Arkansas Concealed Weapon Charges

The State of Arkansas has extremely liberal laws concerning the rights of gun owners. Residents are not required to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun nor are they required to register their firearm. A concealed weapons permit may be obtained through the Arkansas State Police. If a license is issued to the applicant, it will be valid for a period of 4 years and can include up to 3 different handguns.

Who Is Eligible for a Concealed Carry Permit in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Director of State Police may issue a concealed weapons permit to an individual age 21 or over who has been a resident of the state for at least 1 year. He also must not have:

• A mental or physical handicap that prevents him from safely handling a firearm
• Threatened or attempted to commit suicide
• Been convicted of a felony offense or any type of violent crime
• Abused any controlled substance
• Been committed to a mental treatment facility for abusing controlled substances
• Been found guilty of committing a crime relating to controlled substances within the previous 3 years
• Been convicted of 2 or more alcohol-related offenses within the previous 3 years (or must have been admitted to an alcohol treatment facility)
• Been convicted of illegally carrying a weapon within the previous 5 years

An applicant must have the legal right to possess or transport a firearm, and he will have to pass a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) used by the FBI. He also must complete a training course and sign a statement of allegiance to the U.S. and Arkansas Constitution before a concealed weapons permit will be issued.

Arkansas Concealed Weapons Violations

Carrying a concealed weapon with or without a permit is prohibited in a number of places in Arkansas, including all courthouses, any establishment where liquor is served, large sporting events, places of worship and government buildings. Anyone who violates this will be charged with a misdemeanor offense.

Taking a Plea Bargain For the Crime

The prosecutor on a concealed weapon violation and the defending attorney may negotiate a plea bargain on the defendant’s behalf. A defendant can often plead to a lesser offense in exchange for a guilty plea. This can be beneficial for both parties because it saves time and the defendant receives a lesser punishment.

However, a person that doesn’t want to risk having a criminal record may enter a plea of “not guilty.” The case will be set for trial if the judge believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed.

Another option is to plead “no contest,” which will result in the same penalty as a guilty plea, but the person can not be held civilly liable for their actions.

Consulting an Arkansas Criminal Defense Attorney

Anyone that has been charged with a criminal offense has the legal right to be represented by an attorney. Experienced criminal defense attorneys can help by working out a deal to avoid jail time altogether for first-time offenders. If you have been arrested, contact an Arkansas criminal defense lawyer for help.