courthouses, schools, bars and domestic violence shelters. Alaska also allows individuals to store a firearm in a legally parked motor vehicle if the weapon is unloaded and locked in the trunk.

Alaska is a Shall Issue State

Alaska is classified as a “shall issue” state, which means that the Department of Public Safety must issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun if the individual meets the following qualifications:

• The person is 21 years of age or older
• Is eligible to own or possess a firearm under both state and federal laws
• Has been a resident of Alaska for 90 days or more
• Has not been convicted of two or more Class A misdemeanor crimes within the preceding 6 years
• Not currently in a court ordered alcohol or substance treatment program within the preceding 3 years
• Must be able to demonstrate competent use of a handgun by completing a training course

All permits are valid for a period of five years applicants must be able to pass a federal criminal background check.

Alaska Weapons Violations

The laws in Alaska are fairly liberal regarding gun control. Carrying a concealed weapon may be a criminal act if the individual commits any of the following offenses:

What Plea Options Are Available?

All defendants charged with a misdemeanor have the right to a jury trial, which will be made up of six individuals from the local community. When entering a plea in court, the defendant can choose any of the following:

• Plead Not Guilty—The burden of proof remains upon the prosecution who must prove to the judge or jury that the defendant is guilty beyond any reasonable doubt.
• Plead Guilty—By pleading guilty to the offense, the defendant gives up their right to remain silent or be presumed innocent and the judge will issue an immediate sentence.
• No Contest—A plea of no contest means that the defendant agrees to not fight the charges. The only important difference between this and pleading guilty is that a no contest plea cannot be used against the individual later at a civil trial.

First-time offenders may be able to work out an arrangement with the prosecutor’s office and plead to a lesser offense possibly avoiding jail altogether.

Consulting an Alaska Criminal Defense Attorney

When you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you should do invoke your right to remain silent and when allowed to use the phone, call a criminal defense attorney immediately. These experienced legal professionals may be able to get a suspended sentence or argue that you deserve probation. Each case is unique and requires the skill of a defense attorney who knows their way around the criminal justice system.