North Carolina Concealed Weapon Charges

North Carolina is a “shall-issue” state, which means the sheriff will issue a concealed weapon permit to residents who meet certain qualifications. All applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and complete an approved firearms safety course. Permits will be valid for a period of 5 years from the issue date.

In North Carolina it is legal to openly carry firearms in public unless specifically prohibited. State laws allow loaded handguns to be openly carried in a motor vehicle, but each county may regulate this.

North Carolina's Weapons Laws

North Carolina prohibits concealed weapon permit holders from carrying a firearm in the following areas:

• All public and private schools, universities and any places where school-sponsored activities are taking place
• All financial institutions
• Any law enforcement or correctional facility
• Any establishment where an admission fee is charged
• All establishments where alcohol is consumed and sold
• The State Capitol Building, Executive Mansion and the western residence of the governor, or on the grounds of any building housing the General Court of Justice
• All state office buildings or anywhere state offices are located
• All correctional facilities and law enforcement offices
• Public events and demonstrations
• Any place a riot or an emergency is taking place
• Any place a notice has been posted prohibiting concealed handguns

It is also illegal to carry a concealed firearm while you are consuming alcohol.

North Carolina Concealed Weapons Violations

While the gun control laws in North Carolina are fairly liberal, there are still certain types of weapon violations that will be prosecuted by the district attorney’s office. The judge may impose a harsher sentence if you have prior criminal convictions.

North Carolina Plea Options

Defendants who are charged with a crime basically have three plea options in North Carolina. These include:

• Not Guilty—Once the person enters a plea of not guilty, the judge will set a date for the trial to begin.
• Guilty—Pleading guilty will result in the judge handing down a sentence, usually immediately.
• Alford Plea—The criminal defendant acknowledges the prosecution has sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction but does not actually admit guilt to the offense.

When to Consult a North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney

The criminal courts tend to have full dockets and prosecutors may be wiling to offer a plea bargain. If you agree to plead guilty to a less serious offense, the prosecution doesn’t have to spend time with a lengthy criminal trial. You should get legal advice from a criminal defense attorney before you make any important decisions.