imported post
The school zone issue should definitely be next on the agenda. The vehicle transport law is bothersome but has a maximum penalty of a fine of $175. <$100 plus a possible 75% surcharge if assessed by a judge. The shcool zone penalty is much more significant. It comes with a penalty of a Class I felony and lifetime ban from owning firearms, whether you had criminal intent or not. Also in many communities the open carry victory may have been a shallow victory because as shown by the maps posted on this forum for milwaukee there are very few places a firearm can be carried without risk of encroaching on a school zone. Walking down some streets would be ridiculous. i.e. walk for two blocks, remove firearm from holster, unload firearm, put firearm in proper encasement. walk through school zone, remove firearm from encasement, reload firearm, place firearm in holster, walk a couple more blocks, repeat. Many of these places are in higher crime areas where the carry for personalprotection is most needed. The hassle caused by what I described will cause people to not carry in those areas where they need the protection the most. Carry inwhat are statistically crime safe areas becomes largely symbolic.
Nutczak is correct. This is going to be a difficult task through the legal system. Any attempt to change the penalty or the 1000 foot boundary, will be met by the antis with shouts of "Save the children". This is going to be a very emotional topic. The save the children cry will be very influential. Pardon me if I sound sexist but this day and age a high number of politicians and judges are women. Usually women with children. It is afact that women will do anything to protect their children, even at the cost of their own lives. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying we shouldn't try everything judicially possible to overturn the onerous shool zone statute. I'm just saying it is going to be tough. We have to make sure we have a soild action plan and all our ducks in order. There are a number of legal opitions. Including attempting to get a declaratory judgement. It sure would be helpful if we had a lawyer friend on this forum that would take up the cause pro bono or at least give us some solid advice as to which approach would be most likely to succeed.