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Local Laws about open carry

n8walker1

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Joined
Jun 26, 2008
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Where can I find out about local legal laws about open carry in my area. Carrollton, Dallas TX. Thanks, N8 Walker
 

Liko81

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Dec 26, 2007
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Welcome to the forum, first of all.

The open carry of firearms in Texas is currently prohibited by State law. Section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code states,
§ 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:
(1) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or
(2) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control.
(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic;
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm; or
(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as defined by Section 71.01.
(a-2) For purposes of this section, "premises" includes real property and a recreational vehicle that is being used as living quarters, regardless of whether that use is temporary or permanent. In this subsection, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters or a vehicle that contains temporary living quarters and is designed to be towed by a motor vehicle. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, motor home, and horse trailer with living quarters.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

The law makes provision elsewhere for the carrying of concealed weapons by a CHL holder.

Now, you ARE allowed to carry however you want (openly or concealed)in your own home and on your own property. In addition, you are allowed to conceal a firearm within your vehicle with no permit required. There are additional exceptions made for peoplewho are lawfully hunting.Finally, this section only applies to the carrying of handguns; it is, believe it or not,not a crime according to State lawto carry a long gun (rifle or shotgun) openly. Doesn't mean you won't get hassled by the police (I said legal, not prudent), but the Supreme Court case of Florida v J.L., and the Texas 5th Circuit Appeals Court case ofGrieve v State, both say that a report of a man with a gun does not constitute reasonable suspicion of any crime.

Texas is one of only 6 states, plus D.C.,where the open carryof firearms is prohibited. There is a petition online sponsored by the Texas Citizens Defense League, that seeks to change this state of affairs. You can read and sign it here: http://www.petitiononline.com/texasoc/petition.html.

Welcome, feel free to look around, and we hope you visit often.
 
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