February 12, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Changes Might Make it Easier to Obtain a Concealed-Weapon Permit
The New York Times reports that more than 240,000 people in North Carolina have a permit to carry a concealed handgun, and permits are now easier than ever to obtain. For example, many states like North Carolina require only a basic background check and an occasional gun safety course to obtain a permit to legally conceal a weapon.
Gun lobbyists currently support legislation that would require states to honor weapons permits issued from another state, which would make it easier to conceal guns across state lines. According to the New York Times gun-rights advocates argue that permit holders have proven themselves to be responsible, law-abiding citizens, and they have earned the right to carry a gun in all public places to protect themselves.
Opposition to Expanding Conceal and Carry Permits
Although the House has passed the bill containing these proposed changes, the legislative push to honor other states' conceal-and-carry permits has been met with strong opposition as it moves to the Senate. Anti-gun personnel cite how basic background checks miss several people who might pose serious risks to public safety. For example, the spell out examined North Carolina's permit program and discovered that:
-Roughly 2,400 current permit holders had felony or misdemeanor convictions (not including traffic offenses), 10 of which were for murder or manslaughter.
-More than 200 permit holders had previous gun- or weapon-related felony or misdemeanor convictions.
-Sixty permit holders had previously committed assault with a deadly weapon.
-In over half of the felony convictions, authorities failed to revoke or suspend a person's conceal-and-carry permit, including cases of murder, rape and kidnapping.
Anti-gun lobbyists do not necessarily advocate completely disbanding the conceal and carry system, but rather state that the process must be improved to ensure permits are issued only to those who pose no unreasonable risk to society. Additionally, they believe authorities must streamline the revocation and suspension process for people convicted of crimes.
Facing Gun Charges?
Weapons charges are broadly defined in North Carolina, and they include carrying a weapon without a permit and assault. Anyone convicted of a weapons crime could face fines, jail time, probation and other penalties.
Be sure to protect your rights throughout the criminal process if you have been charged with a weapons crime. Speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss your rights, options and what to expect during the criminal process.
Article provided by Hemric, Hemric & Champion, P.A.
Visit us at http://www.hemriclaw.com
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