Gun Laws

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban

A 1994 federal law banning assault weapons expired in 2004, and as of 2013 Congress has not passed a law to replace it.

Federal Gun Control Laws

If you want to acquire or carry a firearm anywhere in the United States, you will need to qualify under the federal gun control laws. In addition to federal laws, you must also comply with the firearm laws of your state.

Juvenile Weapons Possession

All states limit the right to purchase, own, or possess weapons to some extent, though restrictions differ widely. States commonly make it a crime to possess specific types of weapons, to possess weapons in specified locations, or to use weapons in a prohibited manner. When juveniles illegally possesses weapons, they can be charged just like an adult would.

Disorderly Conduct With A Firearm

Also known as disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct charges are very common. When someone acts in a manner that disrupts the ordinary piece of the community, that person can be charged with the crime of disorderly conduct.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Weapons have allowed mankind to overcome the natural world, provide for self-defense, and wage war against enemies. They have also resulted in innumerable crimes, injuries, and deaths. And weapons that are concealed, as opposed to those that are in plain sight, often result in injuries and fatalities that would not have happened had the gun been obvious.

Stun Gun Laws and Permit Requirements

A stungun (popularly also known as a Taser, the main maker of stunguns) is a pistol-type device that shoots a pair of wires tipped with small darts towards the target. The wires carry an electric charge; when the darts hit their target, a shock is delivered as the electric circuit is completed.

Unlawful Discharge Of A Weapon

While the right to keep and bear arms is constitutionally protected, states have long restricted how and when people can use firearms.

Using a Gun for Self Defense: Laws and Consequences

A person is entitled to use a gun for self defense in the U.S., if necessary, but laws in every state establish  when  a person can use force to defend himself (or another), and  whether  a person can use a weapon. Someone who intends to carry or keep a gun for self defense purposes should follow state laws on gun ownership and carrying concealed weapons.

Gun Storage Laws in California

The news is full of tragic stories of young children who comes across loaded, unattended firearms and shoot themselves or other children. Leaving a loaded gun where a child can find it is not only dangerous, but in some states, including California, it is also illegal and can result in criminal charges for the gun owner.

State Gun Purchasing Requirements

State Gun Laws and Penalties Consult the chart below for a brief description of your state's handgun purchasing requirements and any associated penalties. Click on the link to your state for detailed information.

Homemade Guns: Are They Legal? Must They Be Registered?

Individuals in this country have been making their own guns for centuries. The practice is deeply rooted in our constitutional history and tradition.

Are 3D-Printed Guns Legal?

Almost everywhere, it's legal to make and own a 3D printed gun. For criminals intent on quickly procuring a reliable firearm, however, making one in the garage may not be the source of choice.

Is my gun permit valid in other states?

Question I vacationed in a state that did not recognize my gun permit from my home state. I thought states were supposed to honor each other’s laws. Shouldn’t they recognize valid permits from out of state? After all, if I get married in one state and move to another, my new state must recognize my marriage. Why doesn't the same hold true for gun permits?

My gun permit law requires that I be competent to handle a gun. How do I prove that?

Question My gun permit law requires that I be "competent" to handle a gun. How do I prove that? Answer Each state has its own gun permit requirements, often including “competency." Proof that you are competent to handle a weapon varies among states, and can mean either mental competence, competence in firearm safety, or both.

How can I prove my "good moral character," which is required for a permit?

To obtain a gun permit, my state (California) requires that I have "good moral character." How do I prove that? California is unique among the 50 states in requiring applicants for gun permits to demonstrate “good moral character." This may seem like a vague concept, but it usually just means that

Are adults and minors punished differently when they carry a gun into school safety zones?

Yes. It is illegal in most states for anyone to carry firearms onto school property (exceptions apply for law enforcement and certain school-sanctioned activities). However, adults and minors are usually punished differently.

What are the requirements for getting a concealed gun permit in Florida?

Florida will give me a gun permit only if my reason for getting one is “lawful self-defense.” How can I satisfy that requirement?

Do penalties increase if I commit certain crimes while in possession of a firearm?

Often, the answer is yes. The fines or jail time that apply to your conviction depend on the crime you have committed and, in most states, can increase if you possessed or used a firearm when you committed the crime.

What are the penalties for providing a firearm (or making one accessible) to a minor?

Most states have laws that prohibit minors (those younger than 18) from possessing firearms and other weapons. Adults who provide weapons to minors are often also punished—even if the minor has committed no crime with the weapon.

Is it illegal to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs?

It is almost always a crime to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. Many states also prohibit people from carrying a firearm into establishments that serve liquor (such as bars and nightclubs), even with a concealed carry permit, and even if you are not drinking.

Can parents be punished if their child possesses a firearm?

Yes, in many states parents can be punished if their child possesses a firearm. The specific circumstances that incur punishment, and the penalties themselves depend on the state in which you live.

Can I be punished if someone else uses my firearm to commit a crime?

The answer depends on which state you live in. It also depends on whether you purposely provided your gun to the person who committed the crime or if, for example, it was stolen from you.

Am I required to follow safe firearm storage practices even on my own property or in my own house?

Many states have firearm storage laws that are meant to protect children by keeping firearms locked away and out of their hands (or rendered nonfunctional with a safety clip or other device). Some states, like Connecticut, impose liability on gun owners who do not properly secure their firearms when the owner knows (or should know) that a child could find it.

Which States Have Open Carry Gun Laws?

In the United States, open carry laws, which allow a gun own to carry guns openly in plain view of the public, are a constantly evolving body of law, which is regulated at the state level, and sometimes, at the municipal level as well.

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