Gun Possession and Use Laws
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The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees citizens the right to keep and bear arms. However, states have the right to require permits for gun possession, and to specify where and when guns may be possessed and carried, openly or concealed.
Gun Control Laws Information
Learn about specific firearm and gun possession and use laws.
Learn the details of federal gun control laws, including permit requirements, and other restrictions.
A general overview of juvenile gun laws.
Learn about laws pertaining to disorderly conduct with a firearm, including charges and penalties.
Find out what the open and concealed gun carry laws are here.
Here you'll discover all you need to know about stun gun laws and permit requirements.
Gun Laws by State
Get state specific information about gun control laws, gun permit requirements, and associated penalties.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Questions & Answers About Gun Laws
Many states recognize sister states' gun permits. Learn more about these states here.
Proof that you are competent to handle a weapon varies among states, and can mean either mental competence, competence in firearm safety, or both.
This usually just means submitting additional paperwork showing that you have no recent criminal charges against you.
Adults and minors are usually punished differently depending on the state in which you live in.
Florida allows people to carry a gun only for “lawful self defense.”
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.
Adults who provide weapons to minors are often punished, although the severity depends on the state in which you live in.
It is almost always a crime to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. Learn about the details here.
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.
Depending on the state in which you live in and the circumstances involved, penalties incurred vary substantially.
Many states have firearm storage laws that are meant to protect children by keeping firearms locked away and out of their hands.
Find information on open carry laws and how they apply to your state here.
A general overview of the legality of minors in possession of guns.
Find out if you're legally allowed to carry a firearm in your car.
Get Legal Help
The path of a criminal case through the courts is complicated. The way cases are handled varies from state to state and county to county. If you've been charged with a crime, you'll want to talk to a lawyer familiar with your area and courts.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you've been charged with a crime, you'll probably want to speak to a lawyer.
If you've been charged with a crime, you'll probably want to speak to a lawyer.
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