About Concealed Weapons Permits

In most states, a citizen may apply for a permit, which, if approved, will allow him to carry a concealed handgun. Concealed carry of a weapon (CCW) is considered by many to be a constitutional right, guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the Constitution, which address the legal ability of a citizen of the United States to keep and bear arms. Although gun control advocates denounce this interpretation, the trend to issue CCW permits has increased dramatically since 1990.

History

Before 1987, most states restricted the concealed carry of handguns to police officers, military personnel, security employees and a few other exceptions. The first state to pass a broad-spectrum, concealed carry provision for its citizens was Florida. Within three years, other states adapted their own form of CCW laws and by 2005 a majority of states had some sort of CCW law.

Effects

According to studies concerning the crime rate before and after a state adopts a CCW provision, the rate of violent crimes is likely to decrease but the rate of property crimes shows a slight increase. In a study authored by John Lott, a scholar at the University of Maryland, the overall rate of all crimes is lower when citizens are legally allowed to carry concealed weapons. However, individual states may experience different results.

Considerations

Not everyone is qualified to receive a CCW permit. In most states, a convicted felon may not receive a permit, nor may a minor under the age of 18. In addition; the right to carry may not extend from one state to the next. Each state negotiates a reciprocity agreement with other states to honor a concealed carry permit for citizens who travel. It is the duty of each citizen to learn the laws of each state in which he travels. (See Resources)

Identification

In states where CCW is allowed, a licensed citizen must have proof of his legal standing to carry a concealed weapon and produce it upon demand to any law enforcement officer who makes the request. In addition, a CCW licensee must inform an officer that he has a concealed weapon upon his person if stopped for a traffic violation.

Misconceptions

Even though a citizen may have a CCW license, that does not automatically grant him the right to wear his handgun in certain places. Carrying a concealed weapon is forbidden in federal and state government building and in many private businesses. A business has the right to opt-out of the CCW law by posting a sign forbidding guns on the premise. The CCW licensee must respect the wishes of the owner and remove his gun before entering the building.

Resources

• Find about Concealed Carry in your state.