Open Carry in Waukesha Cty Parks
Hey gents & ladies,
I am a Waukesha Cty resident. I wanted to take my dog to Minooka Park (cty park), and felt like openly carrying my Beretta .380. As I walked to my car, dog very excited, I paused, and considered what I was about to do. I'm sure many of you can identify...
You believe you are operating within your rights, but do you really want to put your ass on the line legally? Its a very expensive wager.
So I called the District Attorney, Mr. Brad Schimel. When I told the receptionist why I was calling (question about carrying a gun in a park
), she put me right through. He measured me up by asking "What, you think you're going to be robbed at Minooka Park?" Of course not. "Then you're trying to make a political statement?". No, sir...in fact that's what I'm looking to avoid. I just want to exercise my rights, and I am not interested in breaking the law, thats why I called.
He wouldn't give me any advice, but did cite a county statute (20-48), which is far more stringent than state law. When I asked if it was written prior to 1995 (preemption), he said "I believe this county law would be unenforceable, yes". But he would not take a stand that could be construed as offering me "prospective legal advice".
I respect him for taking my call and digging into the statutes to try and clarify for me. He was unable to offer me any clarity at all. He shared my (our) frustration with the inconsistent application of the seemingly simple law which protects our rights; and is frustrated that there is not clarity on the law. I share that frustration as well.
So I'm left with this decision: do I take off my holster, and go walk the dog? It is, after all, a beautiful Fall day. Or do I bring my Beretta, arm myself with the facts, and let the chips fall where they may?
This sucks...
Come here, Jackson, lets go to the dog park.