Tennessee Concealed Weapon Charges

Tennessee is a shall-issue state, which means that a concealed weapons permit will be issued to individuals who meet specific criteria. They must successfully complete a handgun safety course certified by the Department of Safety. Applications can be made at any Driver Service Center and permits can be issued to either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Permits are valid for a period of four years and renewals can be submitted six months prior to the expiration date. Tennessee honors concealed weapons permits from all other states.

Tennessee Weapons Laws

The State of Tennessee allows handguns to be openly carried in public. However, all firearms are prohibited in the following areas, including concealed weapons with a valid permit:

• Any place where a judicial proceeding is in progress
• Any establishment where alcoholic beverages are served
• Any public or private school building or on a school bus
• Any public or private school campus, recreation area, athletic field or any property used by the board of education, board of trustees, regents or directors of the administration for any educational institution
• Any playground, public park, civic center or any other public recreational building
• Any place that has posted a "No Firearms" sign in accordance with state laws

It is legal for a non-student adult to have a firearm in a private vehicle on school property as long as the permit holder does not handle the weapon.

Tennessee Weapons Violations

The table below outlines the weapons violations and corresponding penalties in Tennessee:

Tennessee Plea Options

People who are charged with a crime will have to appear in court for the arraignment hearing. At this time, the judge will read the charges against them and ask how they plead. Criminal defendants in Tennessee can enter one of the following:

• Not Guilty Plea—In most criminal trials, it may not be a question of whether the person actually committed the crime, but if the prosecution has enough evidence to prove them guilty. By pleading not guilty, this forces the prosecution to proceed to trial.
• Plead Guilty—By entering a guilty plea, the person gives up their Constitutional right to a trial. The presiding judge has the option of imposing a sentence right then or setting a later date for sentencing.
• No Contest—The court will enter a guilty plea even though the individual is not required to admit guilt for the crime. The primary advantage of a no contest plea is that the person cannot be held liable in a civil suit for their actions.

Prosecutors who lack evidence may offer a plea bargain in exchange for the defendant pleading guilty to a less serious offense.

Consult a Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorney

Tennessee has some very serious penalties for crimes involving weapons. Accidentally carrying a concealed weapon with a valid permit onto school property can get you six months behind bars. Anyone who has been arrested and charged with a crime should contact a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer for assistance.